Guatemala, country of Central America.The dominance of an Indian culture within its interior uplands distinguishes Guatemala from its Central American neighbours.
Here are 15 of the best lost cities that have been uncoveredThe official language is Spanish which is spoken by 60% of the population. Guatemala is known for its ever-changing weather, a product of the mountain range which crosses the center of the country.
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An Online Celebration of Guatemalan Arts -- Celebración Virtual del Arte Guatemalteco. Our three-volume, first edition book is now available online through your Britannica Premium membership.\r\nThe rugged and deeply dissected volcanic highlands, which lie to the north of the volcanic row, average 9,000 feet (2,750 metres) in elevation near the Mexican border and decline gradually to 3,000 feet (900 metres) at the opposite border with El Salvador. Guatemala is steeped in Mayan history and many aspects of the ancient civilization have endured to this day. The origin of the name Guatemala is Indian, but its derivation and meaning are undetermined. The Mayans were dominant through much of Central America from 2000 BC until the 15th century AD when the Europeans arrived.Widespread distrust of the political establishment led to the election of former TV comedian and first-time politician Jimmy Morale, who has promised to stamp out corruption. Efrain Rios Montt is currently standing trial for genocide.The complicity of American governments in the counter-insurgency campaign was also highlighted, and drew an apology from US president Bill Clinton. It wasn’t until the early 19th century however, that the Spanish conceded independence to their American colonies, principally Mexico, into which Guatemala was briefly incorporated in 1822.Guatemala enjoyed comparative stability, punctuated by brief periods of upheaval, under a series of dictators who were content to keep the country under a quasi-feudal regime underpinned by a small clique of land-owning families.The World Travel Guide (WTG) is the flagship digital consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio. The limestone surface of the Petén produces shallow and stony soils that are difficult to farm. Sierra los Cuchumatanes to the west rises to elevations in excess of 10,000 feet (3,000 metres). In recent years, Guatemalan politics has continued to be plagued by scandal, and in 2015, former President Otto Pérez Molina was forced to resign after evidence surfaced of his involvement in a customs corruption ring.The government of Colonel Arbenz Guzman attempted various land reforms in the early 1950s, but was overthrown by a US-backed invasion led by military opponents. Just how he will go about that remains unclear.The region was soon conquered by Spanish conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado, in 1524. Fear of a military return to power has preoccupied voters in the first years of the 21st century.Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\r\n Access the world’s original book of answers. It is known for its mixed culture, a product of both Mayan and Spanish cultures, from the colonial period. The centre-right Partido Democracia Cristiana Guatemalteca (PDCG) formed the majority party in the new National Congress, staying in control until 1995 when they came up against serious challenges from the Plan por el Adelantamiento Nacional (National Advance Party, PAN), and the Frente Republicano – Guatemalteco (FRG).© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2020A period of political musical chairs ended in 1995 with a FRG/PDCG coalition in control. Within the sierra region, heavier rainfall—combined with centuries of cultivation of the thinner soils on the steep slopes and the wanton destruction of forests—has led to widespread erosion there too. José Samuel takes us on a journey through Guatemala. Guatemala History, Language and Culture History of Guatemala. There are also 23 officially recognised indigenous languages.About 60% of the population are Catholic.
A comprehensive guide to the world’s best travel destinations, its print heritage stretches back more than 30 years, with the online portal reaching its 20-year anniversary in 2019. Use hashtag #GUAartefest to publish your image or video to our feed. Guatemala is steeped in Mayan history and many aspects of the ancient civilization have endured to this day.