How much do you know about Guatemala? Not a lot? Well, let’s get you acquainted then. Here is out list of fun and interesting facts about Guatemela.
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1. Guatemala is the leader in blue denim production
First in our list of 10 interesting facts about Guatemala is that the country is the world leader in the production of blue denim.
A lot of Guatemalan women are crafty textile weavers. Until today, textile weaving is still big in areas like the town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
One of the primary products of the Guatemalan textile producers is blue denim.
2. The first chocolate bar was invented in Guatemala
The ancient Mayans were known to worship the cacao tree. It is believed that they called chocolate “food of the gods”, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they were the first to discover the heavenly taste of chocolate.
The Mayans believed that cacao had incredible nutritional benefits. In the present day, Guatemala is a mass exporter and producer of chocolate products.
When you travel to Guatemala, make sure you visit ChocoMuseo where you’ll learn more about the history of Guatemala’s chocolates.
3. Guatemala has 21 dialects
While Spanish is officially spoken by 90% of the population in Guatemala, there are 21 dialects in total that you can hear in different parts of Guatemala.
4. Guatemala is home to over 30 volcanoes – Fun and Interesting Facts About Guatemala
Now, don’t panic. Out of those over 30 volcanoes, only three are active. These are Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito.
Furthermore, one of these volcanoes is Central America’s highest peak: Tajumico. It stands at 4,202 meters.
5. Guatemala’s Tikal National Park is the first mixed UNESCO Heritage Site
Tikal National Park is considered to be both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because Tikal National Park shelters Mayan ruins deep within the jungle.
The Mayan civilization is very much a part of Guatemalan culture and Tikal is definitely a wonder of nature. It is just fitting for the UNESCO title.
6. Guatemala’s biggest export business is coffee
Next on our list of interesting facts about Guatemala has to do with coffee. About 90% of Guatemala’s export business revolves around coffee.
Guatemalan coffee has a unique flavor that no other coffee has, so it’s not a surprise that the entire world patronizes it.
7. A hurricane led to the discovery of a huge jade mine in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the world’s biggest sources of jade. The Mayans used jade for ideological rituals.
A huge hurricane led to the creation of a jade mine as big as Rhode Island in Guatemala. Now, that was one strong hurricane.
8. Guatemala is home to the deepest lake in Central America
Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. It is actually in a massive volcanic crater.
You can access the lake through Panajachel, a busy town known for the traditional textiles sold there.
9. Guatemalans fly a kite to honor their dead on All Saints Day
Every November 1st, Guatemalans fly a kite to honor their dead loved ones. This tradition is known to have been around for over 3000 years.
They also clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, then fly their kits while in the cemetery.
10. Guatemala’s currency is named after the bird which feathers were used as currency in the Mayan times
Now, the last but not the least in our list of interesting Guatemalan facts has to do with money.
The Guatemalan Quetzal is named after the bird Quetzal, which was believed by the Mayans and Aztecs to be the god of the air.
Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. In ancient times, the Mayans used Quetzal’s feathers as currency.
See our other fact lists about countries through the top menu if you liked this list of fun and interesting facts about Guatemala, thanks for reading !
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