While some think of paradise as palm trees and sandy beaches in Hawaii, I think of Guatemala. This is a country in Central America which is bounded by Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. I was born and raised in New Jersey but go back to visit my family and friends atleast twice a year. There is so much to do and many things to see in Guatemala that most people look over rather than explore for themselves.
GEOGRAPHY
Area: 108,890 sq. km. (42,042 sq. mi.); about the size of Tennessee.
Cities: Capital--Guatemala City (metro area pop. 2.5 million). Other major cities--Quetzaltenango, Escuintla.
Terrain: Mountainous, with fertile coastal plain.
Climate: Temperate in highlands; tropical on coasts.
Cities: Capital--Guatemala City (metro area pop. 2.5 million). Other major cities--Quetzaltenango, Escuintla.
Terrain: Mountainous, with fertile coastal plain.
Climate: Temperate in highlands; tropical on coasts.
PEOPLE
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Guatemalan(s).
Population (2009 est.): 14.36 million.
Annual population growth rate (2009 est.): 2.4%.
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Spanish-Indian), indigenous.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan.
Languages: Spanish, 24 indigenous languages (principally Kiche, Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi, and Mam).
Population (2009 est.): 14.36 million.
Annual population growth rate (2009 est.): 2.4%.
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Spanish-Indian), indigenous.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan.
Languages: Spanish, 24 indigenous languages (principally Kiche, Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi, and Mam).
HISTORY
The Mayan civilization flourished throughout much of Guatemala and the surrounding region long before the Spanish arrived, but it was already in decline when the Mayans were defeated by Pedro de Alvarado in 1523-24. The first colonial capital, Ciudad Vieja, was ruined by floods and an earthquake in 1542. Survivors founded Antigua, the second capital, in 1543. Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773. The remnants of its Spanish colonial architecture have been preserved as a national monument. The third capital, Guatemala City, was founded in 1776.
Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821; it briefly became part of the Mexican Empire, and then for a period belonged to a federation called the United Provinces of Central America.
In Guatemala you can climb the Mayan temples in Tikal, eat the best seafood in Livingston, enjoy the fine nightlife in Antigua, see some of the most beautiful rivers in Zacapa and enjoy culture in Panajachel. The people are beautiful, the country has much to offer, and I strongly suggest a vacation to beautiful Guatemala.
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