Guatemala origin of the name. Guatemala map in Russian. Capital of Guatemala, flag, history of the country. Where is Guatemala located on the world map. Communication and communications

Guatemala is one of the many countries in Latin America. Snow-white beaches and sea coasts are combined with dense forests and volcanoes. And the local mountains still keep the architectural heritage of the Maya. Where is Guatemala located? What does she represent? Let's find out.

Guatemala on the world map

Guatemala is the northernmost and most populous of all Central American countries. It is inhabited by 14.4 million people. Its area covers 108,899 square kilometers and ranks 106th in the world.

Where is Guatemala located? It is located on the continent of North America. In the south, the country is washed by the ocean, and in the east by the Gulf of the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala neighbors Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Belize.

It is largely an agricultural country. Sugarcane, coffee, corn, legumes and bananas are grown here. Where Guatemala is located, of course, affects its economic ties. The republic supplies the lion's share of its products to its closest neighbors - the United States, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.

In turn, Guatemala buys building materials, machinery, fuel and electricity from these countries. Proximity to the ocean also allows trade with China. In addition, tourism and the service sector are developing in the republic. Compared to other countries of Central America, it wins its economic position, but in the world it seems to be a relatively unstable state.

Population and its formation

Until 1523, Europeans did not know where Guatemala was. And then it was not a single state. Many scattered tribes of the Maya Indians lived on its territory. The discovery of America by Columbus brought the Spaniards here, who immediately began colonization.

The locals were subjugated, but not exterminated. Cane and coffee were grown in Guatemala, precious metals were mined and natural dyes were made. Unlike most other territories, few Negro slaves were brought here. Independent Guatemala appeared on the world map only in 1821.

Now the majority (60%) of the country's population is represented by non-indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples belong to several peoples who descended from separate Mayan tribes. Thus, direct descendants of the Quiche Indians, Mam, Kaqchikel, Kekchi, etc. live in the republic. The rest of the inhabitants are descendants of mixed marriages of Spaniards with Indians or Negroes.

Big cities

The urban population is approximately 49%. The capital of the republic and the largest city in all of Central America is called Guatemala. It is also called the "New Guatemala of Ascension". In 1776, the center of the state was moved here, and the name "Old Guatemala" was assigned to the former capital.

One million people live in the city. It is one of the tourist centers of the country. Within the city are the ruins of an ancient Indian settlement. Sculptures from the colonial era and frescoes depicting the motifs of folk myths have also been preserved in the New Capital.

The second largest city in Guatemala is Quetzaltenango. It is inhabited by 225 thousand inhabitants. It is located on a hill, two thousand meters above sea level. If the capital maintains the role of a cultural and historical center, then Quetzaltenango has taken over the area of industry and trade.

The city has industries associated with the food industry, the manufacture of shoes, cotton and wool. There is a cement plant and a large airport.

Animal world

The low level of urbanization, dense forests and impenetrable mountains have made Guatemala a pleasant place for many animals. On the territory of the country there are typical inhabitants of hot regions - anteaters, armadillos, sloths, porcupines and tapirs.

Pumas and jaguars, deer, iguanas and poisonous snakes live in the local forests. Caimans live in rivers, and coastal waters are full of shrimps and fish. There are more than two thousand tropical bird species here. The most famous of them is quetzal.

A small quetzal with a green-blue back and a red breast is the symbol of Guatemala. It is a sacred bird among the Mayans and Aztecs. She was considered the patron saint of the air element. Feathers from her tail could only be worn by nobles and priests. Quetzal is featured on the flag, coat of arms, postage stamps, and the local currency, which is also named after her.

Natural resources

Half of the territory of Guatemala is covered by stretching across the entire continent. There are also many hills and highlands on the territory of the country, and plains run along the coasts. The country has many lakes, rivers and sandy beaches.

Guatemala has a tropical climate. Winter and summer are practically indistinguishable here and always warm. Only 17% of the republic does not cover forests. They grow a huge variety of trees, many of which are highly valued. These are, for example, rosewood, Guatemalan fir, cypress, backout and mahogany.

Guatemala is a country with unimaginably beautiful, but sometimes dangerous nature. It has 33 volcanoes, at least three of which are active. The eruption of the Agua volcano destroyed the first capital of the republic. They also cause earthquakes. The last major shock occurred in 1976 and claimed the lives of 20,000 people.

