Map of Guatemala | Guatemala Flag Facts | Should I travel to Guatemala?

Guatemala. Physical vector map, colored according to elevation, with rivers and selected cities. Surrounding territory greyed out.
Guatemala. Physical vector map, colored according to elevation, with rivers and selected cities. Surrounding territory greyed out.
 

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The land of a historic nation with profoundly captivating architecture and natural views, Guatemala tends to be the top choice for international tourists among Central American countries. The colourful culture, mesmerizing lakes, volcanic peaks, lively forests, peaceful towns, the country has so much to quench your wanderlust. Make sure you have enough holidays to enjoy the fullest of Guatemala landmarks. In this article, we are going to bring on the table some interesting facts about Guatemala regarding its map and location, population, language, flag and enchanting sites. Stay tuned and be with us throughout this virtual journey.

Map of Guatemala

Where is Guatemala on the map?

Guatemala on the world map sits in Central America. The southwestern coastline hugs Pacific waves whereas the eastern islands connect with western bank of the Caribbean Sea. The country neighbours are Belize, Honduras and El Salvador in the northeast, east and southeast respectively. Mexico is towards the northwestern line and connected via a land border. A detailed map of Guatemala has been attached above to provide you with further insights. Geography of Guatemala comprises a rocky range, some volcanic landscapes, a limestone portion, and few fertile plains. The nation is enriched with active as well as extinct or dormant volcanoes. The last eruption recorded was in 2018 whose volcanic debris is still painted over some areas.

Guatemala population

According to the United Nations latest records, the present population of Guatemala is about 17,965,025 people. This proportion makes about 0.23% of the total global populace. Guatemala is the most populated country among Central American nations and placed at 66th position on the official list of countries (and dependencies) by population as propagated by the United Nations world statistics. 

Not only among countries, but Guatemala capital, i.e., Guatemala City is also the most populated among all cities of Central America. The land area stretches across 41,375 square miles with a population density of about 167 people per kilometre square. Around half of the total population resides in urban areas. Median age is 22.9 years. Annual percentage change in the last decade has changed from 2.24% in 2010 to 1.90% in 2020.

 The ethnic composition of the land includes two main groups, Mestizos and Mayans. These two groups further comprise several subcultures such as Quiche, Kekchi, etc. Mestizos dominate the country both in number and power. Roman Catholicism is so far prevailing Guatemala religion. Apart from the usual cultural signs, Guatemalan food is also well renowned.

Guatemala major languages spoken

Guatemala has a great diversity of languages from Spanish being the official and most spoken language to almost 23 native tongues. The indigenous languages consist of 21 Mayan tongues and two others, Garifuna and Xinca. People speak them in various regions of Guatemala.

Guatemala Flag Facts

Guatemala Flag
Guatemala Flag

Flag of Guatemala is simple as well as creative. With 5:8 width to length proportion, it consists of three vertical stripes, a central white band sandwiched between two sky blue stripes. The white band bears a national coat of arms in its central spot. The coat of arms on Guatemala flag symbol comprises a bird, a scroll, two rifles, two swords, and an arrangement of laurel. The bird is a Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. It is sitting right at the scroll that has Central America’s independence date, 15 September 1821, imprinted on it. The rifles and the swords are crossed in two individual pairs. Guatemala is one of the four UN countries that contain firearms on their national flags.

The similarity between Guatemala and Honduras Flag

Guatemala flag colours are the same as of other Central American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These countries were once a combined state named the Federal Republic of Central America whose flag consisted of the same bicoloured horizontal stripes blue and white. As the individual countries came into existence, the national flags were designed keeping the colours the same as of previous sovereign states. That is why you see a close resemblance among them. Guatemala and Honduras flags are almost the same with only two differences:

  • The Guatemala flag has vertical stripes, whereas the Honduras flag has horizontal bands.
  • The Guatemala flag bears its national coat of arms instead of five blue stars as in Honduras flag.

Guatemala Flag meaning

The extreme sides bearing blue stripes represent the eastern and the western borders of the country being hugged by Atlantic and Pacific oceans respectively. Blue is also the colour of the sky.  White signifies to the peace and prosperity of the nation. This blue-white contrast wins a nickname for the flag, Azul y Blanco meaning blue and white. Quetzal is a metaphor for freedom, whereas laurel shows victory and pride. The scroll displays independence, swords and rifles define the honour, strength, will, and ability of the nation to defend its borders.

Should I visit Guatemala? Yes and here is why:

  • Whether sports or politics, arts or science, many famous people from Guatemala have shown up in versatile fields with exceptional talents. The country has two Nobel laureates namely, Miguel Angel Asturias Rosales for literature and Frank La Rue in peace.
  • There are countless adventures and fun things to do in Guatemala from colourful houses to volcanic ruins. Guatemala beaches are best suited for a relaxing sunbath. Some must-go places are Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Tikal, Semuc Champey, and Livingston, Guatemala.
  • With breathtaking hiking opportunities and astonishing peaks, the country is blessed with about 37 volcanoes. Such a large number consists of old as well as new lava holes. The last eruption of Fuego volcano affected more than 1.5 million people.
  • If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-know for you. Guatemala is the birthplace for chocolates. Long time ago, Mayan people called it cacao. They used to worship the tree and believed that cacao has hidden powers extremely beneficial for health and sex. It was crushed and converted into a pulp form to be exploited as a drink.
  • The name Guatemala means land of trees. It was coined by Tlaxcaltecan warriors. The etymologists believe the word has come from Cuauhtēmallān (a Nahuatl word) referring towards a group of trees.

BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF GUATEMALA AT GREAT PRICES

See Also

MAP AND FLAG OF COUNTRIES IN NORTH AMERICA

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!