Guatemala is a country in Central America, located between the Pacific coast and the Caribbean Sea. It borders Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.
1. The capital of the state is the city of Guatemala, which is home to over a million people. It is located in the southeastern part of the country in a mountain valley at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. In this huge city, you can visit more than 30 different museums (including the Archaeological Museum, which has a huge collection of pre-Columbian Maya art).
2. The flag of Guatemala has two vertical blue stripes separated by a white stripe. The colors of the flag symbolize justice (blue), peace and unity (white). In the center is the national emblem depicting the quetzal bird, which is now a symbol of Indian culture, and was once considered a divine bird, a messenger of the deities of ancient civilizations.
3. The official currency of this country is the quetzal. Many tourist destinations accept payments in US dollars.
4. Although the majority of Guatemalan society today professes Christianity and Protestantism (more than 80% in total), tribal religions still dominate in many regions today. The traditions and customs of the Mayan culture also have strong roots.
6. The highest point in the country is the Tajumulco volcano, which is also the highest peak in all of Central America. It has an altitude of 4220 meters above sea level, the area around the volcano is an important economic region where sulfur is mined. According to some studies, the last volcanic eruption occurred in the 19th century.
7. The national drink of Guatemala is Zacapa rum. The factory for the production of this alcohol is located in Tulula, which lies at an altitude of more than 2300 meters above sea level. Rum is characterized by a dark color and a slightly sweet, chocolate aftertaste.
8. The largest lake in Guatemala is Lake Izabal. Although it is located in a mountainous region, but is located in a deep valley at an altitude of only 8 meters above sea level, the area of \u200b\u200bthe lake is almost 590 km².
10. There are 33 volcanoes in Guatemala, three of which are still active.
11. Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate, it was here that the first chocolate bar was produced. To this day, this country is one of the main exporters of these sweets.
12. Guatemala has a warm equatorial climate. In the lowland parts of the country, temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It will be colder in the higher parts of the mountains, where the temperature drops with every meter.
13. Guatemala is in the Pacific ring of fire. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are relatively common in the area.
15. Guatemalan cuisine is very diverse, tasty and satisfying. The basis of many dishes is corn and red beans. Guatemalans also eat a lot of meat – mostly beef and pork. The most popular dishes include Pupusas (corn fritters stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables) and Tostadas (fried tortillas stuffed similar to Mexican tacos). On street stalls in almost every city you can buy local fast food – fried potatoes, french fries, sandwiches with pork, vegetables and sauces, grilled meat.
16. In Guatemala, there is the deepest lake in Central America – Lake Atitlán, its depth reaches 340 meters. It is surrounded by three large volcanoes. It is considered by many, including the eminent British writer Aldus Huxley, author of the novel Brave New World, to be the most beautiful lake in the world.
17. The national instrument of Guatemalans is the marimba, an extremely rarely used instrument that can be played by up to a dozen people at the same time.
18. The longest civil war in Central America took place in Guatemala – it lasted continuously for 36 years.
20. The longest river flowing through the country is the Usumacinta, which also flows through Mexico and partially forms a natural border between the two states. In total, the river has a length of 950 kilometers.
21. From June to November, there are strong hurricanes in Guatemala.
22. Tourists traveling to Guatemala are advised not to drink tap water. Many hotels, guest houses and apartments provide filtered water free of charge.
23. Guatemala is the world’s largest exporter of peas. In addition, bananas, sugar cane, tobacco, citrus fruits, coffee and cocoa are also grown in this country.
24. The most important holiday in Guatemala is the Christian Easter, which is called “Semana Santa” here. Throughout Holy Week there are processions, fairs, as well as accompanying events – art shows, musical performances and even parades.
25. All Guatemalan schoolchildren are required to wear a school uniform.
27. Guatemalan tradition – to build colorful graves. The cemeteries look really phenomenal, and the most beautiful is the colorful cemetery of Chichicastenango.
28. The Peten Plain occupies more than 30% of the territory of Guatemala and is covered with dense tropical forest. The jungle here is one of the largest in the world!
