Guatemala, which is the largest country in Central America, and whose long history has seen great upheavals, is a fascinating place of great diversity, with a great number of rivers, lakes, archaeological sites, mountains, volcanoes and valleys. Discovering Guatemala is always an adventure. 

According to experts, the name "Guatemala" comes from the Nahuatl indigenous word "Quahtlemallan", which means "land of many trees". While it is true that the country has many forests, large numbers of trees are cut down each year for a number of reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

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Guatemala's national bird is the quetzal, a long-tailed bird that lives mainly in the rainforests. Although it is increasingly difficult to see it in the wild, it can still be seen on Guatemalan banknotes, as the currency is also named after this bird.

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Although Spanish is the official and most widely used language throughout the country, there are many other languages spoken in Guatemala. Each of the 21 indigenous Mayan communities has its own language, and most of them are still widely used today. Long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in Guatemala, the country was ruled by various Mayan rulers. 

Traces of the presence of these pre-Columbian civilizations can be found at more than 5,000 archaeological sites.

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The Guatemalan civil war was the longest in the history of Latin America.

The civil war raged in Guatemala from 1960 to 1996, and its effects are still being felt throughout the country today. An estimated 200,000 people were killed during the 36-year conflict, making it the longest in Latin American history.

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The country is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The ruins of Quirigua and the city of Tikal are both UNESCO sites and are fantastic visits for anyone interested in the history of the Mayan civilization. Antigua Guatemala, the colonial city with its picturesque architecture and cobbled streets, also received the same distinction.

  Guatemala is divided into three main parts: the sparsely populated northern plains, the volcanic but heavily populated central highlands, and the agricultural lowlands of the Pacific. It is known as the "country of eternal spring" because it enjoys a warm tropical climate.

The country has the second highest concentration of ozone. Ozone is a gas that is available both in the Earth's upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere).

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Guatemala is famous for its volcanoes

 

The Tajamulco volcano is the highest point in Guatemala, at 4,220 m, and in Central America. Guatemala is home to 33 volcanoes spread over its highlands, 3 of which watch over the colonial city of Antigua: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Activities such as hiking, mountain biking and bird watching are popular on these volcanoes.

 

It is home to the deepest lake in Central America.

Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlán) is the deepest lake in Central America. 

It is surrounded by three spectacular volcanoes and many colourful Mayan towns and villages. Mayan culture is predominant in these lake communities and the inhabitants wear traditional clothing. Lake Atitlan is located about 50 km northwest of Antigua.

 

Agriculture contributes a quarter of Guatemala's GDP: coffee, bananas and sugar are its main products. Coffee export is the main activity of the country. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Coffee is simply delicious and you are never far from a coffee plantation in the mountainous regions. Today, Guatemalan coffee can be found all over the world and has become famous for its good taste.

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