11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn’t Know About Guatemala
- The national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency.
- Guatemala means “land of many trees”
- It has been inhabited for 20,000 years.
- 22 languages are spoken in the country.
- The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.
Contents
What are 10 facts about Guatemala?
10 Guatemala Facts:
- Spanish is the Official Language of Guatemala.
- Tamajulco is the Highest Peak in Guatemala.
- UNESCO World Heritages Sites in Guatemala.
- The Importance of Agriculture.
- Is Chocolate from Guatemala?
- The Division of Guatemala.
- The Flag of Guatemala.
- Delicious Food in Guatemala.
How did Guatemala get its name?
The name “Guatemala” comes from Nahuatl Cuauhtēmallān, “place of many trees”, a translation of K’iche’ Mayan K’iche’ , “many trees”. This was the name the Tlaxcaltecan soldiers who accompanied Pedro de Alvarado during the Spanish Conquest gave to this territory.
What did Guatemala invented?
Guatemalans invented the first ever chocolate bar
They call chocolate “the food of the Gods”.
What was Guatemala once called?
When Santiago was demolished by an earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved 28 miles (45 km) to the site of Nueva Guatemala (“New Guatemala”)—now Guatemala City—and Santiago became known as Antigua Guatemala (“Guatemala of Old”) or Antigua.
What are 5 fun facts about Guatemala?
11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn’t Know About Guatemala
- The national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency.
- Guatemala means “land of many trees”
- It has been inhabited for 20,000 years.
- 22 languages are spoken in the country.
- The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.
What are interesting facts about Guatemala?
Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemala’s large expatriate community in the US. 31. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua.
What Guatemala is famous for?
Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.
How many volcanoes does Guatemala have?
37
In total Guatemala is the home to 37 official volcanoes, three of them being in constant activity–Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito.
What does the Guatemala flag stand for?
The sky blue stripes of the flag represent the two bodies of water that border the country, the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The central white stripe symbolizes the country of Guatemala, peace, purity and integrity. At the center of the flag is Guatemala’s coat of arms.
How many languages does Guatemala have?
There are 25 languages spoken in Guatemala. Spanish is the official and most spoken language. In addition, there are 22 different Mayan languages as well as two other indigenous languages – Garífuna and Xinca.
What is typical Guatemalan food?
Food items such as pork, rice, beef, cheese, chilies, corn, tortillas, and beans are the primary ingredients of traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Certain Guatemalan foods are commonly eaten on specific days of the week. For instance, patches (Tamales) are typically consumed on Thursdays.
What is Guatemala known for food?
Top 10 must try traditional food in Guatemala
- Pepian. This traditional chicken stew comes from the central region of Guatemala and comes served with veggies and rice .
- Rellenitos.
- Tostadas. This list could not be complete without the mighty tostada!
- Arroz en leche.
- Enchilada.
- Champurradas.
- Gallo en Chicha.
- Tapado.
Who freed Guatemala?
In the 16th century, most of this area was conquered by the Spanish and claimed as part of the viceroyalty of New Spain. Guatemala attained independence in 1821 from Spain and Mexico.
How many states does Guatemala have?
Guatemala is divided into 22 departments (Spanish: departamentos) which are in turn divided into 340 municipalities.
Are Guatemalans black?
1-2% of the Guatemalan population. Afro-Guatemalans are Guatemalans of African descent. Afro-Guatemalans comprise 1-2% of the population.During the colonial period, African slaves were brought in, but have mixed with the general population and can be referred to them as Afro-mestizos.
Did Guatemala create chocolate?
Guatemala is touted as the birthplace of chocolate, with the Mayans worshiping the cacao tree and calling chocolate the “food of the gods.” This ancient civilization also revered chocolate for its aphrodisiac qualities, with Moctezuma apparently consuming absurd amounts of the food to enhance his sexual stamina.
Is there chocolate in Guatemala?
In fact, Guatemala is often called “the birthplace of chocolate,” where the ancient Mayans considered cacao, the plant and bean from which chocolate is made, a gift from the gods.
What language do they speak in Guatemala?
Spanish
Where was chocolate invented Guatemala?
Cacao use can be dated as far back as 1500 BC! Although the Aztecs and Mayans spanned throughout Latin America, Guatemala is the country with the title “the birthplace of chocolate.” This is because it housed the capital of the Mayan civilization: Tikal.
Are people in Guatemala short?
Guatemala — 156.39cm (5 feet 1.57 inches)
The average Guatemalan is 156.39cm (5 feet 1.57 inches) tall. The average Guatemalan man is 163.40cm (5 feet 4.33 inches) tall.
