2023. Keep reading to discover more about its intriguing people, culture, history, and geography! 10 There Are A Lot Of Volcanoes. Armed attacks can occur in these border areas, mostly as a product of drug-related crime. DK: London. But the country is also home to speakers of around 21 different Mayan languages, two indigenous languages. Guatemalans then use it for local transport. Read about our approach to external linking. Facts about Guatemala. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. 1954 - Land reform stops with the accession to power of Colonel Carlos Castillo in a coup backed by the US and prompted by Arbenz's nationalisation of plantations of the United Fruit Company. Arbenz resigns after the army refuses to fight. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. ASMR disturbing law facts - EP. All aspects of communicationperiodical news, the comics, soap operas, filmare primarily of foreign origin. Some of the most important elements of Guatemalan folklore are its myths and legends. READ MORE: HOW A FASHION SOCIAL ENTERPRISE EMPOWERS WOMEN IN GUATEMALA. As much as possible, avoid riding the local public buses that you may see a lot of in the country. 2019 - The US and Guatemala sign a migration agreement, to require migrants from El Salvador and Honduras who pass through Guatemala to seek asylum there first. Leave the rest of your valuables locked up in your hotel rooms safe. Highways and roads within the department should also be avoided as much as possible. Card Skimming involves an altered public ATM machine that lets criminals steal your card data and use it without your knowledge. Amazing place I was there in 2004 & 2005 and spent Easter Sunday at Chichi Market and superb experience. Sunrises from the peak are amazing. Do you want to know more about Guatemala? Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Questions relating 18. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Now that this stunning country has your attention, check out Intrepids small group adventures to Guatemala. More than 200,000 were killed or disappeared in the 36-year civil war which ended in 1996, Tear gas shot by riot police hangs over Guatemala City where protesters marched against the free trade agreement with the US, Ex-president Portillo was extradited from Mexico but cleared of embezzlement charges, Alvaro Colom was president from 2007 until 2011, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Its a phone service set up via the Tourist Assistance Program of INGUAT. The country additionally acknowledges that 25 languages are spoken in its territory: Spanish, Xinka, Garfuna, and 22 Mayan languages. 65+ Scary Facts That Will Absolutely Give You Nightmares (Source: BBC News), 5. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. 1981 - Around 11,000 people are killed by death squads and soldiers in response to growing anti-government guerrilla activity. Volcan Tajumulco is 4,202 metres (13,786 ft) not 2,202 meters. 2006 July - A Spanish judge issues a warrant for the arrest of former military leader Efrain Rios Montt and other former officials over atrocities committed during the civil war. The variety. In 1992, the Nobel committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to the Kiche Guatemalan human rights activist and feminist Rigoberta Mench Tum for her work based on the respect for the rights of indigenous people., Recommended reading: 13 Famous Hispanic Women in History Who Made Enormous Impact. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala written by Julie Faye Germansky November 29, 2017 Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. A major thank you to Intrepids local Guatemala tour leader, Dennis Asturias, for his on-the-ground insights! Is climate change killing Australian wine? Guatemalan culture is rich with legends and myths, passed from generation to generation, full of vivid images and imagination. 2023. Its the highest peak in Central America at a whopping 4, 202 metres. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Some hold that the original form was Quauhtemallan (indicating an Aztec rather than a Mayan origin), meaning "land of trees," and . 2018 April - Guatemalans vote in a referendum in favour of referring a two-centuries-old border dispute with what is now Belize to the International Court of Justice. When big yellow American school buses near 10 years or clock in 150,000 miles, some are auctioned off and driven down to Guatemala. Is Guatemala Safe? Things You MUST Know Before Traveling - TouristSecrets Thats right, Guatemala became a republic 200 years ago! 2017 August - President Morales orders the expulsion of the head of the UN anti-corruption mission which backed calls by prosecutors for the removal of his political immunity. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Every year on November 1st, Guatemalans partake in this ritual that has been around for more than 3000 years. While giving to charity is an act thats looked up to, make sure to not fall for these schemes while in Guatemala. Its home to many heritage sites and natural wonders that many globetrotters long to see. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Guatemala is in many ways a rather formal and conservative country, probably owing to its legacy of colonialism and its status as the main base of regional power for the Spanish colonial aristocracy. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Nearly 93% of Guatemalans speak Spanish. (Source: Washington Post), 20. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. The more you look paranoid on the streets of many major Guatemala cities, the more you seem like easier prey for the bad guys nearby. Mis padres son de Guatemala y de El Salvador. 