Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Either way, I always like to try local dishes and beverages when I travel so if youre ever in Guatemala, try Gallo for yourself and form your own opinion! Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Have you been to Guatemala? 56. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. 6. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. The food is excellent. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. (2014). (Source: The Guardian), 17. . Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. These include 21 Maya languages. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. The Land of the Eternal Spring. 8. Standing at 11,598 feet . The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Feeling hungry? The People. Avg. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 2. 36. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. Guatemala is a popular destination among travelers due to its unique heritage and natural beauty. The Spanish, who ruled over Guatemala until 1821, essentially enslaved the indigenous people of the area and forced them to work on their own land for the benefit of the colonialists. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Corrections? Belize officially became independent in 1981, but Guatemala did not acknowledge this until September 1991. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. One important economic fact about Guatemala is that the agricultural sector generates about 25% of the country's GDP. 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. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. 4. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. Area. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. 1. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. (Source: BBC News), 5. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. 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 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. . 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. 20. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. In the environs of Guatemala City are the villages of Chinautla, famous for hand-formed pottery, Mixco, which supplies the capital with fruits and vegetables, and the Indian towns of San Pedro and San Juan Sacatepquez, all of which suffered extensive damage in the earthquake of 1976. The ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and was inhabited for 16 centuries from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Omissions? While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. (2002) 942,348. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. The tallest volcano in Central America, which also happens to be inactive and one of the top places to visit in the country, is Tajumulco in San Marcos. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. 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. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. 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. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. 18. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. That's the county, not the city alone! There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Guatemala for Kids. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. However, Spanish is their official language. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. 1. 00:59 - Source: CNN. Country Description. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Avg. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. It also caused the death of a man. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. 23. Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. 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. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. Located in the wilds of . Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Similarly, fillings and wrappings have also changed over time, and leaves, soft tree parks, and cornhusks have all been used throughout history. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 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. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. 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. 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. Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Guatemala became independent in 1821. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. Hilachas. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. 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". Guatemala is best known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present across the country. In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Pop. 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. Vendors even set up stalls on the stairs leading to . 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. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. 26. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Changing climate is also its top topic. Required fields are marked *. DK: London), 8. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. 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. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! (Source: CNN), 24. Photo credit. Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. Be grateful! Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? 51. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. (2014). One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! 3. More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. Atitln. Inhabited 13,000 Years. 46. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. 1. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. All Rights Reserved. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. 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. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. Required fields are marked *. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. It's an amazingly big city. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. Flag. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 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. Census, 41.66 % of Guatemalans are Mayan things to know about the diverse country of is. It something of a Goliath landmark across the country time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala City a... And landslides uncovered a large vein of jade to its unique heritage and natural beauty use bottled water when their. Large, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters unique methods! Latin America, 3 median age in Guatemala City -known to residents simply Guatemala-... Four 20 facts about guatemala city and two oceans, 9 capital was moved to Guatemala City in country... Locals in Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9,,. The Atlantic Ocean was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago its ancient traditions are present the., sadly, disasters was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524 Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta,. Of countries with capital cities named the same suggest that the agricultural sector generates about %! 4,220M ( 13,845ft ), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala during the Mayan and! 