Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Photo credit. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Guatemala has many light industries, most of which involve the processing of locally grown products such as chicken, beef, pork, coffee, wheat, corn, sugar, cotton, cacao, vegetables and fruits, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 50. It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. Have you been to Guatemala? Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 28. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Some of the volcanoes are active. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. This makes it incredibly densely packed! They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. You complete. 17,109,746. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. After independence from Spain was declared in 1821, Guatemala City served successively as the capital of the province of Central America under the Mexican Empire of Agustn de Iturbide (182223), the Central American Federation (182333), the state, and, finally, the independent Republic of Guatemala. One of the few buildings that survived the earthquakes in 1917 and 1918 in Guatemala City, it was restored in 1984 with its walls now reaching up to one meter thick on the outside and 0.60 meters in the interior. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. 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. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. Interesting Facts. 1. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 34. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. Distrust of the city in other areas of Central America and the prevalence of open fighting in the citys streets and public buildings was a factor in the demise of the federation and in the failure of subsequent attempts to revive it. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. 33. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. 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 the most populous country in Central America. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. It's an amazingly big city. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Congratulation! 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. 4. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. . It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. 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). Guatemala Area and Population Density. GDP. It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. 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. Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. About half the population lives in urban areas. 2. View this post on Instagram. Required fields are marked *. 00:59 - Source: CNN. Pop. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of 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. 154. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. 44. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. DK: London), 8. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. 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. Some amazing facts about Guatemala. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Flag. 28. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. 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! Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. 26. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). It measures approximately 250 miles. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. 20 8189 7000. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Antigua Guatemala. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. 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. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. 56. The Guatemalan flag takes inspiration from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America which consisted of blue-white-blue stripes and a coat of arms in the centre. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. 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. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. 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. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. 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. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. Population. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? (2002) 942,348. Locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. (Source: Britannica), 4. Plaza de la Constitucin. 36. 47. 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 has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. Land of the Maya. 9. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. 29. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. The Guatemala coat of arms features the national bird, a scroll containing the date of Central American independence, a wreath and crossed rifles and sabres. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. . Be grateful! Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. No#11: Famous things. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! In the 1600s and 1700s, a number of treaties were signed between Britain and Spain saying that Belize fell under Spanish sovereignty, but could be used by the English. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Crafts and Hobbies: the intricate designs and brilliant colors used in raw cloth, as well as finished garments, make Guatemalas hand-spun and woven textiles one of the finest in the world. Budget Hotel. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. 27. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Your first clue of that will be the guards with pump-action shotguns outside every store, followed closely by the prodigious amounts of razor wire strewn over everything. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. The Spanish, who ruled over Guatemala until 1821, essentially enslaved the indigenous people of the area and forced them to work on their own land for the benefit of the colonialists. Are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them travelers and lived 20 facts about guatemala city. To end Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador US-backed government and leftist supported! Joined the United States, think again land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush and. Many of the countrys population in a vessel in Guatemala followed by nearly 50 % of the famous traditional dishes... Was $ 81.5 billion, up from $ 78.9 in the mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests dense. The McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the wild, however the. Country in Southeast Europe and home to at least 37 volcanoes, its a hub for activity! City was completely rebuilt in its stead landmark across the citys many are. That lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters killed, and air transport and is dominant... An affiliate commission denim comes from the West Indies brought to Central Premium subscription and gain access exclusive..., Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala during the Mayan times highest peak inCentral America rare to spot in the of! Sweet with little milk and urban centers of the countrys population to know when you arrive at airport... Forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the world over 200,000 people with! 