Your email address will not be published. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. Omissions? If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. 1. 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. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. Coffee is the most-known export but bananas and sugar are also considered main products that are used both locally and exported to other countries. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. However, Spanish is their official language. 8. https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g292006-Guatemala_City_Guatemala_Department-Vacations.html, Your email address will not be published. 22. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 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. 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. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Thats the county, not the city alone! Inhabited 13,000 Years. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. 35. Do Octopuses Have Bones? After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. 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. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Perhaps it should be. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Estimates suggest that Guatemala has 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of butterflies and insects. Budget Hotel. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. (Source: Britannica), 10. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. 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 City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. 14. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 1. In addition to the government offices and services concentrated there, Guatemala City handles nearly half of the capital invested in the country and accounts for more than half of the industrial establishments and production of the republic. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. 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. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. 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. 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 unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. View this post on Instagram. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Your email address will not be published. Located in the wilds of . Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. 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!! This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. 56. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . 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. Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. 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. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. Essential Facts. Heres how to order food in Spanish. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. 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). The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Antigua Guatemala. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). 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". 21. (Source: National Geographic), 13. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. 6. 47. (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. 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. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. 1. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 9. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Guatemalan clothing facts: The Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Guatemala is not only bordered by the four countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Belize and Honduras; its also bordered by two of the worlds largest oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. 00:59 - Source: CNN. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. Humidity: 80%. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. 4. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. 11. 45. By myom624. 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. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, Guatemala City - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Guatemala City - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). A great contrast can be seen between the cultures of the poverty-stricken Mayan rural residents of the country who live in the highland region and the relatively wealthy mestizos (called Ladinos in Guatemala) living in the urban areas. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. Do you like chocolate bars? A Rich Multilingual Country. The food is excellent. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. Corrections? No#10: Guatemala city. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 51. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. One day in Guatemala City. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central 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. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Incredible temples, an intricate writing system, a sophisticated calendar and many achievements in math, science and astronomy are just some of the things the Maya are known for. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Be grateful! Most backpackers follow the same route. 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