History of Guatemala:
Guatemala was home to the ancient Maya civilization. This was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that can still be visited today. The Maya civilization reached its peak during the so-called Classic period, about 250 AD to 900 AD. By the arrival of Europeans in the 14th century, the Mayan civilization was already in decline. Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado defeated the Maya in his 1524 year and the area became a Spanish colony.
Due to natural disasters, Guatemala has three different capitals. The first was Ciudad Vieja, devastated by earthquakes and floods. The second is Antigua, which was also devastated by the earthquake. The third capital is Guatemala City, which he founded in 1776.
In 1821, Guatemala became independent from Spain and became part of the Mexican Empire. After that, it became a member of the United States of Central America for a short time.
Information about Guatemala:
| Capital | Guatemala |
| Population | 18,128,979 (Source: 2023 worldometer) |
| Major Cities | GUATEMALA CITY (capital), Mixco, Villa Nueva |
| Borders | The north and west by Mexico, to the northeast by Belize and (along a short coastline) by the Gulf of Honduras, to the east by Honduras, to the southeast by El Salvador, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean. |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $95,003,333,381 (2022 worldometer) |
Flag of Guatemala:
Guatemala Economy Key Industries:
Guatemala Major Industries: sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
Guatemala Agricultural Products: sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens
Guatemala Natural Resources: petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower
Guatemala Major Exports: coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom
Guatemala Major Imports: fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity
The Geography of Guatemala:
Total Size of Guatemala: 108,889 km² (source: 2022 The world factbook)
Geographical Low Point of Guatemala: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Geographical High Point of Guatemala: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m
Climate of Guatemala: Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
General Terrain of Guatemala: mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau
World Region or Continent of Guatemala: Central America
Guatemala Geographical Coordinates: 15 30 N, 90 15 W
The People of Guatemala & Culture
Guatemala Government Type: constitutional democratic republic
Guatemala Nationality: Guatemalaan (s)
Guatemala National Holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Guatemala Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Guatemala National Symbol: quetzal (bird)
Guatemala National Anthem or Song: Himno Nacional de Guatemala (National Anthem of Guatemala)
Guatemala Languages Spoken: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Guatemala Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Interesting Facts about Guatemala:
For all chocolate lovers. The first chocolate bars were invented in Guatemala. It was used by the Mayan culture in the 6th century. The word “chocolate” comes from the Mayan word “chocoatl”, which means bitter water, because at the time cocoa was the basis for a thick, cold, unsweetened drink. Mayans even called it “food of the gods”
The national bird of Guatemala is the quetzal, a long-tailed bird that lives mainly in moist forests. It is becoming increasingly difficult to see this bird in the wild, but Guatemalan banknotes bear its name, so you can see it every day.
There are many Mayan ruins in this country. Ruins of the Maya civilization can be found all over the country. The ones you should definitely know are Tikal, Yasha, and Uakkutun.
Guatemala has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them are the Archaeological Park, Quirigua Ruins and Tikal National Park.
Guatemala experienced a raging civil war from 1960 to 1996, the effects of which are still being felt throughout the country. An estimated 200,000 people died in the 36-year conflict, making it the longest in Latin American history.
The name Guatemala means “Land of Trees” in the Mayan language. The country now has the largest forest reserve in Central America.
Guatemala is the birthplace of blue denim. Shortly after it was invented, the Levi’s brand began distributing its blue jeans around the world.
Belize used to belong to Guatemala, but was ceded to Great Britain. In return, Britain promised to build some motorways, but they never got built.
About 14% of Guatemalans live on less than her US$1.25 a day and 60% of her population is illiterate.
Unfortunately, Guatemala has the highest crime rate and is the poorest country in Central America. More than 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. There have also been auto thefts, sexual assaults in broad daylight, and armed robberies with automatic weapons by hardcore gangs. There are more than 5,000 violent deaths in Guatemala each year, mostly due to the gang crimes mentioned above.
On May 30, 2010, a massive 60-foot-wide, 30-story deep hole opened in the middle of Guatemala City, engulfing a three-story building and home. A male fatality also occurred. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is believed to be volcanic pumice, a weak material from which the city is built.
Guatemalan women drink a hot tortilla drink immediately after giving birth. They believed that drinking this drink would help them produce rich, healthy breast milk. They also put a red bracelet on the newborn baby’s right hand. It serves as a defense against evil people.
Guatemalans have a tradition of shooting into the air as part of their Christmas celebrations. Unfortunately, according to Guatemalan tradition, he is killed between five and ten people each year by bullets that fall after his performances.
The local indigenous people worship a statue called Mashimon. He has the appearance of a small man with a mustache in a suit and hat. Guatemalans offer cigars and alcohol to the statue to bless it.