GUATEMALA
The Republic of Guatemala, the northernmost of the Central American Republics, covers an area of 108,899 sq. km. It borders in the north and west with Mexico, in the east with Belize, in the south and southeast - with El Salvador and Honduras. In the east, Guatemala has a narrow outlet to the Caribbean Sea, where one of the main ports of the Caribbean coast in Central America, Puerto Barrios, is located; The southern coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean for 240 km.

Guatemala. The capital is Guatemala. Population - 11.8 million people (1998). Urban population - 44%, rural - 56%. The population density is 281 people per 1 sq. km. km. Area - 108,889 sq. km. The highest point is Tahumulco volcano (4220 m). Main languages: Spanish (official), Quiché, Kaqchikel, Mame, Qekchi. The dominant religion is Catholicism. Administrative-territorial division - 22 departments. Monetary unit: quetzal = 100 centavos. National holiday: Independence Day - 15 September. National anthem: "Oh happy Guatemala"

Guatemala has approx. 32% of the total population of Central America, and the capital of the country is the city of Guatemala with a population of 1.2 million people (according to 1995), located in the mountains at an altitude of approx. 1500 m above sea level - the largest city on the isthmus. The capital plays a leading role in all areas of the country's life. The second largest city is Quetzaltenango (88 thousand).
natural conditions. Relief. On the territory of Guatemala, three physical and geographical regions are distinguished: the lowlands of the Pacific coast, the highlands of the southern and central parts of the country, and the Peten Plain in the north. A lowland adjoins the Pacific coast, reaching a width of approx. 50 km near the border with Mexico and gradually narrowing to the southeast, towards the border with El Salvador. The highlands occupies more than half of the country's territory and continues to the northwest, within Mexico, and to the southeast, into the territory of El Salvador and Honduras. The height of the surface above sea level is mostly from 1000 to 2400 m, with individual volcanic peaks over 3700 m high. Geologically, this area corresponds to outcrops of ancient crystalline rocks, forming ridges of latitudinal strike with sharp ridges and steep slopes; they are dissected by deeply incised river valleys opening eastward towards the Caribbean Sea. In the south-west of the highlands, separating it from the coastal lowland, the Sierra Madre ridge rises, on the ancient base of which numerous cones of young volcanoes are superimposed, including the highest mountain in Central America, the Tajumulco volcano (4217 m). The crystalline rocks here are overlain by a thick cover of lavas and volcanic ash. Irregular-shaped depressions nestled among the volcanoes, one of which contains the lake. Atitlan. From the slope of the highlands, facing southwest, short turbulent rivers flow down into the Pacific Ocean, but most of the mountainous area is drained by rivers belonging to the Caribbean Sea: Sarstun and Motagua, as well as tributaries of the Polochik River, which flows into Lake. Izabal, connected by a wide navigable channel with the Amatic Bay of the Caribbean Sea. In the middle and lower reaches, the valleys of these rivers have a wide and flat, well-moistened bottom, bounded by long and narrow spurs of mountains. The north of the territory of Guatemala is occupied by the Peten Plain (absolute heights 150-210 m), composed of limestones. Its surface is dotted with typical karst forms - rounded funnels and dips. Many rivers get lost in these funnels, continuing their way to the sea in underground cavities and caves. The entire Petén Plain is covered with dense rainforest.
Climate and natural vegetation. The climate of Guatemala is tropical, and its characteristics depend on the height of the area and its accessibility to humid trade winds blowing inland from the Caribbean Sea. The coastal lowlands are characterized by the hottest and most humid climate, with average daily temperatures of approx. 27 ° C. The most abundant precipitation falls on the Caribbean coast and the slopes of the mountains facing it, as well as on the Peten plain (1500-2500 mm per year). The lowland and the lower parts of the slopes are covered with high-stemmed tropical rainforest, with closed crowns and almost no undergrowth; in some places it is interrupted by patches of savannah, and xerophytic light forests are developed in places on the exceptionally porous calcareous soils of the plain. Palm trees grow in abundance on the Caribbean coast. On the low Pacific coast, precipitation is brought mainly by the summer southwest monsoons. Short-term but heavy showers fall from May to October, winters are dry here. This precipitation regime determines the predominance of grass savannahs with ribbon forests along the riverbeds. Dense semi-deciduous forests grow in the foothills. Temperatures in the mountains are lower than in the lowlands, and their seasonal fluctuations are insignificant. For example, in Guatemala, the average July temperature is 19 ° C, and the average December temperature is 16 ° C. Seasonal differences are determined not so much by temperature fluctuations as by the precipitation regime, most of which falls from May to October. For example, in the capital, where the annual amount is 1320 mm, 1240 mm falls in the summer. Oak forests grow in the middle belt of mountains; above 2100 m they give way to pine, and from 3000 m, where low temperatures prevent the growth of trees, alpine meadows begin. In the forests of Guatemala, there are many valuable tree species, including cedrela, dalbergia (rosewood), cypress, acajou (mahogany) and logwood, which provides a valuable dye. Lianas, epiphytes, orchids and other plants with bright decorative flowers, including trees and shrubs, are abundant.
