Guatemala is a country in Central America, which is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is mostly mountainous except for the south coastal area, and the vast lowlands of the Peten in the north. The country has a hot tropical climate, more temperate in the highlands and drier in the easternmost areas. The major cities of the state are situated in the southern part of the country. The significant cities of Guatemala constitute of the capital Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and Escuintla. The largest lake in the country is Lago de Izabal, which is situated close to the Caribbean coast. For some more interesting and fun facts about Guatemala, read on.
Interesting & Fun Facts About Guatemala
- The official name of the country is Republic of Guatemala.
- The name Guatemala means ‘land of the trees’ in the Maya-Toltec language.
- The official language is Spanish, while the currency is Quetzal.
- Twenty-one distinct Mayan languages as well as several non-Mayan Amerindian languages are spoken here, especially in rural areas.
- The capital of the state is Guatemala City.
- Tajamulco Volcano is the highest point in Guatemala, with an altitude of 4,220 meters/ 13,845 ft. above sea level.
- According to The Economist World, Guatemala was ranked to have the 2nd highest concentration of ozone in the world in 2007.
- There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely, Antigua Guatemala, Archeoligical Park and Ruins of Quirigua and Tikal National Park.
- The national flag of Guatemala has two blue strips on its sides with the coat of arms in the center. The two blue strips represent the two water bodies.
