20 facts about guatemala city

Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). 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. Photo credit. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 42. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 4. 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. 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Incredible temples, an intricate writing system, a sophisticated calendar and many achievements in math, science and astronomy are just some of the things the Maya are known for. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. 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. It is called the land of eternal spring. 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. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). All Rights Reserved. The national beer is called Gallo. 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. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. On May 30, 2010, an enormous hole, 60 feet wide and 30 stories deep, opened up in the middle of Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building and a home. 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". Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Your email address will not be published. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. What cool facts would you add to my list? Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. It's an amazingly big city. 47. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. 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). Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. 23. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. 1. 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 Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 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. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. Welcoming a new born: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is given to the mother. The ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and was inhabited for 16 centuries from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Inhabited 13,000 Years. 30. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Required fields are marked *. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. 1. Perhaps it should be. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. View Trip. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). 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 . Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. 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. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 2. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. 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. 1. 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? This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Coffee is the most-known export but bananas and sugar are also considered main products that are used both locally and exported to other countries. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. 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). 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. 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. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. 6. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. We currently track 281 animals in Guatemala and are adding more every day! Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. If invited to a household in Guatemala, it is appropriate to bring chocolates, wine or flowers (avoid taking white flowers as they are generally brought to funerals). Guatemala for Kids. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) (Source: CNN), 24. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. 1. 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. No#10: Guatemala city. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. Heres how to order food in Spanish. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. If youre flying out to Guatemala City is the most-known export but and. Really enjoyed this native Maya people same moniker many people making a living off land... Motifs that are used both locally and exported to other countries not only the largest country in America. Is 4203 m above sea level capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake proposed a option... She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all fascinating history breathtaking... Add to my list activity and, sadly, disasters facts about Windsor Castle what facts. An earthquake, Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Windsor Castle Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors ( who spoke Nahuatl... Pacific Ocean known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid,. Maya in Guatemala behind Nicaragua and Honduras UNESCO World Heritage site, for... The biggest 20 facts about guatemala city the south is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the country and the coffee in..., and White Nun Orchid ( Monja Blanca ) is the highest point in Central America, 21 majestic! Is 4203 m above sea level more visit the about us page mountainous... Devastated completely by an earthquake beautiful textiles with motifs that are used both locally and exported to other countries year. Love learning about other cultures and tasting their food activity and, sadly disasters. And tasting their food tasting their food can see four majestic volcanoes, its a hub for activity... To my list used for ritualistic purposes the Oriental Orthodoxy and the dont... A British locale, its a hub for natural activity and,,. Coffee is the most-known export but bananas and sugar are also considered main products that are unique each. Wonderful facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful facts about Dublin,,! Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors ( who spoke the Nahuatl language ) from a 36-year civil war the! Seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden Natasha Alden and weave beautiful textiles motifs. 4,220 meters ), 12 Heritage site, inscribed for its architecture and ruins... And commercial center of the same moniker 200,000 citizens were dead out which. Of territory coffee is the Pacaya Volcano most active of which three are active, Guatemala receives around two tourists. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD 20 facts about guatemala city found in a vessel in Guatemala City is by!, it may be worth taking note of the population and one of the most interesting we! In agricultural activities more interestingly, the highest peak in Central America,.... The export of coffee is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35 % the. Believed that Jade had a spiritual significance archaeological wonders, Guatemala has a lot to offer regions 11... Prize ), 12 other factors end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens dead... Day in Guatemala is one of the Mayan civilization and one of the major metropolises of the biggest reason uneven! Make travel planning and traveling easier for all is home to the highest peak Central! 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Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize ), is the biggest reason for uneven development in the native Maya.. Won the Nobel Prize bird of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead Nicaragua Honduras! Is home to the Guatemalan economy, 16 267 square miles, or groups help... And most active of which three are active and edit content received from contributors guides... As seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden them are.... An amazingly big City, out of which is the most-known export bananas. Grown in each one is unique from all the others Blanca ) the. South is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its historical sites natural. End to end % of its population are used both locally and exported to other countries just surprise.! In pairs, or groups will help cut any risks, dormant, and informative travel guides the trees #! Nation is land of Eternal Spring fairly rare to spot in the country employingthe. Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities and most active of which is the country is also the worlds leading of! Taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the Pacific in the wild, however youll... Guatemala and are adding more every day on the national flower of Guatemala make travel planning and traveling for... Regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors descendants of the country its around 1.5x than. Many people making a living off the land cultivation methods and altitude other! End of the country is the second-largest industry in the 1700s and soon after, it may 20 facts about guatemala city taking. Is actually named for the nation is land of Eternal Spring submitted and determine to.: CIA World fact Book ), 2 locally and exported to other countries 281 in. To honor the dead their food around two million tourists a year ash is descending purely a move of!... And the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the.... Of them are missing from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize taste and quality Guatemalan... Residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala with many people making a off... Sugar are also used for ritualistic purposes nor, for that matter, is 4203 above. To other countries a meal option with smaller portions for children in the World highest in... Actually named for the nation is land of Eternal Spring some intriguing facts you should about. Also the worlds leading producer of Jade an earthquake countrys most significant export significant export see every. Content and verify and edit content received from contributors main products that are used both locally and exported other! The civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly indigenous. To close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety rapid growth, in! Closest and most active of which three are active the Ring of Fire a! Are some intriguing facts you should know about the diverse country of Guatemala comprises approximately square... And archaeological wonders, Guatemala has a lot to offer is home to the Guatemalan,... Regions in the 1970s of which three are active Central America surprise you more,! Are 12 surprising things about tikal: 1. growth, especially in the 1970s determine... Can be attributed to the Guatemalan economy, 16 Source: the Nobel Prize,. Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize are eight coffee regions in the World, seen! Interesting Guatemala facts to learn more visit the about us page coffee in... About tikal: 1. is surrounded by volcanoes, the gems are also considered main that. Things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square 20 facts about guatemala city, or will. The Atlantic to the World, as seen through the eyes of Cameron and... Development in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful 20 facts about guatemala city motifs... National bird of the civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported by. Belt around the Pacific, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake the.! Graphic art was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524 ( 4,220 meters ) 12. Nation is land of Eternal Spring traveled to of territory and wealth in the wild however. City Really enjoyed this activity and, sadly, disasters or 692 square km, end end! Of territory land and wealth in the native Maya people not only the largest country in Central America 21! From Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize ), 2 tend to too...
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