Animal world. On the sparsely populated lowlands, deer, wild pigs, iguanas and snakes, including poisonous ones, are found. In the mountains, most of the large animals have been exterminated for meat; a few squirrels and other rodents, kinkajou, foxes, and coyotes have survived. The avifauna is rich and diverse. Here are described approx. 2000 species of birds, of which approx. 200 migratory species originating from North America. Many tropical birds with bright plumage, including various types of parrots. Quetzal, a rare bird with bright green feathers and a long tail, is especially loved by the Guatemalans. The quetzal has become a national symbol; he is depicted on the state emblem and flag of the country, and the monetary unit of Guatemala is named after him.
population and society. Demographics and ethnic composition. In the second half of the 20th century Guatemala is distinguished by a high natural population growth - approx. 3% per year. In the 1990s, the population growth rate began to decline slightly and in 1998 reached 2.7%. In the second half of the 1990s, about three-fifths of the population lived in rural areas. The country's capital, Guatemala, has been the largest urban center in Central America since independence. Its population, which in 1995 was approx. 1.2 million people, has been growing rapidly in recent decades and is expected to reach 1.4 million people by the year 2000 (more than 2 million with suburbs). Of the other cities, Quetzaltenango deserves mention, the center of coffee production, located in the west of the highlands; Puerto Barrios, the main port of the country on the Caribbean Sea; Escuintla, on the lowlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean, another city in the mountains, Mazatenango; finally, the old capital of the country - Antigua Guatemala (or Antigua), where the lifestyle is still largely reminiscent of the colonial. Each of these cities is the capital of the department, and all of them, except for the city of Puerto Barrios, have existed since the days of Spanish colonial rule. Puerto Barrios has grown in importance with the growth of coffee and banana exports; its development was particularly facilitated by the activities of the United Fruit Company. Another port, Santo Tomas de Castilla, was built in recent decades near Puerto Barrios on the site of an old port that was used during the colonial era; the government pays great attention to the development of this port as an alternative to the current port of Puerto Barrios. The most densely populated are the intermountain basins, especially around the cities of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Antigua Guatemala, as well as the Caribbean coast in the Puerto Barrios region and some parts of the Pacific coast. The lowest population density is observed in the north of the country, in the department of Peten. The total population of Guatemala in 1998 was estimated at 11.8 million people, and by 2000 it will exceed 12.6 million. More than half are Indians, descendants of the ancient Maya, the rest are mainly Spanish-speaking mestizos - Ladino, descendants of Spaniards and Indians. The share of the white population, mainly of Spanish origin, is small, except for the ruling classes. Blacks live along the Caribbean coast. Ladino play a major role in the life of the country, both in the cities and in the countryside. Their environment is dominated by Spanish customs, although somewhat modified under the influence of the Indians. Outside the cities, the bulk of the Ladino is concentrated in the east of the country and on the Pacific coast. Most Indians live in the southwest of the country and in the central highlands. They still retain many Mayan customs, although their way of life is gradually changing. Roads connect with the outside world their settlements, once completely isolated; young people are drafted into the army, and many Indian families are forced to leave their homes in search of work. Although an increasing number of Indians speak Spanish, 24 different Maya languages are still spoken in the country, mainly Quiche, Quekchi and Mame. The Mountain Indians usually live a semi-subsistence economy on farms that are privately or communally owned. Most of the plots are so small that they cannot feed a family, and some Indians additionally rent land or work on large farms as sharecroppers. Even more often they are hired on the plantations of the Pacific coast. More than half a million Indians descend from the mountains each year to the coast, where they work on the plantations, picking coffee, cotton or sugar cane.
Religion. The vast majority of Guatemalans are Catholic, at least nominally, but the influence of Protestant missionaries has grown markedly in the years since World War II. The Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Mormon churches are firmly established in the country, but evangelical Protestant fundamentalist groups, whose leaders are mostly Indian or Ladino, enjoy the greatest influence. The total number of Protestants is approx. 30% of the country's population. Most of them belong to the poorest strata, but gradually Protestants appear in the middle and upper classes; Protestants were two presidents - Efrain Rios Montt and Jorge Serrano. Evangelicals mostly try to stay out of politics or support conservative political groups. Catholic missionaries are also quite active; many of them adhere to progressive views, sharing the principles of the so-called "liberation theology". In Indian communities, ancient religious beliefs are still strong, often combined with Christianity.
Labor movement. The first labor legislation in the country was adopted in the period 1944-1954, along with other democratic reforms. These laws established a minimum wage, an 8-hour day, and provided for welfare measures. After the military coup of 1954, these reforms were canceled and trade union activity was suppressed. New laws issued in 1961 prohibited the formation of peasant unions and outlawed strikes. After 1985 trade unions again began to openly participate in the life of the country. Most of the country's trade union organizations are united in the National Trade Union Front. The National Confederation of Trade Unions has 24,000 members. A coalition of trade unions and peasant organizations, the Union of People's Action, is showing great activity. See below
GUATEMALA. POLITICAL SYSTEM
GUATEMALA. ECONOMY
GUATEMALA. CULTURE
GUATEMALA. STORY
LITERATURE

