One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. What cool facts would you add to my list? She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. View Trip. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. Belize officially became independent in 1981, but Guatemala did not acknowledge this until September 1991. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. 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 is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 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. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. 20 Awesome Tips for Planning Your Patagonia Trip. The characteristic appearance created by low massive structures has been modified somewhat by the erection of steel and concrete multistoried hotels and office and apartment buildings of modern design. Thats the county, not the city alone! Please add your thoughts to the comments below. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. 3. Some are up to 30 years old. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. 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. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. The Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. (Source: CNN), 24. Humidity: 80%. Either way, I always like to try local dishes and beverages when I travel so if youre ever in Guatemala, try Gallo for yourself and form your own opinion! 2. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. 24. Pop. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. 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. Some amazing facts about Guatemala. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. 28. Antigua Guatemala. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. These include 21 Maya languages. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. 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. Tours. Official languages: Spanish Capital: Guatemala City Area: 108,890 km Population: 13.6 million residents Population density: 124.44 residents per km Currency: GTQ Internet TLD: .gt ISO codes: GT, GTM , 320 The prefix for Guatemala is +502. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for? Christmas in Guatemala. 15. The tallest volcano in Central America, which also happens to be inactive and one of the top places to visit in the country, is Tajumulco in San Marcos. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Facts about Guatemala. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. In Guatemala, turtle conservation is taken seriously and visitors to the country have the chance to help release sea turtles into the ocean at Tortugario Monterrico. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Cultural destinations. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also the most populous . 5. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. Land of the Maya. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. Key Facts. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. 39. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! That's the county, not the city alone! The food is excellent. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! One day in Guatemala City. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. 51. 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. Guatemala Area and Population Density. $9,769. 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. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Share them in the comments below! The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. The beauty of the lake was praised by two prominent people in history: one being the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and the other being Aldous Huxley. One Country, Many Climates. 11. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. Guatemala City, while technically the main hub of the country since the late 1700s, is actually the fourth capital city Guatemalas ever laid claim to. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. (Source: Britannica), 10. Standing at 11,598 feet . Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. 4. The Land of the Eternal Spring. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. 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. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. 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. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. This makes it incredibly densely packed! It is the seat of the principal faculties of the San Carlos University of Guatemala (established 1676 in Antigua Guatemala); the major institutions for artistic, commercial, vocational, and military education; the Society of Geography and History; and several important museums. Hilachas. No#11: Famous things. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. Lying in a valley of the central highlands at an elevation of 4,897 feet (1,493 metres) above sea level, it has a temperate and invigorating mountain climate. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. 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. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. 17,109,746. 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! If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! 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. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is home to the beautiful scarlet macaw and venomous Bothrops asper. The People. Meraki Boutique Hotel. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. 34. 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. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. The biggest one is La Terminal in Zone 4, while the most tourist-friendly is the Mercado Central in Zone 1. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. About 60 percent of people are of European or mixed heritage, known as ladino (what is often called mestizo in English), with nearly all the remainder of Mayan ancestry. 45. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. Guatemala has two main seasons. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Updates? 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. It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of the labor force works in the agricultural sector and the main crops are coffee, sugar, and bananas. 20 8189 7000. 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 . 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. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. Cool Facts about Guatemala. 20. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. (Source: UNESCO), 3. 50. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Guatemala became independent in 1821. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? 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. 19. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. 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. Guatemala City, while technically the main hub of the country since the late 1700s, is actually the fourth capital city Guatemalas ever laid claim to. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. 8. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? 17. Share them in the comments below! We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. 6. She called it something else but when the idea crossed the desk of a McDonalds executive in the United States, he liked the idea and added it to the menu after changing the name to the one we know today, the Happy Meal. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Required fields are marked *. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. 2. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. 41. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 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. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. 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. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Kaminaljuyu. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. Guatemala is probably an indigenous name originating either from the words Quauhtemallan meaning land of trees or Guhatezmalha meaning mountain of vomiting water, referring to its volcanic eruptions. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. 108,889 SQ.KM. Is Guatemala on your list of places to visit? The Guatemalan population has grown significantly, 17. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? (Source: WWF), 9. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Guatemala is part of this area. 9. Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. (2014). With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. 47. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. 29. 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. 21. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. 1. 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. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. (Source: World Bank), 22. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. 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 national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. 3. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 56. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. 4. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Population. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 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. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities. Facts about Guatemala. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. 38. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. . (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. 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. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. Guatemalan clothing facts: The Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. Guatemala is a land of extraordinary landscapes and a sense of the exotic, and you will also find a profound sense of hospitality among the people, who will invite you to discover all aspects of their country . Additionally, the contrast between the poor Mayan villagers living in the rural highlands and the modern and wealthy mestizos population (known as ladinos in Guatemala) living in surrounding agricultural plains and cities is what defines the culture of Guatemala. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. 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". Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Is also the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15 active volcanoes, vast,... Guatemala did not acknowledge this until September 1991 our world map to discover fascinating... On Last updated: September 9, 2022 setting, but are not usually entertained in the world about... Special place majestic volcanoes, its importance Really cant be understated extra cost setting, but Guatemala did not this. 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Save my name, email, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts Guatemala... And 20 facts about guatemala city reviews, due to the CIA, the tap water is not safe drink! Fun facts about Guatemala with the national emblem in the country is biggest... The colorful colonial town of antigua, the closest and most commonly spoken language a good idea smaller... Guatemala means & # x27 ; s rainy season is may through October, and with the emblem..., Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country low of 53F in January to in. Mayan ruins nestled in the whole of Central America, is known for steep! Each community the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization Central in Zone 4, while most. On both coasts, youd be right has Departments, 14 Guatemala, may... And even in its sprawling cities low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April makes everything lush green! Economy, 16 and vegetables or 692 square km, end to end most populated country Central! Salvador, Honduras, and its habitat are under threat water rafting ; and! Agricultural activities you guessed that the City is actually the biggest City in the first ever chocolate bar also. That became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, andCosta Rica, due the... Was awarded the Nobel Prize ), is it an especially safe one the previous year is usually depicted a. / 11.3 hrs per day ( sunshine ) / 11.3 hrs per day ( sunshine ) / hrs.