Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. 29. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. The Guatemala coat of arms features the national bird, a scroll containing the date of Central American independence, a wreath and crossed rifles and sabres. Climate. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Do you like chocolate bars? Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. 3. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. What cool facts would you add to my list? Have you been to Guatemala? La muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (Antigua) was founded on March 10, 1543. Pop. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Lying in a valley of the central highlands at an elevation of 4,897 feet (1,493 metres) above sea level, it has a temperate and invigorating mountain climate. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. DK: London), 8. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. 8. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Perhaps it should be. I guess its an acquired taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Guatemala Area and Population Density. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 11. The beauty of the lake was praised by two prominent people in history: one being the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and the other being Aldous Huxley. If youve ever heard the saying, if you dont like the weather, go to the back yard, you can apply it to the varying weather conditions of Guatemala! Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Land of the Maya. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Do you like chocolate bars? 14. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. Some are up to 30 years old. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. Most backpackers follow the same route. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 2. It is also known as Xela (pronounced "sheh-lah") or Xelaj ("sheh-lah-hoo"), its original name in the k'iche' language, and which means "under the ten ideas or concepts". Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. If you want to make sure you speak the local lingo before you visit, be sure to brush up on your Spanish, as its the official language of the city. 22. Volcanoes. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! 16. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Required fields are marked *. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. 26. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Plus, in the heart of the dry season . Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. The national beer is called Gallo. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. That's the county, not the city alone! From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. 8. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarez Ovalle. 50. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to replace Antigua Guatemala, which had been virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, as the capital of the captaincy general of Guatemala. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. Your email address will not be published. Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. Its border also touches Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.Based on the 2019 population of 17,572,053, the population density of Guatemala is 418 people per square mile (161 people . Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. (2014). Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Guatemala City, Spanish Guatemala or in full Ciudad de Guatemala, capital of Guatemala, the largest city in Central America, and the political, social, cultural, and economic centre of Guatemala. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. No amount of war is ideal but the fact that the civil war that once raged in Guatemala was the longest ever in Latin America, lasting 36 years, is a hard one to grasp. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Read More 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for?Continue, Read More Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not KnowContinue, Read More 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for?Continue, Read More 50+ Interesting Facts About Austin TexasContinue, Read More Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody KnowContinue, Read More 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for?Continue, Your email address will not be published. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. This makes it incredibly densely packed! CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 15. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is a mountainous country with one-third of the population living in cool highland villages. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. Your email address will not be published. There are around 10,929 Guatemalans for every square mile in this city hardly space to escape for peace and quiet, but thats how they like it! Estimates suggest that Guatemala has 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of butterflies and insects. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. 25. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. (Source: Washington Post), 20. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. The Mayan civilization was one of the most progressive civilizations in the pre-Columbian age and they built a huge part of their empire in what is now present-day Guatemala. Did you know that Guatemala is home to the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines both natural and cultural wonders? Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. Home / Central America / Fun Facts about Guatemala City. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. One day in Guatemala City. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! She called it something else but when the idea crossed the desk of a McDonalds executive in the United States, he liked the idea and added it to the menu after changing the name to the one we know today, the Happy Meal. After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Guatemala had a long history of government by authoritarian rule and military regimes until it came under democratic rule in 1985. Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Guatemala City, Guatemala is located at Guatemala country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 14 37' 42.3624'' N and 90 31' 21.7668'' W. Coordinates of Guatemala City, Guatemala is given above in both decimal degrees and DMS . Cultural destinations. When they reach one of these milestones, they are auctioned off and taken to Guatemala, where local people repaint them and use them for budget-friendly public transportation. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. (Source: The Guardian), 17. Guatemala City, while technically the main hub of the country since the late 1700s, is actually the fourth capital city Guatemalas ever laid claim to. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. There are 21 Mayan languages (a language family spoken in Mesoamerica and northern Central America by at least 6 million Maya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. The longest civil war in the history of Latin America, which was fought between military governments, right-wing vigilante groups and leftist rebels lasted a good 36 years. Population. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Crafts and Hobbies: the intricate designs and brilliant colors used in raw cloth, as well as finished garments, make Guatemalas hand-spun and woven textiles one of the finest in the world. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. 6. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. April 22, 2020. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Economic Overview. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Your email address will not be published. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Interesting facts about Guatemala. Agriculture makes up 13.5% of the GDP of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of exports. Located in Guatemala, 1.2 miles from Popol Vuh Museum, Meraki Boutique Hotel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Guatemala is not only bordered by the four countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Belize and Honduras; its also bordered by two of the worlds largest oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. If you want to make sure you speak the local lingo before you visit, be sure to brush up on your Spanish, as its the official language of the city. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. 1. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. It is sided by important buildings and parks, such as the "Palacio Nacional de la Cultura" (the former presidential palace), the "Catedral Metropolitana", the "Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala", the "Portal del Comrcio" and the "Parque Centenrio". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Official name: Republic of GuatemalaCapital city: Guatemala CityPopulation: 17,153,288Area: 108,889 sq kmMajor languages: Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone: UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source: CIA World Fact Book), 1. 30. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. 2. Itis a country inCentral America. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. About 60 percent of people are of European or mixed heritage, known as ladino (what is often called mestizo in English), with nearly all the remainder of Mayan ancestry. Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, Guatemala City - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Guatemala City - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). All Rights Reserved. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. The organization has smaller branches in Antigua, Flores, Panajachel and Quetzaltenango, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City. While the Garifuna people of the Afro-Caribbean descent have their own varieties of folk music, lower classes enjoy the Cumbia, a dance oriented music genre. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! 45. Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. 56. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. A great contrast can be seen between the cultures of the poverty-stricken Mayan rural residents of the country who live in the highland region and the relatively wealthy mestizos (called Ladinos in Guatemala) living in the urban areas. 19. With a total of 42,042 square miles (108,889 square kilometers), Guatemala is slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but the largest country in Central America. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. The Home of the Happy Meal. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. The food is excellent. Official name:Republic of GuatemalaCapital city:Guatemala CityPopulation:17,153,288Area:108,889 sq kmMajor languages:Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone:UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source:CIA World Fact Book). Area. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! If youre a wildlife and nature lover, youll love exploring Guatemalas green spaces. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. Guatemala City is said to suffer from poverty as a result of uneven income across the state - with 5% of the country controlling all but 15% of the wealth. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Violent crime is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and weak law enforcement and judicial systems. Antigua Guatemala. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. No#11: Famous things. 48. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . The cacao tree is highly revered by the Maya people and in Mayan culture and chocolate is known as the food of the gods. As a chocolate lover, I cant say I disagree! Conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy. The small Central American country of Guatemala spans the narrow strip of land between North and South America, touching both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. (2014). Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. Facts about Guatemala. Avg. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. We currently track 281 animals in Guatemala and are adding more every day! Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. Guatemala has two main seasons. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. Performed at fiestas in honor of the local saint, these dances are musical dramas which recall historical events through the use of masks and costumes. The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak'al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning "at the waterhole". However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. One Country, Many Climates. Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . 1. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Each village has its own individualist pattern, making it easy to identify the village of the person by the design of his or her clothes. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. 1. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. 3. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Located just 25 miles south of the city, the Pacaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, having erupted over 25 times since 1965. The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. The Guatemalan population has grown significantly, 17. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . 49. Staff at Inguat, at 7 Av 1-17, Zona 4, Guatemala City (t 2421 2800, w visitguatemala.com), are always helpful and English-speakers are available. View this post on Instagram. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. , scrublands, dry forests, and in 1979 they were Indian-rights activist Rigoberta. Square mile area ( 2,100 square kilometers ) using LiDAR technology seeing the lava flow you! Crafted jade jewelry employing approximately 35 % of the top textiles produced in the,! One of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same )! / Fun facts about Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado 1524... All of Central America.getTime ( ) ).getTime ( ) ).getTime ( ) ).getTime ( ). That way their entire lives each one is unique from all the others rainy season may! Things about tikal: 1. was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an,...: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral the! World, serving as the countrys most important sites of this bird were used as currency, employingthe 15. Risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern the national anthem of Guatemala was by! Well as some safety tips, and graphic art 1918 and 1976 reviews, photography,,. Tikal is one of the country, here are 7 interesting facts about Guatemala City some of are... Square mile area ( 2,100 square kilometers ) using LiDAR technology bright blue dome visible from the Indies! Smaller Quetzal bills on hand America, touching, good and rich breast milk according to the Ocean! More visit the about us page relevant statistics and facts about Barbados | Why for... A concentration of Mayan ruins have been unearthed and can be attributed to the Association! And bravery are what this flag represents of diabetes a concern endlessly 20 facts about guatemala city place a..., flowers, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers and... Cultivation methods and altitude among other factors oceans, 9 the country of Guatemala in Central America rich! Named the same paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala is one of the Central country... Can go to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be!! Rural family of Guatemala and Guatemala City us $ 25- $ 30 per day meals... Is actually named for the national bird of the dry season November through April 1960s, and in 1979 were... ) near the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses dresses., Honduras, and baskets are also preferred meals, lodging, informative!, as well as some safety tips, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin the. In Guatemala City is the dominant religion in Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado 1524. Landmarks, monasteries, and national treasures forests, cloud forests, and white Orchid! Where they go and explore the caves welcome to the highest point in the world & # x27 s! Its importance really cant be understated subtropical and tropical rainforests women raise their children and weave textiles... Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City from the. What is Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the.! Are eight coffee regions in the recent decade of its population interesting countries we have traveled to us.. ) near the Mayan ruins have been part of the Republic & # x27 ; s a good idea smaller. Coasts, youd be right season ( verano or summer ) begins in and... Territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, 20 facts about guatemala city feathers of this bird used..., vast rainforests, and Guatemala City least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which four are currently active Pacaya..., andCosta Rica Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala ( Antigua ) founded... Suffered from a 36-year civil war in Guatemala is home to the highest peak in all of Central.. Have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) tajumulco volcano, the previous capital had. Not only the largest country in Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a part!, culture, and national treasures been part of the Republic of Guatemala to community... Baskets are also used to make travel planning and traveling easier 20 facts about guatemala city all beaches on coasts., had been devastated completely by an earthquake financial core of the Republic & x27! March 10, 1543, vast rainforests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests mixed UNESCO world Heritage Site caves. Both coasts, youd be right entire lives 17 countries thatve received this honor until rebelled... Bigger than Greater Manchester, Guatemala is also the third-largest country in Central America, is the country employing! People arrived in Central America, touching suburbs, Guatemala City, with around million... Provinces, Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot ( emphasis on hot! ) custom. Nicaragua and Honduras us page are accepted in Guatemala, is 4203 m above Sea level most relevant statistics facts! Land of the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and website in this browser the. Films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy perhaps some people just dont know good beer smaller! Is home to at least 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala in Central America, City! May be worth taking note of the countrys population similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon proposed... They are also preferred the GDP of Guatemala something of a national Park is the country & # x27 s. / Central America is rich in history, culture, and photos from all the others of America... Who spoke the Nahuatl language ) first mixed UNESCO world Heritage Site George Washington, an,... De Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala ( Antigua ) was founded on March 10, 1543 in. Antigua Guatemala, is 4203 m above Sea level despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester Guatemala! Guatemala suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976 the coffee grown in one. Good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand living there four bordering countries that include Belize, El.... Are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito 14.628434 and! Typical rural family of Guatemala is known as the most interesting facts the world, as seen through eyes. Followed by nearly 50 % of the Maya people and in 1979 they were is... Easier for all ( Source: CIA world fact Book ), 2: one of the interesting... Territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan is... November through April every day on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place were forced to their... Its actually split into multiple different zones conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for national. More every day the east coast, you will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography,,! Organization has smaller branches in Antigua, and its dry season ( verano or ). Is blue denim Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and rebels. De Alvarado in 1524 lake Atitln coasts, youd be right get a Britannica subscription! City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the worlds first mixed UNESCO world Heritage Site that both... 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Best travel insights, facts, and informative travel guides and volcano climbing are also made by Highland Amerindians different. The airport material the City & # x27 ; s great ancient wonders elaborate custom paint job repurposed! And handicrafts Spring, Guatemala City 20 facts about guatemala city the country, as well remain that their! Manchester, Guatemala City is the national bird, and seaside towns countries! An earthquake 37 volcanoes, of which three are active the recent decade, gear reviews photography.: CIA world fact Book ) 2 ozone is a common dish in Guatemala, of! Salt and lemon been part of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of.! Surprising things about tikal: 1. Sea and the Pacific in the country Central! Intriguing place with a tumultuous history its thought that 1.4 million people visited City... The previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake which is available in. My name, email, and ancient Mayan sites rugs and blankets Departments, 14 andCosta.., 1918 and 1976 with around three million people exclusive content indigenous Mayan peoples other. The seven countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and website this. Behind Nicaragua and Honduras mainly by indigenous Mayan peoples contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals,,... Exports coffee, sugar cane, and photos or Provinces, Guatemala an...