Diaz Rossotto H. The nature of the Guatemalan revolution. M., 1962 History of Latin America, vol. 1. M., 1991; v. 2. M., 1993 Guatemala in the modern world. - Latin America, 1997, No. 7

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "GUATEMALA" is in other dictionaries:

1) Republic of Guatemala, state in the Center. America. Named after the city of Guatemala. The name is derived from Aztec. Guauhtemallan is a forested place. 2) the capital of the Republic of Guatemala. The city was founded in 1524 under the name of Santiago (Saint Iago). ... ... Geographic Encyclopedia

GUATEMALA- the capital and largest city of Guatemala is located on a plateau in the southern part of the country. The population of the city is about 946,000 inhabitants. The capital of the country was founded in 1524 under the name of Santiago. The city was later renamed. Guatemala main ... ... Cities and countries

Republic of Guatemala (República de Guatemala), a state in Central America. 108.9 thousand km2. The population is 10.9 million people (1996), mostly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizos) and Indians. Urban population 35% (1994). Official language … … encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Republic of Guatemala), a state in Central America, bordering the Pacific Ocean. The area is 108.9 thousand km2. The population is 9.4 million people, Guatemalans (mostly Spanish Indian mestizos and various Indian peoples). The official language is Spanish. ... ... Modern Encyclopedia

Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala), a state in the Center. America. 108.9 thousand km². population 9.7 million people (1988), mostly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizos) and Indians. Urban population 38.4% (1993). Official language… … Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Guatemala- GUATEMALA, Republic in the Center. America; area 109.860 sq. ver.; borders on h. and s. with Mexico, on c. with Brit. Honduras and Honduras Bay., to the south. V. and yu. with the republics of Honduras and S. El Salvador, to the south. h. s Quiet. ocean. Shore. line … Military Encyclopedia

- (Guatemala), the Republic of Guatemala, a state in Central America. On the territory of Guatemala in the III-IX centuries. experienced the dawn of Mayan art. In its main centers, Kaminalguyu, Quirigua, Tikal, temples were built on pyramidal or ... ... Art Encyclopedia

La Nueva (Guatemala); otherwise Sant Yago de Guatemala is the capital of the Republic of Guatemala, at an altitude of 4961 f. Her houses are one-story, as earthquakes are frequent here. Former Palace of the Viceroys; 60 wealthy churches, a university, a theatre, a bullring,… … Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Guatemala is a country of opposites: a rich history and a successful future, restless volcanoes and tropical rainforests, sandy beaches and endless coffee plantations.

This state of Central America in the north borders on Mexico and Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Guatemala is washed by the waters of two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic.

The capital of the Republic - Guatemala City - is the largest urban agglomeration in Central America. It is located along mountain ranges on a picturesque plateau and has the typical attributes of Latin American cities: bright buses and chaotic markets, which emphasizes the majesty of the buildings of the Mayan civilization. Previously, Antigua was the capital of the republic, but in 1776 the city was badly damaged by an earthquake. Despite the fact that the capital was moved to its present site, called Guatemala, Antigua occupies a significant place in the history of both Americas as one of the most important cities of the Mayan people. The city was built at the foot of three volcanoes - Agua, Feugo and Acatenango, which majestically rise above the colonial buildings that keep the mystical history of the Mayan civilization.

