Guatemala
Capital
Guatemala City
Population
~17.6 million
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Spanish
- Religion
- Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)
- Climate
- Varied; tropical in the lowlands, temperate in the highlands
Culture & History
Known for: its Mayan heritage, coffee, volcanoes, and colorful textiles
Also famous for: Tikal, Lake Atitlán, and Semana Santa celebrations
Food: Pepian (meat stew)
Brief History
Mayan civilization; Spanish colony; gained independence in 1821; civil war in the 20th century; large indigenous population