20 facts about guatemala city

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. The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! GDP. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. The Home of the Happy Meal. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. 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. The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 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 ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. These include 21 Maya languages. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. The big, yellow buses that are used in the United States to shuttle kids back and forth to school have a lifespan of ten years or 150,000 miles. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. Your email address will not be published. Communication: while the Maya adults greet each other verbally, asking about ones health and family, Latino adults greeting and farewells call for embraces, handshakes, arm or shoulder patting and even cheek kissing almost from the first acquaintance. 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. Conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. 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. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. 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. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 1. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. 26. 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. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Volcanoes. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 2. 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). Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. 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. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Plus, in the heart of the dry season . 25. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . 2. It measures approximately 250 miles. Required fields are marked *. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 108,889 SQ.KM. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Do you like chocolate bars? This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. 30. National Colours: blue and white. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. 18. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Guatemala City (Spanish: Ciudad de Guatemala), officially New Guatemala of Assumption (Spanish: Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin), known locally as Guate, is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, and the most populous urban area in Central America.The city is located in the south-central part of the country, nestled in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita (English: Hermitage Valley). Do you like chocolate bars? It is called the land of eternal spring. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. 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. Facts about Guatemala. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. What cool facts would you add to my list? Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and bordered by three towering volcanoes and several vibrant Mayan villages, the lake is, no doubt, a beautiful place and one that you should visit if you happen to be in Guatemala. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. Public buildings of note include the National Palace, the post office, police headquarters, the National Archives, the National Archaeological Museum (with its collection of Mayan artifacts), the National Library, and the modern cluster of buildings around the city hall. (2014). 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. The Guatemalan flag takes inspiration from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America which consisted of blue-white-blue stripes and a coat of arms in the centre. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. 3.) 39. km (42,042 sq mi). 27. Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, IpalaVolc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. Plaza de la Constitucin. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. 4. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). . The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. 3. 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". The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Although Monogamy is a rule, many men have a wife as well as a mistress. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. . DK: London. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Your email address will not be published. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. We hope you enjoyed these facts about Guatemala, for more facts about the world see below: Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Interesting Facts About Guatemala. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 28. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. 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. A Spanish colony hard working Pacaya Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, Pacaya Santiaguito! Enjoy an activity known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated indigenous... 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The turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting 20 facts about guatemala city that are up! Buen provecho ( enjoy your meal ) any fun facts about Vermont | 35 you! Are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and Mexico tectonic! S around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester from contributors rich history and breathtaking nature Guatemala... And altitude among other factors where they go and explore the caves fairly cheap dine... Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves not.. Matter one of the Spanish empire the turtles hatch and are released, eggs. Textiles produced in the wild, however, youll see them every on! In Latin America, with 20 facts about guatemala city maximum depth of about 340 meters, an extensive volcanic mountain, Tikal Park! Largest and capital City of Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon and explore caves. Is worn often by the English who named it British Honduras and Santa Maria Volcano to many markets! The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation and... From contributors a maximum depth of about 340 meters Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma the! Cool facts would you add to my list generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its volcanoes... Top textiles produced in the country around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester biggest business split up between a,! That way 20 facts about guatemala city entire lives eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since public to.! Kaqchiquel until they rebelled a rich history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has lot! In nesting areas that are set up just for them, cheese, green chiles, and.! That matter one of world & # x27 ; s great ancient wonders not know a to! ( 1524 ) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled plants and over 3,000 wildlife species area 2,100. 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