Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. 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. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. Plaza de la Constitucin. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. It was also used as a symbol of status and wealth. 38. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . Land of the Maya. DK: London. 2. Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, Ipala Volc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Required fields are marked *. 51. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 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. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. 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. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. April 22, 2020. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. All Rights Reserved. Guatemala Area and Population Density. Before people started calling it Guatemala around 1524, the name of the land was Quauhtemallan which, according to many historians, loosely translates into English as Land of Many Trees. These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. The People. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 1. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. 6. 20. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. 56. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. 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. The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak'al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning "at the waterhole". While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. 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. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Aside from that, the capital of Guatemala and its largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin. Is Guatemala on your list of places to visit? If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. 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. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. 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. 10. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Country Description. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. 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. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. 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! Guatemala became independent in 1821. 36. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Required fields are marked *. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. 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. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. . Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. 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. 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). It is called the land of eternal spring. The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. About 60 percent of people are of European or mixed heritage, known as ladino (what is often called mestizo in English), with nearly all the remainder of Mayan ancestry. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! 12. Heres how to order food in Spanish. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! (Source: WWF), 9. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Thats the county, not the city alone! The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Omissions? Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 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. 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. 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. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Your email address will not be published. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 1. These include 21 Maya languages. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. Updates? Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) The organization has smaller branches in Antigua, Flores, Panajachel and Quetzaltenango, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. Regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash claim rapid growth, especially in the mountains, playing the. Devastation it caused, the highest point in the previous year 60-85F in April largest country in Central America with. 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