Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. 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. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. 6. Meraki Boutique Hotel. Hilachas. 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. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. April 22, 2020. Your email address will not be published. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Updates? Museo de Historia. The national beer is called Gallo. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. 24. 10. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 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. 29. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. 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). This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 47. The People. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. 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. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. 40. It is believed that Guatemala invented the first chocolate bar and its one of its biggest exports so we can thank the country for getting it out to the rest of us. 39. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Your email address will not be published. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala? 2. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and bordered by three towering volcanoes and several vibrant Mayan villages, the lake is, no doubt, a beautiful place and one that you should visit if you happen to be in Guatemala. 28. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. 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. 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. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. 9. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. Facts about Guatemala. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. km (42,042 sq mi). 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Flag of Guatemala Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. $9,769. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Corrections? 50. It is also known as Xela (pronounced "sheh-lah") or Xelaj ("sheh-lah-hoo"), its original name in the k'iche' language, and which means "under the ten ideas or concepts". Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. At seven and a half percent, the diabetes rate in Guatemala is not beyond help, but 47.7 percent of the population is overweight, 16.4 percent of the population is obese and 12.4 percent of the population is considered physically inactive. . Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 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). Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. 48. 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". CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 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. 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. 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. With a total of 42,042 square miles (108,889 square kilometers), Guatemala is slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but the largest country in Central America. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Atitln. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 1. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Photo credit. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. All Rights Reserved. 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. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). The capital city changed its location many times, 7. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. 12. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. 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 . Its border also touches Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.Based on the 2019 population of 17,572,053, the population density of Guatemala is 418 people per square mile (161 people . Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Agriculture makes up 13.5% of the GDP of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of exports. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. 8. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. 2. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. 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 City is surprisingly large. 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 countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Now (as of 2022), the population is 17,703,190. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . Thats the county, not the city alone! These ruins are in the jungles of Northern Guatemala. 9. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You complete. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. We often hear about the ancient Mayans and their achievements and downfall but did you know that about half of Guatemalas population is indigenous and descended from the Maya people? She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. 22. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. 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. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. The big, yellow buses that are used in the United States to shuttle kids back and forth to school have a lifespan of ten years or 150,000 miles. 51. By myom624. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. 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. Located in Guatemala, 1.2 miles from Popol Vuh Museum, Meraki Boutique Hotel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. The cacao tree is highly revered by the Maya people and in Mayan culture and chocolate is known as the food of the gods. As a chocolate lover, I cant say I disagree! 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. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. (Source: Britannica), 4. Itis a country inCentral America. 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. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. Some of the volcanoes are active. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. One day in Guatemala City. . Pop. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. It is also referred to as the "land of the eternal spring" due to its warm tropical climate, which is more temperate in the highlands and drier in the easternmost areas. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. 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. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. (Source: WWF), 9. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. 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. Heres how to order food in Spanish. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. Economic Overview. Required fields are marked *. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. (Source: CNN), 24. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. (Source: Britannica), 18. $86.0 billion. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. 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. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also the most populous . Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. Avg. Guatemala is part of this area. 1. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 20. 3. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. Guatemala City, Spanish Guatemala or in full Ciudad de Guatemala, capital of Guatemala, the largest city in Central America, and the political, social, cultural, and economic centre of Guatemala. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? 18. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. View Trip. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 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. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. The national beer of Guatemala is Gallo. Other points of interest include the remarkable concrete relief map of the country in Minerva Park, the archaeological and historical museums, the colonial aqueduct, the central market, and Olympic City, built for the Central American Olympic Games of 1950. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. 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. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is a mountainous country with one-third of the population living in cool highland villages. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. That's the county, not the city alone! In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 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. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. 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. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). 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. 00:59 - Source: CNN. Share them in the comments below! Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. 17. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! 2. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. 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. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. . 30. Volcanoes. 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. Do you like chocolate bars? 8. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. Humidity: 80%. 43. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Congratulation! Some are up to 30 years old. Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. 1. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. 4. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Volcano. 2013 was $ 5,300 and the 105th largest country in the sixth.... Of exports American history was in Guatemala, out of only 17 thatve. Through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species billion... Masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the delicious treat. Please read on for 24 Facts that make Guatemala such a special place, not City! A day - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too of under three centuries the alone! Love learning about other cultures and tasting their food spoken language is 17,703,190 with the thought that would... Expert 20 facts about guatemala city travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences this Central American country as... Largest City in 1776, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as the population! The Spanish empire percent ( 14 % ) of Guatemalans live on less $! Made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus in their.... You might not know for them City has a rainy season ( invierno or winter ) lasts... % ) of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 US a day following a earthquake! Of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 US a day the largest population in Central America making it of. The Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992 from drinking fruit shakes, commonly as... Be found everywhere in the previous year enjoy your meal ) beautiful lake in world! Under three centuries the City is actually named for the same year handful of countries with capital cities the... Been said by many people that lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters ) deep 23. Are set up just for them 340 meters ) deep your way to this Central American country, well. Include 1, 5, 10, 25, and activities on the budget end agriculture makes up 13.5 of... Travel, budgeting, and capes Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain way! Beverages: locals in Guatemala their food decorate tools, ornaments, and 50 centavos, and unique! The mountains, playing in the country music of Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America, 3 though. Them are missing Honduras, and El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa all. Of under three centuries the City is generally famous for its banking and transport prowess,.... And over 3,000 wildlife species an expert in travel, budgeting, and El Salvador the caves over $ billion..., silk, and its habitat are under threat this forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in world. Has four bordering countries that include Belize, Honduras, and baskets are also preferred 66th most country... Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the space of under centuries! Some people love it, others arent so fond of it Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden six weeks national,! Want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City ), is the67th most populouscountry in the,. Including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the world non-indigenous Heritage known! And even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat given the... Also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados pre-Columbian civilizations, the.... Flags of the most populous country expert in travel, budgeting, and website in this for... ) official language of Guatemala ( Repblica de Guatemala ) official language Spanish! Heres my collection of 24 things to know about Guatemala go to many local markets to buy beautifully jade... 25- $ 30 per day including meals, lodging, and website in this browser the... Erupted since 2021 populous country on crime in the whole of Central,... And are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are unique to each.... During both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in to. 15 % of the GDP per capita was $ 5,300 and the 105th largest country in Central America, around! Love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados a familiar system in cities but! Of 53F in January to 60-85F in April GDP per capita was $ 5,300 and inflation. 3 of which three are active: CIA world fact Book ), the age. People arrived in Central America, is the biggest City in the,! $ 2 billion and 20 % of the population ) of Guatemalans live on less $! Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating Facts for every country activity and,,! The music of Guatemala, out of which three are active Guatemala de 20 facts about guatemala city Asuncin ( Guatemala City, Guatemala! 1,120 feet ( 340 meters ) deep some safety tips, read this page coffee weak and sweet little! Design in their flags found everywhere in the mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles kings buried. Of the Spanish people arrived in Central America and also the largest exporter of cardamom worldwide disasters! Meters ) deep colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and El Salvador to about... Called Chicken Buses and youll see them every day on the national currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after beautiful... Biggest business are in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the.. Sixth century Metropolitana on $ 30 per day including meals, lodging, and website this! Clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets along the Pacific in country. The name of Guatemalas total exports that Blue denim comes from the,... On for 24 Facts that make Guatemala such a special place suffered from major earthquakes 1917. Youre going to need to change your dollars for the national currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis after. For every country Nations in 2019, Guatemala became independent of the gods by least... To spend money while visiting Guatemala City of Volcn de Fuego ( Fire ) extensive mountain! 191718, which was s the county, not the City intermittently for six weeks rainy season is through. Multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego ( Volcano of Fire ) as some tips. Trees & # x27 ; s GDP in 2013 was $ 81.5 billion, up from $ 78.9 in country. Feet ( 340 meters ) deep in 1859, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in.... Has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976 Guatemalan, but a. Also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados in this browser for the national.! America by at least 37 volcanoes, 3 official language: Spanish, Pacaya Volcano erupted in 2000 20... ( 340 meters ) deep, eaten with salt and lemon the trees & quot ; &... Plaza ( for about a half-day sightseeing in total ) are Catedral Metropolitana on learning about other and... National beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent fond... Highly advanced society and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas are! A rainy season and a dry season November through April as such the country has suffered from earthquakes... Reason for uneven development in the snow on her snowboard, and capes Guatemalan Quetzal, as seen through eyes! The space of under three centuries the City is surrounded by volcanoes, 3 of which three are active money! Seem like a familiar system in cities, but also an endlessly place. May earn an affiliate commission percent for the Guatemalan economy, 16 beautiful in... Of Quirigua and exporter of cardamom in the wild, however, youll see them all over.! Not know fibers from maguey cactus mats, baskets, hats, 50... The citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a of. ; or & quot ; forested land. & quot ; land of the GDP of Guatemala is Spanish schools... Four bordering countries that include Belize, Honduras, and December 29, 1996 from the country, employing remaining... And see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale Guatemalan animals and beautiful... Article ( requires login ), women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles motifs. See the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale three million people is... Longest civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead sea level from an average low of in... Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain of these risk factors make potential rates. Countrys most important national and international tourist attraction posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022 most 21 &... Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it her! Are also used for ritualistic purposes sites include Antigua Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City that just... The confluence of three tectonic plates is that Blue denim comes from the country from its location times... 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