Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. 10. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. That's the county, not the city alone! More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. 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. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 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! These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. It was also used as a symbol of status and wealth. The emblem is the countrys Coat of Arms which features crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America became independent from Spain. Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. 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. Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. With a population of 18.4 million, (as of 2021) Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and the fifth-largest country of the North American continent. (Source: UNESCO), 3. 44. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! 50. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Guatemala has two main seasons. 2. 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. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala? Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. Check out our language learning section. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. (Source: World Bank), 22. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. 51. 2. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Congratulation! Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. 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. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. About half the population lives in urban areas. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. 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. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). 1. 20. Trek up Volcn de Pacaya A day-trip from Antigua or Guatemala City, a hike to the top of active volcano Pacaya is an unforgettable experience. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. Open now. No#20: Biggest business. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. 29. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Vendors even set up stalls on the stairs leading to . 16. One day in Guatemala City. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. The Home of the Happy Meal. Economic Overview. 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. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. Guatemala has many light industries, most of which involve the processing of locally grown products such as chicken, beef, pork, coffee, wheat, corn, sugar, cotton, cacao, vegetables and fruits, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Is Guatemala on your list of places to visit? Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. In Guatemala, turtle conservation is taken seriously and visitors to the country have the chance to help release sea turtles into the ocean at Tortugario Monterrico. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. This article may contain affiliate links. When Quezaltenango, which had become the capital of Guatemala in all but name, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1902, many of the leading families moved to Guatemala City. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. I'm so deeply enamored by this country's characteristics that I've gathered 21 fascinating facts about Guatemalan culture that you'll enjoy learning!! . The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. One Country, Many Climates. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. 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. . There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. Meraki Boutique Hotel. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Before people started calling it Guatemala around 1524, the name of the land was Quauhtemallan which, according to many historians, loosely translates into English as Land of Many Trees. The People. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. Visitors flock to this site to take glimpses of the red-hot lava. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. 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. 2. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. 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". Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. A Rich Multilingual Country. Kaminaljuyu. Share them in the comments below! The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. Museo de Historia. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Heres how to order food in Spanish. Interesting facts about Guatemala. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. (Source: The Guardian), 17. In the 1600s and 1700s, a number of treaties were signed between Britain and Spain saying that Belize fell under Spanish sovereignty, but could be used by the English. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. You complete. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. 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. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. Humidity: 80%. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. . Christmas in Guatemala. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. 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. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. 40. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. 1. 4. Guatemalan clothing facts: The Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. 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 . Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. 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. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. 7. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Guatemala is a popular destination among travelers due to its unique heritage and natural beauty. Now (as of 2022), the population is 17,703,190. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. 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". Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. Since that day, the country has weathered two revolutions, a handful of dictatorships, an intervention backed by the United States, a civil war and several military coups. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. (2002) 942,348. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. Some of the volcanoes are active. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. Among the major religious structures are the cathedral (1815) and the churches of San Francisco, Santo Domingo (famous throughout Central America for its Holy Week procession), and La Merced (colonial but rebuilt after 1917). The climate in Guatemala City is pretty fantastic youll generally experience savannah weather here from around 70 degrees F up to 82 degrees F. 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