2020 January - Conservative candidate Alejandro Giammettei takes office afer defeating his centre-left rival Sally Torres. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. 15 awesome things to do in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala for a solo female The country is a major corridor for smuggling drugs. Its always a good idea to travel with people you know. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by 90% of the population. Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Explosion derails train in Russian border region. A popular tourist destination located in the western highlands are oaf Guatemala is the Quetzaltenango Department. Tanzania or South Africa? Within its regional borders, tourists can visit many historical sites and thermal bath establishments. The coffee museum is set in an old mill and visitors are provided explanations of the history, processing, marketing and brewing of coffee. 1941 - Guatemala declares war on the Axis powers. In a place where you most likely dont have any friends or acquaintances, knowing how to contact officials who can help you definitely puts your mind at ease. 1821-47 - Following the end of Spanish rule, Guatemala becomes part of Agustn de Iturbide's First Mexican Empire, then part of the United Provinces of Central America - later the Federal Republic of Central America. However, this is a country that's steeped in history, culture and local traditions, and visitors should do their research before they arrive. 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 - along with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras - agrees on a free-trade agreement with the US. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with a 36-year-long civil war. Guatemala Has A Long Human History Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. To this day, people say they can hear wailing for her children. In 1950 Guatemala hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games, a quadrennial competition organized in 1924 in which Guatemalan athletes have participated since the games were . Chupacabra | Legend & Facts | Britannica The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Most public buses are just repurposed school buses that are old and unmaintained. If you are lucky, you can even roast them over molten rock. Leading causes of death Guatemala | Statista Its great being able to interact with native speaking people and having a conversation with them not just doing all the work on paper. A multitude of products, from soaps and boxed cereals and bottled drinks to automobiles, bear foreign . Chocolate. Enjoy these Guatemalan ghost stories! 1970s - Military rulers embark on a programme to eliminate left-wingers, resulting in at least 50,000 deaths. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Guatemala is a predominantly poor country that struggles in several areas of health and development, including infant, child, and maternal mortality, malnutrition, literacy, and contraceptive awareness and use. 1983 - Montt ousted in coup led by General Mejia Victores, who declares an amnesty for guerrillas. 2003 - Guatemala - along with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras - agrees on a free-trade agreement with the US. Pickpocketing, bag slashing, purse snatching and other forms of petty theft usually occur in crowded tourist havens. The chupacabra . Transportation is something integral to travel, and you also need it to visit different places in Guatemala. Since its a popular tourist destination, scams and street theft are common. Did you know that British author Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) fell in love with Guatemalas most famous lake, Lake Atitln? It is located in the Guatemalan Highlands, a part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Before going to Guatemala, you need to map out the itinerary of your adventure in the country. At La Azotea, you can visit the coffee museum as well the music museum. Traveling with people you know, especially with some of them having knowledge of the ins and outs of the community, can ensure your safety while youre in the country. Your life is more valuable than whatever material thing theyre trying to get from you. 1871-1898 - Guatemala sees a series of liberal governments which oversee the modernization of the country and the introduction of new crops. 4. (Source: Britannica), 4. Like many departments on this list, this place should be avoided due to the high crime rate this region has. In my spare time I like to read, play video games, and do sports. Only 4 hours away from Antigua, its a fantastic spot for enthusiastic photographers to capture some of the best volcano views. Dont wear jewelry outside and dont bring and display expensive laptops and cameras while out and about. 30 Real-Life Facts That Might Creep You Out, As Shared By People Online The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. Football (soccer) is Guatemala's most popular sport. However, that doesnt mean everyone is guaranteed to encounter some form of crime while theyre in Guatemala. ASMR - 8 true scary stories that happened in the woods. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. Given the right precautions, traveling here is still somewhat safe. Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn't Know About Guatemala - Culture Trip If youre visiting, you need to remain vigilant and watch out for any petty crimes that can occur. The dominance of an Indian culture within its interior uplands distinguishes Guatemala from its Central American neighbours. Like, really big. Browse allembroidered story cloths or all the artworks inspired by legendsin our online shop! Tajumulco 1 or 2 days hike. When seeking adventure in Guatemala, safety must be a priority, so research is necessary. Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala are languages, not dialects. Card Skimming Another common scam to look out for when going to Guatemala is card skimming. McDonalds Happy Meal comes from Guatemala. More heinous crimes can also take place in the area. 15 Things You Didn't Know About Guatemala - YouTube (2014). In recent years, political tension in Guatemala has posed a risk among tourists visiting the country. 1998 - Bishop Juan Gerardi, a human rights campaigner, murdered. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. People flock down to the cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loves ones. President Giammattei has said his priorities are tackling corruption and dealing with migration, which has caused tension in relations with the United States. Thats why many travel advisories to places like Guatemala sound frightening. Any tourist roaming around at night becomes easy prey for these criminals, and you do not want to become one. 1960-1996 - Civil war pitting government against leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. Strangers Asking For Money In crowded areas, there are strangers who might approach you, asking for some money. Its said that if you keep a cat in your home, the spirits will not come close.. Today, textile weaving is still ever-present in towns like San Antonio Aguas Calientes, just outside of Antigua. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. The maximum depth of the lake is 340 m and its average depth is 220 m. 2023 BBC. Despite having one of the most popular tourist destination and heritage sites housed in this region, Peten Department remains to be one of the Guatemalan departments that have a high crime rate. And they do so, with good reason: they want tourists to be safe at all times. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on golf visit, Indian 'killer' elephant relocated to tiger reserve, Ding becomes China's first male world chess champion. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. Guatemala is one of the most beautiful, unique and fascinating countries in the world: there's a reason why it's beloved by backpackers across the globe. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with a 36-year-long civil war. President Perez Molina resigns after Congress lifts his immunity in response to allegations by prosecutors of his involvement in a customs bribery ring. So, its best to always stay alert while out and about. 40 Most Funny & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City 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. Consequently, the men cut off Maximns arms and legs in a fit of anger, which explains why most effigies of him are made without arms. There are three active volcanoes in Guatemala, one of which, the awesomely named Volcan de Fuego, erupted for the sixth time in 2017 this past June. When cats go out at night to prowl, meowing and yowling as they walk along the rooflines, they are warning spirits away. Additionally, its surrounded by different towns where you can experience the local culture, each having a twist thats unique to them. 2004 December - UN mission, set up to monitor post-civil war peace process, winds up, but the UN says Guatemala still suffers from crime, social injustice, human rights violations. If youre traveling to Guatemala, you can dial 1500. Former military leader Efrain Rios Montt, trailing in third place, accepts defeat. During night time, lights are low and its hard to move around. Guatemala | History, Map, Flag, Population, & Facts | Britannica 2011 August - Four former soldiers found guilty of a village massacre become the first to be convicted of rights abuses during the civil war. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? guatemala didnt create the first ever chocalate bar Joseph fry did in britian, I love all the facts about Guatemala all the culture, and how the Mayans still live there to this day I will need to visit one day which would be awesome that is all i would like to say. One of the best travel safety tips anyone can give you when youre heading to Guatemala is to never roam around the streets at night. Apart from the Mayan ruins, the small, colonial city of Antigua is another heritage site popular among tourists. It doesnt take much to make necessary precautions, but when you do so, you can ensure that your beautiful Guatemala vacation will remain something memorable in a positive way. Variety: a word used to describe different types of fruits, vegetables, flowers, options, but never really a culture. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. 7 Interesting Facts About Guatemala | EnjoyTravel.com The country shares land borders with the countries of Mexico (north and west), Belize (northeast), Honduras (east), and El Salvador (southeast). Guatemala - Daily life and social customs | Britannica embroidery, Folklore, ghost stories, ghost story, Guatemalan culture, Halloween, legend, myth, Santiago Atitln, story cloth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Interesting Facts About Guatemala Top 8 Interesting Facts About Guatemala - WorldAtlas I am Guatemalan and the country is so beautiful but it can be a bit dangerous so please be careful. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. 