All About Guatemala

Written by: Natalie Yao

Geography and Nature

Located in Central America, Guatemala is a small country that has a land area of about 20 thousand square miles. The nation borders four countries, which are Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. Guatemala also touches two major oceans, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Along these two coasts are nice white sandy beaches. A key trait of the Guatemalan landscape are the mountain ranges that run across all of the land. One significant mountain range is the Cuchamatan Mountains. The highest peak in the country is a volcano called Tajumulco and it stands at a height of about 14 thousand feet. In fact, it is the highest peak in all of Central America! In the northern region, the mountain ranges have volcanoes that sometimes affect the large population of people that live right next to it, similar to many other people that live in Central America. Some major cities include its capital Guatemala City, Mixco, Villa Nueva, and Coban. 

The climate in Guatemala is very diverse as it has a mix of tropical and cool temperatures. For example, on the plains along the coast there are very hot temperatures year round but the temperatures in the mountains are colder. The country also gets large amounts of rain throughout the year, on the Caribbean coast. Guatemala also has tropical rain forests that are home to many different creatures. Such animals include jaguars, ocelots, quetzals, pumas, monkeys and anteaters.

People and Culture

In Guatemala, Spanish is the official language, but many people also speak Indigenous languages. Most Guatemalans have a mix of Spanish and Native American blood, and there are also small groups of Africans that live there. Additionally, about 50 percent of the population live in cities. 

Guatemalan cuisine is a mix of Mayan and Spanish food, and is known for being hearty. Common ingredients include corn, beans, meats, tropical fruits, and rice. 

Some popular dishes include:

• Tamales: masa filled with pork, chicken, or flowers, and is then wrapped in banana leaves

• Pepian: a spicy thick stew with roasted vegetables and spices in it

• Rellenitos: sweet fried plantains filled with bean puree and sugar

• Chiles Rellenos: stuffed peppers covered in egg and served with sauce

• Ayote en Mie: squash cooked in sweet syrup with ginger and cinnamon, served warm and cold

National Symbols

• National Flower: Monja Blanca (orchid)

• National Tree: Ceiba Tree

• National Bird: Quetzal

• National Instrument: the Marimba

• National Colors: Blue and White