Uncategorised
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08 May 2024
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Guatemala
The Republic of Guatemala is a Central American country with Mexico to its north and west, Belize and the Caribbean to its northeast, Honduras to its east, El Salvador to its southeast and the Pacific Ocean to its south. Its capital city is Guatemala city. It has a volcanic landscape and a fascinating Mayan culture dating back to quite a while ago.
Guatemala has an eternally comfortable climate not being too hot or too cold. Its seasons are generally divided into two; the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is from November to April and the rainy season is from May to October.
The Mestizos are the largest ethnic group of Guatemala and are a people of mixed native and European ancestry. They account for about 42% of the population. The white Guatemalans mostly are of Spanish ancestry and account for about 18% of the population. The K'iche, an indigenous group of one of the Maya people accounts for 9%, Kaqchikel 8%, Mam 8%. Guatemala's official language is Spanish as it was colonized by Spain. Guatemala is about 45 percent Roman Catholic and 42 percent protestant.
Corn, rice, and beans (especially black beans) are staple foods in Guatemala usually eaten with squash, tropical fruits, cocoa, chilies, wild game. They eat re fried black beans fondly referred to as "Guatemalan caviar". Guatemalan cuisine is very much influenced by Spanish and Mayan cuisine.
Some of the most visited tourist locations in Guatemala are:
- Livingstone: Livingstone is a small town that can only be reached by boat. To experience Guatemala in its most indigenous state, Livingstone is the place to go. You can experience the locals and sample Guatemalan food here.
- Monterrico: Here the sand is volcanic black and most times is too hot to be traipsed upon with bare feet. Therefore, the actual attraction of the beach is not necessarily relaxation but is more the four species of sea turtles that breed upon its sands.
- Anigua, Guatemala: This colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in the country. It once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. It is known for its well preserved Spanish baroque architecture.
- Tikal: Tikal is one of the most important archaeological ruins of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Tikal is famous for having been featured in the first Star Wars movie and is a site of great beauty and historical significance.
There are several interesting facts about Guatemala some of which are that the first chocolate bar was invented in the country and the instant coffee process was invented in the country as well.
There are budget and luxury hotel accommodations in Guatemala.