2004 May - Former military leader Efrain Rios Montt is placed under house arrest. Im a fan of historical fiction, family sagas, and graphic novels. But the dead were happy to see the man and buy his peaches, paying lots of money for the fresh fruit. Santa Maria Volcano, Guatemala - NASA 1944 - Juan Jose Arevalo becomes president following the overthrow of Ubico and introduces social-democratic reforms, including setting up a social security system and redistributing land to landless peasants. Recommended: Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala. 2015 January - The retrial on genocide charges of Guatemala's ex-military ruler General Efrain Rios Montt is suspended, after his lawyers question the impartiality of the lead judge. It is moved to Ciudad Vieja in 1527 follwing a Kaqchikel attack. When traveling to a Guatemalan destination, be it inside a major town or city or along a trail on the side of an active volcano, avoid displaying your valuables at all costs. Like all regions in this list, this northeastern Guatemalan department is a hotspot for many different types of crimes, which can range from petty theft to violent armed assault. Meet Martin Cohen, Intrepids Antarctica expedition guide and 10 awesome places to spend your 21st birthday. Only his head was found, hanging from the dry, naked branches of a dead tree. Although underrated, Guatemala is still one of the most beautiful places tourists can visit in Latin America. Sometimes, it turns out that the mugger is more nervous than you! Tamajulco is the Highest Peak in Guatemala. 1994 - Peace talks between the government and rebels of the Guatemalan Revolutionary National Unity begin; right-wing parties win a majority in legislative elections. The insane number of volcanoes in Guatemala is surely enough to put it on the map. (Source: National Geographic), 13. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 2009 December - Retired colonel becomes first army officer to be convicted of crimes committed during civil war. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Be careful at night. The origin of the name Guatemala is Indian, but its derivation and meaning are undetermined. Before his eyes he saw many skeletons moving about. The best way to steer clear of this scam is to avoid using any public ATMs to withdraw money. 1952-54 - The US sees new Guatemalan regimes as communist, and is influenced by lobbying by the United Fruit Company whose profits had been hit by improvements in labour conditions on its plantations. Move follows state's formal admissions of guilt in several well-known human rights crimes. To look at underlying beliefs that encourage the observed behaviors of l. a. cuarentena, which refers to the forty days of postpartum recovery observed by Mexican immigrant girls within the United States. A court later clears him. 2014 - The US promises to give millions of dollars of aid to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to combat gang violence and help citizens repatriated from the US, as part of efforts to cope with growing migration. Arguably one of the most mysterious Guatemala facts is one that exists around the worshipping of Maximn. 1985 - Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo elected president and the Guatemalan Christian Democratic Party wins legislative elections under a new constitution. Learn More. For example, youve probably heard of La Llorona, a woman who drowned her kids in a river and later killed herself in the same river. Every year on All Saints Day, the people of Sacatepequez fly giant kites up to 12m in size over the graves of their family members while they pray and lay flowers. 900s - Widespread political collapse sees warfare, cities being abandoned and a northward shift of population. The Mayans cherished cacao, which they believed (correctly) had a plethora of health . Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Many have also noted the similarity between the elephant-inside-a-boa drawing and Cerro de Oro, a hill visible from Lake Atitln. However, you may want to correct a typo. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. The quality of coffee grown in Guatemala is the result and combination of the countrys microclimates, altitude, quality of soil, amount of rain, access to sunlight, and cultivation methods. It may seem counterintuitive, but you have lower chances of getting hurt if you do this. 35+ Facts About Guatemala You Should Know By dialing the said number while in the country, you can either ask for assistance or set up a police escort. Coffee becomes important economically for Guatemala. If you want to visit Guatemala and stay safe, find someone wholl come with you. The eruption of Santa Maria volcano in 1902 was one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, forming a large crater on the mountain's southwest flank. Guatemala profile - Timeline - BBC News 6. So if you are in Guatemala around this time, this is a fabulous opportunity for wildlife lovers to engage in releasing of the turtles. . Just give them what theyre asking for instead of risking your life to keep it. Well, you can find a brief summary of the answer here. Of these 33 volcanoes 3 watch over the colonial town of Antigua: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 2000 - Alfonso Portillo sworn in as president after winning elections in 1999. Additionally, its divided into eight development regions and 22 departments. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. In the 1970s, Guatemalan businesswoman and philanthropist Yolanda Fernndez de Cofio came up with a meal with small portions for kids. 1979-1996 - The country witnesses assassinations, massacres and disappearances throughout its territory. Did you know that a Guatemalan businesswoman invented the beloved McDonalds Happy Meal? 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. 2003 December - Conservative businessman Oscar Berger - a former mayor of Guatemala City - wins the presidential election in the second round. 1995 - Rebels declare a ceasefire; UN and US criticise Guatemala for widespread human rights abuses.