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 major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. 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 countrys national bird. Facts about Guatemala. Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. Agriculture makes up 13.5% of the GDP of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of exports. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. 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. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. The population of Guatemala was 17,263,239 based on 2018 estimates. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. 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. Volcanoes. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. Guatemala City, Guatemala is located at Guatemala country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 14 37' 42.3624'' N and 90 31' 21.7668'' W. Coordinates of Guatemala City, Guatemala is given above in both decimal degrees and DMS . 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. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Guatemala City is said to suffer from poverty as a result of uneven income across the state - with 5% of the country controlling all but 15% of the wealth. 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. 11. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. DK: London), 8. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. 29. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. Cuisine: Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. 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 primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. One important economic fact about Guatemala is that the agricultural sector generates about 25% of the country's GDP. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. 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. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . It is called the land of eternal spring. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Required fields are marked *. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. Corrections? 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. 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. 49. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. You complete. Population. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This makes it incredibly densely packed! Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. 3. 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. Open now. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. Christmas in Guatemala. 2. These include 21 Maya languages. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Now (as of 2022), the population is 17,703,190. Museo de Historia. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 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! 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. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. 41. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. 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. 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. Perhaps it should be. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. April 22, 2020. The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. A Rich Multilingual Country. 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 . These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. 4. Hilachas. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 20. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. 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. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. Interesting facts about Guatemala. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 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 youre a wildlife and nature lover, youll love exploring Guatemalas green spaces. Do Octopuses Have Bones? The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. . The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. (Source: The Guardian), 17. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. km (42,042 sq mi). Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 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