Guatemala

Guatemala

LocationBasic FactsRepublica de Guatemala The main language is Spanish, plus 22 indigenous languages.Independence from Spain: September 15 1821, or July 25th 1850 depending on who you askCurrency is Quetzal 1 US Dollar=7.72 Quetzal

The full name of the country is the Republica de Guatemala. In addition to Spanish which is the main language spoken in Guatemala, there are also 22 indigenous languages. They gained there independence from Spain on September 15 1821, but Spain didnt recognize their independence until July 1850. The currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal

3National tree and national Flower

National bird and money inspiration

Tipical clothes

National musical instrument

Our places, Panajachel

Our history

Tikal became the greatest city in the Maya world with a population of perhaps 100,000.

The central part of the ancient city alone contains 3,000 buildings and covers about 16 square kilometers.

10Today Tikal is to Guatemala what the Great Pyramids are to Egypt, a national symbol and a source of pride in the past.

Archeologists discovered the tomb of Ah Cacau (Lord Chocolate), one of Tikal's greatest rulers, inside Temple I. Ah Cacau's skeleton was festooned with jade ornaments and surrounded by precious offerings.

From atop Tikal's pyramids, Maya astronomers tracked the movements of Venus and all the other visible planets.They used these calculations -- extremely accurate even by today's standards -- to fine tune their complex calendar.

Ancient Guatemala 1524

San Felipe Castle 1644

The Castillo de San Felipe was used by the Spanish for several centuries, during which time it was destroyed and looted several times by pirates.14Guatemala city

Current ConditionsAdult illiteracy rate: 26.8%Population not using improved water source: 4%Children underweight for age: 23%$ 1.25 a day: 11%$2 a day 24.3%National Poverty Line: 56.2%