The colors and symbols in Guatemala's flag have significance:
- Blue represents that the country is situated between two oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific.
- The white stripe symbolizes peace and purity
- The emblem in the middle, Resplendent Quetzal symbolizes liberty
- Bay Laurel crown represents victory
- Scroll symbolizes Central America's independence from Spain (15 September 1821)
- Crossed rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if needed
- The crossed swords symbolize honor
A Country Overview:
During the first millennium AD the Mayan civilization flourished. For three centuries, Guatemala was a Spanish Colony
and won its independence in 1821.
During the 2nd half of 20th Century the country experienced a 36 year guerrilla war. In 1996 the country signed and internal peace agreement.
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Location: Central America. Bordering countries: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador
Guatemala is a very tropical climate. It is home to some active volcanoes and is a very mountainous country.
Guatemala is home to about 7 active volcanoes. The volcano named Santa Maria was deemed a "Decade Volcano" due to its explosivity & proximity to human populations. Pacaya is probably Guatemala's most active volcano, with its last eruption in May of 2010. Pacaya's eruption caused many evacuations in Guatemala City.
Ethnicity/race: The country name "Guatemala" comes from the Mayan civilization that used to inhabit the area. Guatemala means "land of trees."
Descendants of original inhabitants still prefer to identify themselves by names of their specific language dialects, which reflect political divisions of the 16th century. The terms indio and natural have been replaced by Indigena. Persons of mixed or non-indigenous race may be called ladino. Garifuna describes the africans who immigrated to Guatemala; these people live mostly on the Atlantic Coast, and their culture more closely resembles that of other Caribbean nations than it does of Guatemala. The term chapin also denotes anyone from Guatemala. When travelling, Guatemalans describe themselves a Chapines. The most important cultural split is between the Ladinos and the Indigenas.
The official language or lenguaje of Guatemala is Spanish.
There are many ethnic groups present. The two largest are: Mestizo (those of mixed culture) and European, which make up about 60% of the population.
Male/Female Ratio: 1.05 males/females
Total population- 14, 647,083 people as of July 2014
Median age: 21
Mother's median age at birth: 20.5
Population growth rate: 1.86%
Life expectancy: 71.74 years
Literacy Rate: 75.9%
During the first millennium AD the Mayan civilization flourished. For three centuries, Guatemala was a Spanish Colony
and won its independence in 1821.
During the 2nd half of 20th Century the country experienced a 36 year guerrilla war. In 1996 the country signed and internal peace agreement.
.
Location: Central America. Bordering countries: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador
Guatemala is a very tropical climate. It is home to some active volcanoes and is a very mountainous country.
Guatemala is home to about 7 active volcanoes. The volcano named Santa Maria was deemed a "Decade Volcano" due to its explosivity & proximity to human populations. Pacaya is probably Guatemala's most active volcano, with its last eruption in May of 2010. Pacaya's eruption caused many evacuations in Guatemala City.
Ethnicity/race: The country name "Guatemala" comes from the Mayan civilization that used to inhabit the area. Guatemala means "land of trees."
Descendants of original inhabitants still prefer to identify themselves by names of their specific language dialects, which reflect political divisions of the 16th century. The terms indio and natural have been replaced by Indigena. Persons of mixed or non-indigenous race may be called ladino. Garifuna describes the africans who immigrated to Guatemala; these people live mostly on the Atlantic Coast, and their culture more closely resembles that of other Caribbean nations than it does of Guatemala. The term chapin also denotes anyone from Guatemala. When travelling, Guatemalans describe themselves a Chapines. The most important cultural split is between the Ladinos and the Indigenas.
The official language or lenguaje of Guatemala is Spanish.
There are many ethnic groups present. The two largest are: Mestizo (those of mixed culture) and European, which make up about 60% of the population.