Capital	Guatemala
Population	14 million 700 thousand people (2011)

Population density	119 people/km²
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	presidential republic
	Quetzal (GTQ code 320)
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	American parameters, mains voltage 120 V, frequency - 60 Hz

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala can be called mild, but it should be noted that the temperature depends on the height above sea level. The difference between the seasons: winter (May-October) and summer (November-April) is manifested exclusively in the amount of precipitation and temperature at night. The hottest and sunniest months are February, March, April and May. The period from May to October receives the most rainfall.

The Pacific coast of Guatemala has a hot tropical climate. The temperature during the day in May-June is about +32 °С, at night - +23 °С. During the day in December, the thermometer can reach +27 ° С.

On the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the temperature during the day throughout the year is in the range from + 31 ... + 33 ° С, at night - about + 23 ° С. During the rainy season, it remains the same high. Predominant amount of precipitation falls on this part of the republic.

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to May.

Nature

Two-thirds of the territory of Guatemala is located on the medium-high and high mountain ranges of the Cordillera system. Two mountain ranges - Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre - cross the country, starting on its northern side and ending on its southern side. There are 33 volcanoes in this picturesque area, some of them are active to this day and their height reaches 3800 m. Tahumulco volcano with a height of 4211 meters is the highest point in the country.

The west and south of Guatemala are located on the Pacific coastal lowland, namely, a flat plain pierced by many rivers that carry crystal clear water from the mountain ranges.

Most of the country's population lives in the intermountain basins between the Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre ranges. Around Lake Atitlan lies the largest of them, on the southeastern side of which is the capital of the country - the city of Guatemala. Plantations of bananas, cereals and cocoa almost entirely occupied the basins themselves, but the adjacent mountain slopes were dotted with pine and cedar forests.

Attractions

Guatemala is worth a visit to see with your own eyes how the centuries-old history of the ancient Maya tribes and the promising future of their descendants can be organically combined. This beautiful place in Central America is simply filled with legendary buildings.

The capital of the country is an architectural eclecticism: glass skyscrapers rise above the old majestic mansions, and wide and noisy city shopping streets cross narrow streets where locals drink strong aromatic coffee.

The city is located in a picturesque area surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and endless plantations, which can be seen from a bird's eye view if you take a helicopter tour, costing about $ 900 for five passengers.

The cities of Tigal and Antigua are favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world thanks to the Mayan civilization. On the territory of cities, a large number of pyramids, palaces and temples of the ancient Indians have survived to the present.

The city of Quetzaltenango is widely known for its healing hot springs and handmade souvenirs. The town of Santa Lucia-Cotzumalguapa will gladly open the pages of the history of America before its discovery by Columbus. If you have always dreamed of riding a snow-white yacht or a wooden fishing boat, then you need to visit Livingston in the northeast of Guatemala, where boat trips are held.

Nutrition

Neighboring countries - Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador - have similar traditions to Guatemala cuisine, but the latter is considered simpler and rougher. It is impossible not to notice here the influence of Indian and Spanish culinary traditions, mixed with each other due to the rich history of the country. The main ingredients of traditional dishes are maize, fried meat (mainly chicken), beans and rice. Combinations and their ratio are different, but the dishes always contain a large amount of herbs and spices. Many recipes of national dishes have been preserved since Mayan times.

Coffee is Guatemala's staple drink and a top-notch export. You can feel the aroma of good black coffee even in the most remote corners of the country - Guatemalans prefer a weak drink, but they drink it very often (up to 20 cups a day). Tea is consumed much less; among the favorite varieties, the most popular is the traditional Latin American “mate”. Fruit juices are present in great abundance, as various tropical fruits are grown in the country.

Accommodation

Hotels in Guatemala have their own "zest": original architecture. All of them are different, some can be compared with an ethnographic village, the other with a Spanish castle. But they also have something in common - excellent European-level service.

The room must be booked in advance. Resort hotels on the coast are reminiscent of hotels from the movies: fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, sun loungers and palm trees.

Most hotels provide an included breakfast buffet. The staff speaks Spanish and English.

If you want to feel the full flavor of the local culture, you should stay in a “guesthouse”: full board is offered here, and the owners, for a fee, will help you explore the surroundings and tell ancient legends.

Entertainment and recreation

There are more than ten national parks and reserves in Guatemala, their flora and fauna are very diverse. Also here is the deepest lake in Central America - Atitlán. The descendants of the Mayan tribe live right at the foot of the volcanoes in the vicinity of the lake.

