Geography
Where is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is located in Central America and is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast.
What is the highest mountain in Guatemala?
Tajumulco, reaching 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) above sea level.
How many active volcanoes are there in Guatemala?
33, the highest number in Central America.
Which lake in Guatemala is considered one of the deepest in the world?
Lake Atitlán, reaching a depth of 340 meters (1,115 feet).
What is the name of the longest river in Guatemala?
The Motagua River, flowing for 483 kilometers (300 miles).
Guatemala shares its land borders with how many countries?
Two: Mexico to the north and Belize to the east.
History and Culture
Which ancient civilization built the famous city of Tikal?
The Mayans, specifically the Maya Classic period.
What percentage of the Guatemalan population identifies as Mayan?
Approximately 43% of the population has Mayan ancestry.
What is the official language of Guatemala?
Spanish, although 23 Mayan languages are also recognized.
What is the traditional currency of Guatemala?
The Guatemalan quetzal, named after the national bird.
What is the most popular traditional dish in Guatemala?
Tamales, often filled with meat, vegetables, or both.
Nature and Wildlife
Guatemala is home to how many distinct bird species?
Over 750 species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, but what is its unique characteristic?
The male quetzal has a long, iridescent green tail that can reach up to three times its body length.
Which natural wonder in Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Río Dulce National Park, known for its lush rainforest, rivers, and limestone caves.
The Mayan Biosphere Reserve protects a significant portion of what type of forest?
The Petén jungle, one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in the Americas.
What threatened mammal can be found in the cloud forests of Guatemala?
The Guatemalan spider monkey, with its distinctive black hands and feet.
Fun Facts
Guatemala City has a nickname – what is it?
“La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción” (The New Guatemala of the Assumption).
Guatemala’s national anthem is titled “Himno Nacional de Guatemala,” but what is its nickname?
“Guatemala Feliz” (Happy Guatemala).
A traditional greeting in Guatemala is a kiss on the cheek, but how many times?
It depends on the region, but typically three kisses on alternating cheeks.
The national sport of Guatemala is not what you might expect – what is it?
Football (soccer), not baseball or basketball!
Guatemala celebrates a unique holiday called “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). When is it held?
November 1 and 2, with colorful parades, cemeteries decorated with flowers, and families honoring their deceased loved ones.
What is the name of the largest market in Guatemala, known for its textiles and handicrafts?
The Chichicastenango Market is the largest market in Guatemala, famed for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional Mayan textiles, and diverse handicrafts.
What type of vibrant fabric is traditionally woven by Mayan women in Guatemala?
Ikat fabric is the most recognizable type of vibrant fabric woven by Mayan women in Guatemala. It features intricate geometric patterns created through a resist dyeing technique.
What is the name of the traditional instrument often played during Guatemalan celebrations?
The marimba is the quintessential Guatemalan instrument, a wooden xylophone played with mallets, often featuring in festive parades and celebrations.
What is the popular sport known as “juego de pelota” that has roots in ancient Mayan civilization?
Pelota is the name for the ancient Mesoamerican ball game, played for ritual and ceremonial purposes, with roots dating back to the Olmecs and Maya civilizations.
Which Guatemalan city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and colorful houses?
Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrantly painted houses.
What type of coffee bean is grown in Guatemala and appreciated for its smooth flavor?
Arabica beans are the primary type of coffee grown in Guatemala, known for their smooth, well-balanced flavor and complex aroma, often with notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus.
What is the traditional marimba dance performed in Guatemala?
The Son de la Chabela is a traditional marimba dance in Guatemala, known for its lively tempo, playful steps, and colorful costumes, often worn by couples during celebratory events.
What does the phrase “¡Buen provecho!” mean in Guatemalan Spanish?
“¡Buen provecho!” is a common Guatemalan Spanish phrase used before or after a meal, roughly translating to "Enjoy your meal!" or "Bon appétit!" in English.
What is the name of the traditional kite festival held in Santiago Sacatepéquez?
The Giant Kite Festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez is a celebrated tradition, where massive, elaborately decorated kites are flown in honor of the Holy Cross, drawing crowds from across Guatemala.