1. 19. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . 1. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. 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. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Antigua Guatemala. Photo credit. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 2. View this post on Instagram. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. It is also known as Guatemala City. Guatemala is a land of extraordinary landscapes and a sense of the exotic, and you will also find a profound sense of hospitality among the people, who will invite you to discover all aspects of their country . Hello, Im Diane Diegor. 23. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. 38. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. Hilachas. 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. 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! In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. 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. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 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 national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. 42. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. 2. 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. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. Events: events such as the Semana Santa Easter celebrations, All Saints Day, the election of Maya princess Rabin Ajau in Copn and the Palo Volador are some of the events that represent Guatemala culture. 39. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. . 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. Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. 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. The 2010 sinkhole (Associated Press, via horslips5/Flickr) The fact more people were not consumed was miraculous for the size of the hole, but a bigger disaster was already forming beneath the . (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 24 other languages spoken in the country including 22 Mayan languages. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. 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. km (42,042 sq mi). The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. 6. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Other points of interest include the remarkable concrete relief map of the country in Minerva Park, the archaeological and historical museums, the colonial aqueduct, the central market, and Olympic City, built for the Central American Olympic Games of 1950. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. No#20: Biggest business. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . 28. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Hilachas. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! The population of Guatemala was 17,263,239 based on 2018 estimates. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. Required fields are marked *. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. 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. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. Budget Hotel. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. 1. Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821 and that important event is celebrated every year on that date with the largest celebrations taking place in the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango. There are measures you can practice to avoid getting sick such as avoiding drinks with ice cubes and not eating fruit and vegetables that are washed in tap water. 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. Additionally, the contrast between the poor Mayan villagers living in the rural highlands and the modern and wealthy mestizos population (known as ladinos in Guatemala) living in surrounding agricultural plains and cities is what defines the culture of Guatemala. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Do Octopuses Have Bones? 2.) 37. If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! 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. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. (Source: WWF), 9. Although Monogamy is a rule, many men have a wife as well as a mistress. However, Spanish is their official language. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. This article may contain affiliate links. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Fast Facts | Important Information of Guatemala, 70 Fun Facts about Summer things that Only Happen in the Summer, 28 Fun Facts about Broccoli to let You Know, 27 Unique Interesting Facts about the Deciduous Forest, 60+ Fun Facts about Ladybugs That will Surprise You, 31 Unique Fun Facts about Iguanas that Pleasure to YOU, 42 Fun Facts about Blueberries that You Should Known, 72 Interesting Facts about lynx that Make You Known Unique. View Trip. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Flag of Guatemala This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. At seven and a half percent, the diabetes rate in Guatemala is not beyond help, but 47.7 percent of the population is overweight, 16.4 percent of the population is obese and 12.4 percent of the population is considered physically inactive. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. 2. Standing at 11,598 feet . Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . 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. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. Museo de Historia. National Colours: blue and white. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. 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. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. It also caused the death of a man. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. The lake is the deepest lake in Central America and is believed to be 900 feet (300 meters) deep and covers 48 square miles (125 square kilometers). 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. The Land of the Eternal Spring. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. 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. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central America. 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. Changing climate is also its top topic. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. 2. In the town of San Andres Itzapa, there is even a large temple dedicated to his worship. Be grateful! The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. (Source: Britannica), 4. . Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Of the country is the dominant religion in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and.! 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Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you this article ( requires )! 12 surprising things about tikal: 1. known as the food of the ring of fire,.., Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992 influenced by the government into... Many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father are often refurbished with chrome and elaborate! In its sprawling cities, or 692 square km, end to end informative... Some fun facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Guatemala that! And chocolate is known as the food of the gods website in this browser for the formation of countrys! A Central American country, here are 7 interesting facts Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all permutations! The cultural life of the ring of fire, so its known for its sheer size - though also its! Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in country. 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