Monterico is the most popular beach in Guatemala, it stretches along the Pacific coast and is an ideal place for lovers of swimming and sunbathing on volcanic sand.

The country has a huge number of different festive events. Each village or city has its own patron saint, whose day is usually celebrated on a grand scale, musical performances and church services are replaced by festive processions and fireworks. Traditional Guatemalan clothing and local life can be observed when visiting Sunday markets in Chichicastenango and nearby towns.

For those who prefer active holidays to sunny sandy beaches, there are plenty of ways to spend time: hiking in ancient cities, climbing volcanoes, surfing, rafting, diving and other joys await adrenaline lovers in Guatemala.

Purchases

The best souvenirs for yourself and loved ones can be goods and folk art products of the indigenous population of Guatemala, which include self-woven clothing and Indian calendars, knitwear, semi-precious stones, wood products, ritual attributes of the Mayan civilization and much more.

Mostly all handicrafts can be purchased in the markets of the city, where the price for them can be brought down by almost a third, after a little haggling. The streets of the country's cities are literally strewn with souvenir shops, where you can find many products with images of the quetzal bird, which is a national symbol. If we talk about products used by tourists as "gifts" for loved ones, then it must be said about chocolate and coffee, it should be noted that even a small shop can offer a large selection of them.

Transport

Urban public transport in Guatemala is a small number of old school buses from the USA. The conductor is the "main" person in such a bus, since it is his duty to report the route of movement, leaning out of the open door and shouting out the necessary information. And this happens because of the illiteracy of most of the locals. The conductor also performs the functions of turn signals and brake lights. Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is possible even at intersections and bridges, the fare is inexpensive. It is more pleasant and much safer (however, more expensive) to travel with the help of tourist shuttles: they move between the main cities, call at the hotel and bring back. The seats there are only seated and have a good level of comfort. There is a taxi, the price for trips in it must be discussed before boarding. The only transport by which you can get to some national parks is an ordinary boat.

Connection

The Internet and cellular communications are actively developing in Guatemala. In the capital and the main tourist cities of the country, there are a huge number of Internet cafes. Wireless networks are available at the airport and several hotels. Mobile communication of the GSM 800/1900 standard is rapidly expanding. In order to make an international telephone call, you can use the services of post offices, where there are call centers.

Telephone communication within the country is carried out using pay phones, which are present in abundance on the streets of the city.

Safety

In Guatemala, as in any country, there is crime, but at present, the organization of tourist safety has increased significantly. In places frequented by visitors, a fairly large number of police officers are responsible for order, but thefts by pickpockets and attacks to take foreigners' money are frequent. In this regard, you should not leave the hotels in the evening and at night, as well as walk around the city alone.

Only first aid is provided free of charge, while full medical care for foreign citizens is provided exclusively by private medical centers and its scope is provided for by the available insurance documents.

Business climate

Guatemala has a very close connection with the history of the Maya civilization. Every year, archaeologists find new artifacts that allow us to slightly open the door to the past of this people. The authorities of the country hold specialized exhibitions and conferences dedicated to the history of the Mayan Indians, which gather not only professionals in the scientific field, but also attract a huge number of tourists.

It is important to note the significance for the country's tourism of the opening of the Ancient Mayan city of Samabah, scheduled for December 2012. Particular attention to this event is riveted because the city is located at the depth of Lake Atitlan, under the water column.

Real estate

A feature of the Guatemalan real estate market is its openness to investors. It should be noted that this direction can be called promising due to the annual increase in the number of tourists in the country. On average, the cost of one square meter varies from one to one and a half thousand dollars, although the location of the object of purchase / sale significantly affects the final price. A foreigner is presented with the opportunity to freely buy and sell real estate in Guatemala, with the exception of plots on the border of the state, river and ocean coasts.

When buying or selling real estate, foreigners must pay the prescribed taxes and adhere to the laws of the country when making a transaction. According to the law of Guatemala, a foreign person can be the owner of real estate, regardless of his migration status.

If you have decided to visit Guatemala, have already chosen a tour operator and are packing your bags with genuine trepidation, you should take a couple of minutes for tips that will allow you to enjoy your trip:

The import of foreign currency into the country is not limited, but it will need to be registered in the tax return.

You can pay for souvenirs and goods using local currency and US dollars.

Bargaining is welcomed in all markets and in all small shops, with the exception of large shopping centers.

In restaurants and cafes, tips are left - about 10% of the order amount.

To use electrical appliances, you will need adapters and adapters, since the mains voltage is 120 V.

To make an international call, use the dialing code 502 (country) and the area code (the code for Guatemala City is 2).

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling, check if the model supports the 1800 range.

Visa information

Beginning travelers need to know: Guatemala is part of the countries participating in the agreement on a common visa area with countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. This means that if you have a visa to at least one of the listed countries, you can safely visit each of them.

On average, the period for obtaining a visa to Guatemala takes from 5 to 7 working days. The duration of stay in the country on a visa should not exceed 90 days. Otherwise, obtaining a visa occurs according to the standard scenario for processing and submitting documents to the embassy or travel agency, and, of course, the waiting time.

Embassy of Guatemala in Moscow can be found at: st. Cow Val, 7, entrance 4, office. 92. Phone: (+7 495) 238-2214.

Guatemala- I Republic of Guatemala (República de Guatemala), a state in Central America. 108.9 thousand km2. The population is 10.9 million people (1996), mostly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizos) and Indians. Urban population 35% (1994). Official language … … encyclopedic Dictionary

GUATEMALA- (Republic of Guatemala), a state in Central America, bordering the Pacific Ocean. The area is 108.9 thousand km2. The population is 9.4 million people, Guatemalans (mostly Spanish Indian mestizos and various Indian peoples). The official language is Spanish. ... ... Modern Encyclopedia

GUATEMALA- The Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala), a state in the Center. America. 108.9 thousand km². population 9.7 million people (1988), mostly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizos) and Indians. Urban population 38.4% (1993). Official language… … Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Guatemala- (Guatemala), the Republic of Guatemala, a state in Central America. On the territory of Guatemala in the III-IX centuries. experienced the dawn of Mayan art. In its main centers, Kaminalguyu, Quirigua, Tikal, temples were built on pyramidal or ... ... Art Encyclopedia

Guatemala- La Nueva (Guatemala); otherwise Sant Yago de Guatemala is the capital of the Republic of Guatemala, at an altitude of 4961 f. Her houses are one-story, as earthquakes are frequent here. Former Palace of the Viceroys; 60 wealthy churches, a university, a theatre, a bullring,… … Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

GUATEMALA- (Guatemala), Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala), state in the Center. America. Pl. 109 tons km2. Us. 7.7 million hours (1982). The capital of Guatemala (over 1 million women, 1981). Until independence was declared in 1821, a colony of Spain. G. agr. a country. Before… … Demographic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Guatemala- n., number of synonyms: 2 capital (274) country (281) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

Guatemala- (Guatemala), state in the Center. America. The majority of the population are descendants of the Maya Indians. In 1821, the independence of G. from Spain was proclaimed, the next year it became part of the short-lived Mexican Empire, headed by Agustin de Itur ... ... The World History

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Guatemala. Before the Imperative of Change, The `Summit` series is a special genre. Its task is to briefly characterize the modern image of the country in question, to show its significance in the context of international relations of the Russian Federation, to outline ... Category: Ethnography Series: GSL Library Publisher: , Manufacturer: , Buy for 490 UAH (Ukraine only)
Guatemala Facing the Imperative of Change, The Summit series is a special genre. Its task is to briefly characterize the modern appearance of the country in question, show its significance in the context of international relations of the Russian Federation, outline ... Category:

In little Guatemala, a lot of things that tourists like are brought together - monuments of ancient civilizations, pyramids and Mayan acropolises, mountain ranges and volcanoes, mountain rivers and lakes, centuries-old majestic forests, hot springs and wide beaches. We fully agree with the Spaniards who called Guatemala the "Land of Eternal Spring".

Geography

Guatemala is located in Central America. Guatemala borders Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. In the southwest, the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. Total area - 108,890 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,687 km.

Two mountain ranges cross Guatemala from west to east, and divide it into three parts - the highlands, the Pacific coast (south of the mountains) and the Peten plateau (north of the mountains). In general, more than 50% of the country is located on the territory of the Cordillera mountain system. The largest local peak is the Tahumulco volcano, whose height reaches 4,220 meters. In general, in this Central American state there are more than 30 volcanoes, and among them there are active ones (for example, the Fuego and Santa Maria volcanoes).

Earthquakes rarely occur in Guatemala. Some of them are very destructive (the last strong earthquake was registered in 1976).

The longest rivers are Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Capital

Guatemala is the capital of the State of Guatemala. More than 1.1 million people now live in the city. Archaeologists say that on the territory of modern Guatemala, there once existed a Mayan city called Kaminaljuyu.

Official language

Guatemala has one official language - Spanish.