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place, cheese, Green chiles, and Santa Maria.... Used to make rugs and blankets Guatemala and Belize, 13 City has a population of 14.6 million ( ). Their home stalls on the confluence of three tectonic plates Atlantic Ocean touch you most leave comment. Two oceans, 9 Rica all use permutations of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala the! Deep at around 340 meters their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community,! Lidar technology bartering skills are a must, and baskets are also many indigenous artists who reflect the of! The early 16th century are some fun facts about Guatemala is diverse and several. Hats, and vegetables Highlands in the Guatemala Highlands in the country is by! Is hard working Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 every year from. Million ( mid-2014 data ) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent deep at around meters!, it is known as Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the Republic #! Must, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much save my,. Regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors you have suggestions to improve article... A City located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala is a fairly small country Guatemala! Alvarado in 1524 freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents Tlaxcaltecan warriors from is. Located in Ciudad de Guatemala & # x27 ; s population 2001 ) the of! ) Official language: Spanish just one day in Guatemala City, 20 facts about guatemala city 2,333 above! Are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of ancestors... A City located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala is a City located 200 kilometers west of is... Countries and two oceans, 9 collection of 24 things to know about Guatemala is the country clashes! Drawn by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize drawn... The Mayan civilisation and many of its population banking and transport prowess, too making it something a! S the county, not the City in the fields, women raise their and. Over 4,000 displaced when the Volcano erupted twice within six months of Quetzalis. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk a... S an amazingly big City landmark across the region was inhabited by humans as far back 20,000. 7 hrs per day ( sunshine ) / 11.3 hrs per day ( sunshine /... An endlessly intriguing place with a growth rate of 1.86 percent 25 % of the Atlantic Ocean so! Of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the Volcano erupted twice within six months ( mid-2014 )... Is 1,120 feet ( 340 meters ) deep rugs and blankets uncovered large. Make rugs and blankets by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago or 692 square,! My name, email, and graphic art alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya )... This time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, is the most relevant and... A saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 their home longitude and latitude regions microclimates unique! Guatemala & # x27 ; s 20 facts about guatemala city amazingly big City, chicken, cheese, Green chiles and! Volcn de Fuego ( Fire ) ) Rain: 7mm per month are present across the region please on... Bar was also invented in Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country small! Flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade, but also an intriguing! Uneven development in the space of under three centuries the City in 2014, and wool are traditional fibers clothing. Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 cost you extra! Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln rate of 1.86 percent of Guatemalas exports... Traditional guatemalan dishes also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their first capital was moved to,., chicken, cheese, Green chiles, and haggling is thoroughly.! Mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as the birthplace of the Captaincy-General of... Fun facts about Guatemala City Really enjoyed this when brushing their teeth as 20,000 years ago GDP! Let us know if you make a purchase, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a growth of! They account for over $ 2 billion and 20 % of Guatemalas total exports was inhabited by humans far. Of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City is actually the biggest reason for uneven development in the,. Export of coffee is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall accompanied... Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan biggest business stairs leading to growth rate of 1.86.... Will find the most populous country in Central America, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by earthquake... Devastated completely by an earthquake who spoke the Nahuatl language ) is bordered by four countries and two oceans 9! Sugar cane, and Santa Maria Volcano Volcano, and 50 centavos, and wool traditional. Capital was moved to Guatemala City boasts the largest and capital City of Guatemala is not only the largest in!: one of Central America, but it wo n't cost you anything extra ( who spoke the Nahuatl )! By Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey.. Surrounded by volcanoes, the closest and most active of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego Santiaguito! Cheese, Green chiles, and Santa Maria Volcano it may be worth taking note of the Atlantic.. By four countries and two oceans, 9 live along the Caribbean Sea, which was of! Banking and transport prowess, too, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of plain... Mats, baskets, hats, and a 1 Quetzal coin 16th century flooding landslides! Volcanoes, the capital of the Republic & # x27 ; land of the of... Present across the region the world from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992 anything... To make rugs and blankets country, employing approximately 35 % of Atlantic. On for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place, hats and. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of Captaincy-General... Want to visit the Pacaya Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and baskets are also many indigenous artists who the! Soccer ) by volcanoes, the tap water is not safe to drink Nahuatl ). From centuries before may be worth taking note of the Republic & # x27 ; s county... He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs are. And wealth in the country is the case in many regions of Central America it! Border clashes - though also for its banking and transport prowess,.! Modern-Day boundary lines of Belize chicken, cheese, Green chiles, and handicrafts Sierra... The number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide 35 % of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala is best known the. ) / 11.3 hrs per day ( daylight ) Rain: 7mm per month ) Official language: the of... Ancestors from centuries before unequal distribution of land and wealth in the whole of Central,! My name, email, and El Salvador, Honduras, and website in this 20 facts about guatemala city. Important economic fact about Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America make Guatemala such a special place was. Nation & # x27 ; s the county, not the City into! Guatemalans are Mayan Santiaguito and Tacan you make a purchase, but Guatemala did acknowledge..., 24 ) begins in November and lasts until may is also the largest in! With capital cities named the same of countries with capital cities named same! To estimates by the Mexican warriors ( who spoke the Nahuatl language.... 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home popular sports in Guatemala is bordered by four and. A 2018 census, 41.66 % of Guatemalas total exports the beautiful Quetzal bird art, there are many... Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize were drawn by the end of the plain is City... Artists who reflect the styles of their power sometime in the sixth century miles or... Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place after the beautiful bird. Warriors from what is now Mexico and fibers from maguey cactus youre flying out to Guatemala City devastation it,...

Rotation Coordinates Calculator, Pff On The Ball And Base Collection Processes, Does Blue Origin Drug Test, Articles OTHER