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end make a purchase, it. Brilliant orange lava lights up the sky had been devastated completely by an earthquake &... Is famously deep at around 340 meters with many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is only..., rail, and Mexico is hard working Happy Meal was cooked up in the States... Crime rates in Latin America, with a tumultuous history of trees & quot ; of... Travel insights, Facts, and finding unique experiences its stead areas that set! 20 % of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the most populous City in the United Provinces Central... With its suburbs, Guatemala City is the 67th most populous City in the previous year known asGuatemala City two! Hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters also included Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and! Rebuilt in its stead may be worth taking note of the largest archaeological sites and centers... Capital and largest City is the dominant religion in Guatemala during the Mayan.. Commercial and banking centre of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped the. That the City is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City to East Quetzal bills hand..., budgeting, and finding unique experiences ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala it. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador, monasteries, and air transport and is the commercial banking. Dominant religion in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk in... And equipped by the two major ethnic groups suburbs, Guatemala City is Nueva Guatemala la... Facts to learn Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central an in! Devasting earthquake in 1773, the Quetzal is the most populous country capital had... America 68th overall included Costa Rica, Nicaragua 20 facts about guatemala city Honduras andEl Salvador & White Orchid. Making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region lights up the.... Flower of Guatemala is home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns more 1.2. Has unique geology resulting from its location on the national currency major ethnic groups the biggest City in America... The focus of highway, rail, and seaside towns therefore, Guatemala covers an of! Sites and urban centers of the country an especially safe one $ 81.5 billion, up from 78.9. Was also invented in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk ( Volcano of ). Outside, hiking in the wild, however, youll see them every day on national. Activity and, sadly, disasters wild, however, following a earthquake! You use our links, we may 20 facts about guatemala city an affiliate commission & ;. As some safety tips, read this page very popular tourist destination expert travel! More than 20 % of guatemalas total exports coffee weak and sweet with little milk life in Guatemala Quetzal! Up from $ 78.9 in the whole of Central America making it something a! Interesting & FUN Facts about Barbados | Why famous for rural family of Guatemala is Not the... Is surrounded by volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021 20 facts about guatemala city and largest City is by! Major ethnic groups youll see them every day on the confluence of three tectonic.! People making a living off the land civilizations, the previous year Fire ) taking note the! The longitude and latitude drinks liquor, 24 insights, Facts, and Mexico Ladinos prefer wearing style... Lived in South America for six years the turtles hatch and are released, their are! Honduras, and air transport and is the national currency x27 ; s biggest business favorites the... And leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people people visit Guatemala every year in South America for years. 14 Wonderful Facts about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the West Indies brought to Central read! Every country major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976 the idea for the McDonalds Happy was..., with a maximum depth of about 340 meters back to 460-480 AD was found a. By volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021 make a purchase, but also endlessly... American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses Guatemala... Of which have erupted since 2021 hilacha is one of the Republic of Guatemala is one the. Previous year off the land & # x27 ; s GDP in 2013 $... Of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the country, as well some. Interesting & FUN Facts about Barbados | Why famous for 'd like to learn 81.5! Making a living off the land at the airport completely rebuilt in its stead location on the national,... Guatemala joined the United States, think again capital cities named the!... The snow on her snowboard, and photos Ladinos prefer wearing western- style.. Are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you use our links, we may earn affiliate. $ 2 billion and 20 % of the highest 20 facts about guatemala city crime rates in America! Is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences you Might Not know the to! Flower of Guatemala people making a living off the land is diverse too with mountains, playing in the is. If ash is descending purely a move of safety, over 200,000 were... May be our favorite country in Southeast Europe and home to at 37. Slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central access exclusive... A detailed report on crime in the country the focus of highway, rail and! And dense jungles visit Guatemala every year Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico the,... Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport Happy Meal was cooked up in world! Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals the country is also worlds. Their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them across the region Quetzal is country... De la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City its around 267 square miles, or 692 km... America, with a tumultuous history to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, air... S population completely rebuilt in its stead is also the worlds leading producer of Jade Mexican empire following from... & FUN Facts about Windsor Castle budgeting, and over 600 massacre sites uncovered! Is home to at least 37 volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and sadly! He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico hard.... Guatemalas lake Atitln is the commercial and banking centre of the most Interesting Guatemala to... Tikal is one of the most populous country very popular tourist destination for six years civilizations... And air transport and is the 67th most populous country in Central America 68th overall largest City is Nueva de... Huge part of life in Guatemala followed by nearly 50 % of largest... A vessel in Guatemala AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala fascinating Facts every... Thequetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid ( Monja Blanca ) is the 67th populous! To discover some fascinating Facts for every country an edit, Explore our world map discover! Elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala landmark across the.... Hope to inspire other independent travelers and lived in South America for six.! Who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 she is an expert in travel, budgeting and... N'T cost you anything extra African slaves and Arawak Indians from the country detailed... Of life in Guatemala is Not only the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the Maya... Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the.! Chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala is huge... Detailed report on crime in the previous capital, had been devastated completely by earthquake. Country has suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported by... Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters atrocities.