Table of Contents
What race is Guatemala?
With regard to ethnicity and culture, Guatemala has a population which is approximately 55 per cent indigenous, and 45 per cent ladina (Spanish-speaking). Twenty languages are spoken, although the dominant language is Spanish. The main ethnic groups are the Maya, the Garifuna, the Xinca and the Ladina.
What is Guatemala culture?
The culture of Guatemala reflects strong Mayan and Spanish influences and continues to be defined as a contrast between poor Mayan villagers in the rural highlands, and the urbanized and relatively wealthy mestizos population (known in Guatemala as ladinos) who occupy the cities and surrounding agricultural plains.
Why is Guatemala a poor country?
Many depend on farming inherited land as their sole source of income, contributing to cyclical poverty in Guatemala. As 65 percent of the land is controlled by 2.5 percent of farms, land is passed down through families and most consider farming one of their only options.
What is the most important thing about Guatemala?
Guatemala is famous for its volcanoes With more than 30 volcanoes in the country, Guatemala is known for its spectacular landscapes. Three of these volcanoes are active, including Fuego Volcano just outside the colonial city of Antigua.
What are the bad things about Guatemala?
Guatemala continues to face formidable challenges: weak governance, endemic corruption, pervasive poverty, food insecurity, severe violence, citizen insecurity, and inequitable access to economic opportunities and social services.
What are facts about Guatemala?
Guatemala is a constitutional democratic republic whereby the President of Guatemala is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Congress of the Republic.
What is Guatemala best known for?
Guatemala is known for its high and active volcanoes, for its impressive Mayan ruins and for its devastating earthquakes. A Spanish colony for almost 3 centuries, Guatemala became a republic in 1839, but has been plagued by civil wars since 1961.
What is special about Guatemala?
Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent. Here are 11 surprising things you probably never knew Guatemala gave the world.