Guatemala
Guatemala, officially known as the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast. It has a population of about 17.6 million people and its capital is Guatemala City.
History
- Pre-Columbian Era: The region was home to several indigenous cultures, notably the Maya civilization, which flourished from around 2000 BC to AD 1500. Tikal, in modern-day Guatemala, was one of the largest and most powerful cities of the Maya.
- Colonial Period: In 1524, Pedro de Alvarado, a Spanish conquistador, began the conquest of Guatemala. The country was incorporated into the Spanish Empire and became part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, which included much of Central America.
- Independence: Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, and briefly became part of the First Mexican Empire before joining the Federal Republic of Central America. After the federation dissolved in 1838, Guatemala became an independent republic.
- 20th Century: The country experienced numerous political upheavals, including a civil war from 1960 to 1996, where the government and leftist rebels fought, resulting in widespread human rights abuses and loss of life.
Geography
Guatemala is known for its diverse landscapes which include mountains, volcanoes, and coastal plains. The country features:
Culture
Guatemala's culture is deeply rooted in Mayan traditions with significant Spanish colonial influences:
- Languages: Spanish is the official language, but there are also many Mayan languages spoken by indigenous communities.
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with a growing Protestant population due to recent missionary activities.
- Art and Architecture: Known for its vibrant textiles, traditional crafts, and the baroque architecture of its colonial cities like Antigua Guatemala.
- Festivals: Celebrations like Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Day of the Dead are observed with unique traditions.
Economy
The economy of Guatemala is characterized by:
- Dependence on agriculture, with coffee, sugar, and bananas being major exports.
- A growing tourism sector, especially ecotourism, due to its rich biodiversity and archaeological sites.
- Significant remittances from Guatemalans working abroad, particularly in the United States.
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