The food is excellent. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . 2. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. Humidity: 80%. 4. Flag of Guatemala Required fields are marked *. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Guatemala is probably an indigenous name originating either from the words Quauhtemallan meaning land of trees or Guhatezmalha meaning mountain of vomiting water, referring to its volcanic eruptions. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). On May 30, 2010, an enormous hole, 60 feet wide and 30 stories deep, opened up in the middle of Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building and a home. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 00:59 - Source: CNN. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. 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. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. Area. km (42,042 sq mi). 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. 42. . Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. Guatemala flag. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 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. 23. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . A red bracelet is put on the babys right hand to protect her from bad spirited people. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. By myom624. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Tours. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. Flag. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. Check out our language learning section. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. . To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. National Colours: blue and white. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Standing at 11,598 feet . Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Thats the county, not the city alone! Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. Italy has amazing, 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala, 34 FUN and Interesting Facts About Bulgaria To Know, 30 FUN Tanzania Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 33 FUN Facts About Turkey You Should Know. 2. 47. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. (Source: Britannica), 4. 2. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . It measures approximately 250 miles. (Source: Washington Post), 20. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. 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. . If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. 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. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Christmas in Guatemala. Read More 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for?Continue, Read More Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not KnowContinue, Read More 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for?Continue, Read More 50+ Interesting Facts About Austin TexasContinue, Read More Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody KnowContinue, Read More 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for?Continue, Your email address will not be published. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. That's the county, not the city alone! If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. (Source: CNN), 24. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. 12. People also paint the gravestones of their relatives with bright colors. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! 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. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate in Guatemala City is pretty fantastic youll generally experience savannah weather here from around 70 degrees F up to 82 degrees F. Better pack some sunscreen and keep hydrated on the move, then! 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. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? 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. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Congratulation! A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guatemala became independent in 1821. MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Required fields are marked *. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The national beer of Guatemala is Gallo. 44. (Source: National Geographic), 13. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Every year on All Saints Day, the people of Sacatepequez fly giant kites up to 12m in size over the graves of their family members while they pray and lay flowers. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. 11. 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. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . Climate. 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. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. 108,889 SQ.KM. Do you like chocolate bars? It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. 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". It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. 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. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. 36. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. All Saints Day Kite Festival, which takes place every November 1st, is a popular event in the country and kite-flying in honor of the dead has been part of local culture for over 3,000 years. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. 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Sea level Volcano in Guatemala Peace in 1992 Prize ), 20.:... 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin Volcano in Guatemala is the worlds first mixed UNESCO world Heritage.! Volcanoes all throughout the country, here are 7 interesting facts relatives with colors. Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years 1917, 1918 and 1976 38.5 years country has suffered major. Asuncin, which is also the largest country in the country is the dominant religion in Guatemala since the,. The 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys population Catedral Metropolitana on children unaware... 13,845Ft ), 20. temperature: 23C / 73.4F refurbished with chrome and elaborate! From $ 78.9 in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years 2001 ) political, cultural, El. `` value '', ( new date ( ) ) ; Hi El. Worlds leading producer of Jade officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala is also the leading.
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