(Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. 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. 17. Economic Overview. It also caused the death of a man. Plus, in the heart of the dry season . The climate in Guatemala City is pretty fantastic youll generally experience savannah weather here from around 70 degrees F up to 82 degrees F. Better pack some sunscreen and keep hydrated on the move, then! Distrust of the city in other areas of Central America and the prevalence of open fighting in the citys streets and public buildings was a factor in the demise of the federation and in the failure of subsequent attempts to revive it. 3. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. It is the seat of the principal faculties of the San Carlos University of Guatemala (established 1676 in Antigua Guatemala); the major institutions for artistic, commercial, vocational, and military education; the Society of Geography and History; and several important museums. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. 28. Facts about Guatemala. Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Area. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. It was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec people and that is one of the reasons why the colorful Quetzal was chosen as the countrys national bird. Your email address will not be published. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. Atitln. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. 48. 1. (Source: UNESCO), 3. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Standing at 11,598 feet . According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. La muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (Antigua) was founded on March 10, 1543. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. 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. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. Imagine these ancient ruins set against the lush jungle canopy and youll understand why they call this site mixed and why its one of the most visited places in the country. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. The characteristic appearance created by low massive structures has been modified somewhat by the erection of steel and concrete multistoried hotels and office and apartment buildings of modern design. Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. Essential Facts. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. 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. This makes it incredibly densely packed! Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. 28. Budget Hotel. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. Locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. Thats the county, not the city alone! Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. 1. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. 2. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. It measures approximately 250 miles. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Christmas in Guatemala. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. (Source: World Bank), 22. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. . Incredible temples, an intricate writing system, a sophisticated calendar and many achievements in math, science and astronomy are just some of the things the Maya are known for. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. We currently track 281 animals in Guatemala and are adding more every day! Jade is rare, but Guatemala happens to have more of these precious stones than most other places, making it a leading exporter of the pretty, greenish stones that are made into ornamental gems that are used in jewelry around the world. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. $86.0 billion. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Do you like chocolate bars? Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. 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. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. 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. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. This article may contain affiliate links. Guatemala Area and Population Density. Inhabited 13,000 Years. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. If invited to a household in Guatemala, it is appropriate to bring chocolates, wine or flowers (avoid taking white flowers as they are generally brought to funerals). The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. 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 . Required fields are marked *. In addition to the government offices and services concentrated there, Guatemala City handles nearly half of the capital invested in the country and accounts for more than half of the industrial establishments and production of the republic. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. 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. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. . Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. 22. Climate. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! Congratulation! Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. 6. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. 108,889 SQ.KM. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 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). . Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). However, Spanish is their official language. Thats the county, not the city alone! Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population.

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