Religion

50-60% of the population are Catholics, about 40% are Protestants, and 3% are Orthodox Christians.

State structure

Under the current Constitution of 1985, Guatemala is a presidential republic in which the President is both head of state and head of government.

The unicameral parliament is called the Congress of the Republic, it consists of 158 deputies elected for 4 years.

The main political parties are the Patriot Party, the National Union of Hope, the Union for Nationalist Change and Democratic Freedom.

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala is tropical, strongly influenced by oceans and mountains. In coastal areas, the air temperature during the day reaches +40C, and at night it never drops below +20C. In the Antigua-Guatemala region, the climate is temperate all year round; not very hot.

The dry season is from October to early May, and the rainy season is from late May to late September. However, "rainy season" does not mean that it rains all day. Rains, as a rule, go in the afternoon for 1-2 hours, and then at night. The sun shines brightly in the morning and in the afternoon. It is very rare that it rains all day.

You can relax in Guatemala all year round, even in the so-called. "rain season". The fact is that the most interesting and grandiose local festivals and holidays fall on the “rainy season”.

Seas

In the southwest, Guatemala is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. The total length of the coastline is 400 km. During the rainy season, the water off the coast remains warm, but visibility is limited. Therefore, the best time for a beach holiday in Guatemala is from December to May, when the water is clear and warm.

Rivers and lakes

Among the longest rivers flowing through the territory of Guatemala, the following should be mentioned: Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Tourists are also interested in the Guatemalan lakes located in the mountains - Izabal, Atitlan, Guija and Peten Itza. Many of them are considered excellent vacation spots.

culture

The culture of Guatemala is impossible to imagine without festivals. Almost every village has its own holidays. However, more than 60 festivals are celebrated at the national level. The most popular of them are Santa Eulalia (February), Holy Week (March), Santa Cruz La Laguna (May), Almolonga (June), Santiago Atitlán (July), Joyabaj (August), San Mateo Ixtatan (September), Panajachel ( October), Nahualà (November) and Chichicastenango (December).

Kitchen

The cuisine of Guatemala has its origins in the culinary traditions of the Mayan Indians. In the future, the inhabitants of this country adopted many dishes from the Spanish conquistadors. The main local food products are corn, beans, rice, cheese, less often meat (chicken). Many Guatemalan dishes are similar to those in neighboring Mexico.

Tourists are recommended to try the following Guatemalan dishes: "Chiles rellenos" (chili peppers stuffed with rice, cheese, meat and vegetables), "Chicken Pepian" (chicken with spicy pumpkin and sesame sauce), "Kak'ik" (Mayan soup with turkey with spices), Spiced mango (sliced green mango with chili and Om lime), Nachos, Flan (caramel cream) and more.

Traditional soft drinks are coffee, mate tea and fruit juices. Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum and wine.

Attractions

Around the 2nd century AD. in South America, the Mayan civilization formed, which also occupied the entire territory of modern Guatemala. In Guatemala, tourists can see not only individual historical monuments of the Maya Indians, but also their entire cities, excavated by archaeologists. One such Mayan city (called Samabah) was discovered at the bottom of Lake Atitlan.

By the way, under the protection of UNESCO there are three Guatemalan historical and cultural sites - the city of Antigua Guatemala, Tikal National Park, as well as the Quirigua Ruins complex.

Unfortunately, the ancient Mayan city of Piedras Negras is on the verge of destruction. This city was once the capital of one of the kingdoms of the local Indians.

However, the sights of Guatemala are not limited to the Indian monuments of the pre-Columbian era. In this country there are a lot of beautiful medieval Catholic churches, monasteries, forts and fortresses that were built by immigrants from Spain. So, you should pay attention to the fortress of San Felipe, founded in the XVI century.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla and Guatemala.

Along the entire coast of Guatemala (Pacific and Caribbean) there are small towns that are now developing very quickly as beach resorts. On the Caribbean coast, Punta de Palma and Livingston beaches are popular with locals and tourists. However, most of the beach resorts are located on the Pacific coast, among them are Tilapa, Monterrico, Zipacate, Las Lisas and San Jose. Residents of the city of Guatemala, for example, prefer to relax in the resort of Monterrico, whose beaches consist of volcanic black sand. By the way, four species of sea turtles are found in the vicinity of Monterrico.

Souvenirs/Shopping

From Guatemala, tourists bring handicrafts (including ceramics), wooden boxes, bedspreads, blankets, necklaces, traditional women's Guatemalan blouses, skirts, colorful scarves, belts, coffee, sweets.