It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. Your email address will not be published. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. 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. There are many different ways to celebrate deceased loved ones and in Guatemala, one popular way to do just that is by flying a kite. The picturesque town of Antigua, the ancient Maya city of Quirigua and Tikal National Park all have something very important in common; they are the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found in Guatemala. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. 34. 12. With average temperatures of 23C / 73.4F in December, Guatemala makes for a great escape from the harsh winters of the Northern hemisphere. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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 is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. The Home of the Happy Meal. One important economic fact about Guatemala is that the agricultural sector generates about 25% of the country's GDP. No#11: Famous things. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. 7. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. 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. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? One day in Guatemala City. $9,769. 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. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. 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! 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 . The small Central American country of Guatemala spans the narrow strip of land between North and South America, touching both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 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. It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. We currently track 281 animals in Guatemala and are adding more every day! Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. 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 country's national bird. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! 46. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. Some of the volcanoes are active. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. 154. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. (Source: WWF), 9. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. 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. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. 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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. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. 1. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. 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). Pop. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. Official name:Republic of GuatemalaCapital city:Guatemala CityPopulation:17,153,288Area:108,889 sq kmMajor languages:Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone:UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source:CIA World Fact Book). 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Many of these arrive on cruise ships. Be grateful! The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. 41. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Do you like chocolate bars? 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! (Source: National Geographic), 13. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. A Rich Multilingual Country. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. It's an amazingly big city. $86.0 billion. 2. 8. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. 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. 17. Guatemala has two main seasons. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Area. In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. However, most of their great stone cities were abandoned by the year 900. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. Guatemala for Kids. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. 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. MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. (Source: BBC News), 5. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . Some amazing facts about Guatemala. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. GDP. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. While Spanish is the main tongue of Guatemala City, youll actually find that there are 21 other indigenous languages spoken by people living in and around the area, too. The Land of the Eternal Spring. 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. 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 typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. It's an amazingly big city. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. 3.) This article may contain affiliate links. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Inhabited 13,000 Years. The emblem is the countrys Coat of Arms which features crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America became independent from Spain. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. 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. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. 51. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. 2. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . (2014). If youve ever heard the saying, if you dont like the weather, go to the back yard, you can apply it to the varying weather conditions of Guatemala! These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Essential Facts. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. Religion: Most Guatemalans are Christians (88%) Currency: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. (Source: Britannica), 4. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. Antigua Guatemala. Updates? Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. 4. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Share them in the comments below! Each village has its own individualist pattern, making it easy to identify the village of the person by the design of his or her clothes. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. While Spanish is the main tongue of Guatemala City, youll actually find that there are 21 other indigenous languages spoken by people living in and around the area, too. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. The Earths upper atmosphere ( stratosphere ) and at ground level ( troposphere ) and fibers from maguey.. Tacana lies in a business setting, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun.... It is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region at least 30 in! 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