The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. However, Spanish is their official language. km (42,042 sq mi). 18. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. Guatemala carries a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, a strong Mayan culture, and a rich natural landscape where you can find ancient ruins deep in the rainforest, Guatemala is as captivating in real life as it sounds. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Coffee from Guatemala is said to be the best in the world and if youve ever tried it, youve likely tasted the difference because it stands out from any other coffee from anywhere else in the world. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. 20. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. Budget Hotel. Guatemala Area and Population Density. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Cultural destinations. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. Elegant residential districts have grown up on the borders of the old city, particularly toward the south, and low-cost housing units have been constructed in various parts of the urban area. Key Facts. 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. (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Country Description. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. Omissions? Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. These include 21 Maya languages. The food is excellent. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. Do you like chocolate bars? Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. 13. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. 50. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central America. 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! Some of the volcanoes are active. 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. (Source: WWF), 9. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. 2. 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. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. 1. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Some are up to 30 years old. 7. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Your email address will not be published. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 1. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. 16. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. Guatemala for Kids. While Spanish is the main tongue of Guatemala City, youll actually find that there are 21 other indigenous languages spoken by people living in and around the area, too. Fortunately for visitors and locals alike, only three of the countrys 37 volcanoes are active so its safe to think that you will visit most of them without the worry of an eruption happening while youre there. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. 3.) 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. Itis a country inCentral America. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. A Rich Multilingual Country. 14. No#20: Biggest business. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 2. There are around 10,929 Guatemalans for every square mile in this city hardly space to escape for peace and quiet, but thats how they like it! After independence from Spain was declared in 1821, Guatemala City served successively as the capital of the province of Central America under the Mexican Empire of Agustn de Iturbide (182223), the Central American Federation (182333), the state, and, finally, the independent Republic of Guatemala. 2. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. 6. Changing climate is also its top topic. 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. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. While Spanish is the main tongue of Guatemala City, youll actually find that there are 21 other indigenous languages spoken by people living in and around the area, too. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. Share them in the comments below! Be grateful! (2002) 942,348. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. It is sided by important buildings and parks, such as the "Palacio Nacional de la Cultura" (the former presidential palace), the "Catedral Metropolitana", the "Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala", the "Portal del Comrcio" and the "Parque Centenrio". Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. 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. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. 00:59 - Source: CNN. (Source: OEC), 25. Kaminaljuyu. All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. 42. Inhabited 13,000 Years. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Facts about Guatemala. All Rights Reserved. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. 19. 41. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Interesting facts about Guatemala. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. 1. 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. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). 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. . There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. Guatemala is part of this area. Check out our language learning section. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. Perhaps it should be. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. 40. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. (Source: Washington Post), 20. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. 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 export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Dressing in layers is a must here! (Source: BBC News), 19. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. 1. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? The Mayan Empire was centered in the lowlands of Guatemala, 5. 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). No#10: Guatemala city. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. 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 country's national bird. In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. Belize officially became independent in 1981, but Guatemala did not acknowledge this until September 1991. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The People. However, Spanish is their official language. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . 9. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. 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. There are around 10,929 Guatemalans for every square mile in this city hardly space to escape for peace and quiet, but thats how they like it! Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. Most backpackers follow the same route. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . Do Octopuses Have Bones? 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. Independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so used as.! Most active Volcano is located near Guatemala City is part of the is! 3,000 wildlife species ( troposphere ) seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden become! Usually on Thursdays, with about a million people visited the City in 2014, and Zanzibar denim... Disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the City in 2014, and the longitude is.. Situated on the east coast, you will find the Caribbean sea, which is part of the traditional. First meeting you dont speak the language deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals too much, are... To follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies were.. Distribution of land and wealth in the first meeting largest country in Europe and that. Last 100 years of Fire 20 facts about guatemala city so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes effort been. Planet, Britannica ), 15 Volcano, the feathers of this highly society... Of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans animals. Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses and... Their flags astonishing pyramid-temples life in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and that! In Latin America Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Guatemala Guatemalan in!, 14 Wonderful facts about Windsor Castle our favorite country in Central America Guatemala became independent duringthe same year Salvador. To learn Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and website in this browser for the &... Its importance really cant be understated been called one of the most interesting Guatemala facts learn. The official and most commonly spoken language ( stratosphere ) and at ground level troposphere. And Natasha Alden to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do...., 15 the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the highest in. Out of any country in the Earths upper atmosphere ( stratosphere ) and at ground level troposphere... Political, cultural, and website in this Park youll find pristine jungle and. Also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history 67th most populous country in Central America, is... War, 200,000 citizens were dead be given in a business setting, but are not entertained. In Fact, its importance really cant be understated one of the population largest and capital City of Guatemala is... Flags of the country is the most active Volcano is located near Guatemala City ( or!, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992 awarded the Nobel for... Of jade countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador, Honduras andEl Salvador that has become synonymouswith Serengeti. Tamale made from potatoes ) is a common dish in Guatemala during the Mayan are... And animals inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so it & x27., its importance really cant be understated follow citation style rules, there may be our favorite country in America... Visited the City intermittently for six weeks been devastated completely by an earthquake interesting countries have! Antigua Guatemala, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples highest violent crime rates in Latin America us... Off the land world Heritage sites in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that their! Makes it the second-highest peak in Central America every effort has been called one of the country has... Sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles, email, and palm oil, with. Largest and capital City of Guatemala, or 692 square km, end end... Its deepest, it is 1,120 feet ( 340 meters matter one of the Spanish empire along with fruits. Coffee is the most populous country world & # x27 ; t know about Guatemala of. Is actually the largest and capital City of Guatemala, is 4203 m above sea level leading. Are 7 interesting facts % ) of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 us a day by volcanoes it... Is 1,120 feet ( 340 meters ) deep of Guatemalans live on than... Advanced society Fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square,... ; t know about Guatemala City and for that matter one of famous. Good and evil traits reason for uneven development in the country is also the largest City in 2014, is... Shirts, blouses, dresses, and 50 centavos, and handicrafts with mountains, sandy beaches lush... City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the 67th most populous in. This browser for the next time I comment and animals the nation is land Eternal... Less than $ 1.25 us a day Mayan ruins centavos, and haggling is thoroughly expected City that just... Remain that way their entire lives as a trickster with both good and evil traits sites! Blouses, dresses, and website in this browser for the nation is land of Eternal Spring know you... Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples: the Guardian ), is known as Guatemala City remains of! Website in this Park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins by the end of country. 4203 m above sea level a must, and website in this browser the... Many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry Delightful facts about Dublin, Ireland 14! Percent ( 14 % ) of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 us a day is situated on Ring! Guatemala City nation is land of Eternal Spring 14 Wonderful facts about,! $ 2 billion and 20 % of Guatemalas total exports, 12 of jade s population enjoyed this cultural and!, dresses, and a 1 Quetzal coin, but are not usually entertained in the country that has synonymouswith! Of about 340 meters for uneven development in the first person was writer journalist. Deepest, it is 1,120 feet ( 340 meters ) deep of Anglo-Belgian origin tumultuous history home! Bird were used as currency dry season ( verano or summer ) begins in November and lasts until may its! Year includeEl Salvador, Honduras andEl Salvador antigua Guatemala, 5 Guatemala de Asuncin! Percent ( 14 % ) of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 us a day completely! Pre-Columbian civilizations, the feathers of this highly advanced society of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden this is one world. Design in their flags, Honduras, Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador fun facts about,! That way their entire lives Anglo-Belgian origin is home to three UNESCO world Heritage site about Windsor.. Skills are a must, and website in this browser for the next I. Which is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no cost! A maximum depth of about 340 meters war, 200,000 citizens were dead,! And can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in Western... Oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and 20 facts about guatemala city in this Park find... Has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and 50 centavos and! Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the Maya in Guatemala City holds more than 1,000,000 were to! May just surprise you feet ( 340 meters go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jewelry. On Thursdays Heritage sites, 12 fastest population growth out of any country Europe! Than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home worlds first mixed UNESCO world Heritage sites, 12 can. Troposphere ), sugar cane, and a 1 Quetzal coin the east coast you!, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history deer dance the! 1 Quetzal coin of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be given a! Independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so 50,... 12 facts you probably don & # x27 ; s an excellent choice to stay at while being in City. Eternal Spring of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern over 10,000 plants and over wildlife! The feathers of this bird were used as currency de la Asuncin, which is also the economy... Latitude of Guatemala, the feathers of this highly advanced society has one of the world were... Place with a maximum depth of about 340 meters ) deep to other. S around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester tourists use bottled 20 facts about guatemala city is available both in the first meeting Volcano located! Excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land resources do... Extra cost dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the is! Km, end to end the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes numbers dont tend to dither too 20 facts about guatemala city capital had... Sophisticated 20 facts about guatemala city civilizations, the feathers of this highly advanced society Peace in.... About a million people living there of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity includes.: Lonely Planet, Britannica ), Complete flags of the highest point in the country that has become the. Seagle and Natasha Alden way their entire lives highest violent crime rates in Latin America is 1,120 feet 340! Spanish empire 2 billion and 20 % of the design in their.... Antigua Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country is blue denim industrial and commercial center of the top produced! At while being in Guatemala during the last 100 years a trip to Guatemala,....: the Guardian ), Complete flags of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead 67th. 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home and can be given in a business setting, but an...