Places / North & Central America
Guatemala
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Central America
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Population
- 18.4 million (2024)
- Area
- 108,889 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +502
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Guatemala is a country situated in Central America. It is the most populous country in Central America.
The country recorded a population of 17.25 million in 2018 and covers an area of 108,888 km2. Its capital, which is also the largest city, is Guatemala City.
Its landmarks include the National Palace of culture and the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology. Other urban centres are Mixco, Villa Nueva and Quetzaltenango.
The old town of Antigua.
History
It was colonized by Spain in 1524. It became independent from Spain in 1821.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is influenced by Spanish and Mayan cultures.
The major crops grown here include coffee, sugar, bananas, cotton, hemp and cacao.
The most popular dishes are pepian, kak’ik, chiles rellenos, fiambre, hilachas, elote loco and tostadas.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals include quetzal, iguana, sea turtle, spider monkey, puma, crocodile, snake, howler, stork, ape, tapir, jaguar, deer, ocelot, scarlet macaw and peccary.
Festivals & events
The popular events held in the country include the New Year Festival, National Indigenous Festival, National Folklore Festival of El Paab’anc, Independence Day on September and Dance of the Giants in June.
Things to see
Tikal is a native Mayan citadel located at the rainforests in the northern part of the country.
Semuc Champey is a natural monument located near Qeqchi May town of Lanquin with a 300 m limestone bridge.
Pacaya is an active complex volcano with a height of 2,552 m in the country that has erupted 23 times since its first eruption 23,000 years ago.
Other must-visit sites are Acatenango, Rio Duice and Yaxha.
Interesting facts
The national bird is Quetzal, which is the national symbol of the country and the title of its currency.
The country has the highest population in Central America.
The longest civil war in Latin America is the Guatemalan War that lasted from 1960 to 1996.