Male/Female Ratio: 1.05 males/females
Total population- 14, 647,083 people as of July 2014
Median age: 21
Mother's median age at birth: 20.5
Population growth rate: 1.86%
Life expectancy: 71.74 years
Literacy Rate: 75.9%
Culture:
FOOD: Food is a big part of Guatemalan Culture. Daily food staples include corn, which is used to make tortillas for TAMALES. Beans, and rice are always staples; eaten with almost every meal.
People also eat chicken, pork, and beef. People who live in the coastal cities also eat a large degree of seafood and shellfish. The country is known for its fruits and vegetables including:
Avocado
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Onions
Carrots
Mango
Melon
Peaches
Pears
and a variety of other fruits
Guatemalans typically have three meals a day, with lunch being the biggest meal. It was always tradition for all the stores to close at noon, so everyone could enjoy going home for lunch, but due to increased traffic patterns, recent changes are being brought to this custom.
CEREMONIES:
Guatemala is a predominantly Catholic country, therefore, the Roman Catholic Church dictates almost all of the holidays, even for those who are not religious. Christmastime, including Advent, as well as Easter are major holidays in Guatemala. The patron saints of each village and town are also honored on their respective days. Tamales are the most important ceremonial food. They are eaten at almost all parties, holidays and on weekends, especially Sundays, which are holy days.
There are many Protestants also living in Guatemala, though the country itself is predominantly Catholic. There is a small percentage of the population that still believe in Mayan culture
FOOD: Food is a big part of Guatemalan Culture. Daily food staples include corn, which is used to make tortillas for TAMALES. Beans, and rice are always staples; eaten with almost every meal.
People also eat chicken, pork, and beef. People who live in the coastal cities also eat a large degree of seafood and shellfish. The country is known for its fruits and vegetables including:
Avocado
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Onions
Carrots
Mango
Melon
Peaches
Pears
and a variety of other fruits
Guatemalans typically have three meals a day, with lunch being the biggest meal. It was always tradition for all the stores to close at noon, so everyone could enjoy going home for lunch, but due to increased traffic patterns, recent changes are being brought to this custom.
CEREMONIES:
Guatemala is a predominantly Catholic country, therefore, the Roman Catholic Church dictates almost all of the holidays, even for those who are not religious. Christmastime, including Advent, as well as Easter are major holidays in Guatemala. The patron saints of each village and town are also honored on their respective days. Tamales are the most important ceremonial food. They are eaten at almost all parties, holidays and on weekends, especially Sundays, which are holy days.
There are many Protestants also living in Guatemala, though the country itself is predominantly Catholic. There is a small percentage of the population that still believe in Mayan culture
Guatemala declared their independence from Spain on 15 September 1821
Severe repression and violence during the late 1970s and 1980s was followed by a Mayan revitalization movement that has gained strength since the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996. While Mayan languages, dress, and religious practices have been reintroduced or strengthened, acculturation to the national culture has continued. Today more Indians are becoming educated at all levels, including postgraduate university training. A few have become professionals in medicine, engineering, journalism, law, and social work. Population pressure has forced many others out of agriculture and into cottage industries, factory work, merchandising, teaching, clerical work, and various white-collar positions in the towns and cities. Ironically, after the long period of violence and forced enlistment, many now volunteer for the armed forces.
Severe repression and violence during the late 1970s and 1980s was followed by a Mayan revitalization movement that has gained strength since the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996. While Mayan languages, dress, and religious practices have been reintroduced or strengthened, acculturation to the national culture has continued. Today more Indians are becoming educated at all levels, including postgraduate university training. A few have become professionals in medicine, engineering, journalism, law, and social work. Population pressure has forced many others out of agriculture and into cottage industries, factory work, merchandising, teaching, clerical work, and various white-collar positions in the towns and cities. Ironically, after the long period of violence and forced enlistment, many now volunteer for the armed forces.
Sources: "Guatemala." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://www.everyculture.com
"Central America and the Caribbean: Guatemala." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 22 June 2014. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook>
"Central America and the Caribbean: Guatemala." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 22 June 2014. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook>