26 Facts About Guatemala

Volcanoes, rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites can be found in Guatemala, a Central American country south of Mexico.

The stately National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology are located in Guatemala City, the country's capital.

West of the capital, Antigua has preserved Spanish colonial buildings.

Lake Atitlán is surrounded by coffee plantations and villages and was formed in a massive volcanic crater.

Guatemala means 'land of the trees'.

Guatemala City, the capital, is home to 3 million people.

Although Spanish is the official language, people in the country speak 21 Mayan languages as well as several non-Mayan Amerindian languages.

Four countries border Guatemala: Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east and El Salvador in the southeast of the country. Mexico borders the country to the north and west and this is the longest border.

Guatemala has 37 volcanoes, but only three of them are active. Tajumulco is the tallest volcano in Central America, standing at 4,222 metres (12,529 feet). Fuego (3,763 metres / 12,346 feet) is Guatemala's most active volcano, erupting 5-9 times per hour and spewing massive ash plumes. One of Guatemala's most active volcanoes is Pacaya (2,552 metres / 8,373 feet). Its frequent eruptions can frequently be seen from Guatemala City. Santiaguito (3,772 metres / 12,375 feet) is Guatemala's third active volcano, erupting every hour for nearly a century.

Guatemala's national bird is the quetzal.

Guatemala is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, according to Conservation International. Megadiverse countries have the highest biodiversity indices, including a large number of endemic species. This makes Guatemala one of the best countries in the world for animal and wildlife enthusiasts.

Guatemala has approximately 13,866 species, including 3,549 fauna and 10,317 flora species.

An ancient Mayan citadel can be found in Guatemala.

The country is also known as the Land of Eternal Spring.

Guatemala is the world's 107th largest country, covering an area of 108,889 square kilometres.

Guatemala was governed by Spain until its independence in 1839.

Guatemala is ranked 67th among the world's most populous countries.

The top-level internet domain '.gt' is used for Guatemalan websites.

The white nun orchid, or 'Monja Blanca,' is Guatemala's national flower.

Guatemala is also well-known for its extensive rainforests and steep volcanoes.

14% of the Guatemalan population lives on less than USD $1.25 per day.

The blue denim that is now known and used all over the world originated in Guatemala.

Guatemala is the world's largest producer of the precious stone jade.

Guatemalan breakfasts typically include eggs, warm tortillas, local cheeses, and spicy salsas.

According to legend, Mayan babies are born warriors and thus do not cry.

Antigua was Guatemala's former capital city until an earthquake struck in 1776.