 Guatemala — (gwä´tə mä´lə) |
About The People
Did You Know...... The national symbol of Guatemala is the quetzal - a bird that signifies freedom because it dies in c »» More
Fashion... People generally wear Western-style clothing. However, the rural Maya have retained traditional »» MoreSocializing... Guatemalans are polite and humble. They value honesty, family unity, personal honor, work, and educa »» More
Family... The extended family forms the basis of society and exerts significant influence on an individual's l »» More
Sports & Recreation... Like most South American countries Guatemalans favorite sport is fútbol »» More
| World Region: Central America
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Statistics
Capital Cities... Guatemala »» History of Guatemala
Population: 12,728,111
GDP: $67,450,000,000 (USD)
Total Area: 108,890 (sq km) 42,042 (sq mi)
Currency: quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed
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Guatemala 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. During Spanish colonial rule, most of Central America came under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.
The first colonial capital, Ciudad Vieja, was ruined by floods and an earthquake in 1542. Survivors founded Antigua, the second capital, in 1543. In the 17th century, Antigua became one of the richest capitals in the New World. Always vulnerable to volcanic eruptions, floods, and earthquakes, Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773. The remnants of its »» More |