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Guatemala
Heart of the Maya civilization; long civil war and vibrant Indigenous heritage.
Overview
The Petén jungles of Guatemala housed Classic Maya cities including Tikal. Spanish rule followed the 1524 conquest; independence in 1821 preceded a 36-year civil war (1960 – 1996).
Basic Information
CapitalGuatemala City
Population18 million
Area108,889 km²
CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
LanguagesSpanish, Mayan languages
RegionCentral America & Caribbean
History Timeline
- c. 250 – 900Classic Maya at Tikal
- 1524Spanish conquest by Alvarado
- 1821Independence
- 1960 – 1996Civil war
Ancient Peoples
- Maya (K'iche', Kaqchikel, Mam)
Ancient Kingdoms
- Tikal
- Kaminaljuyu
- K'iche' Kingdom
Empires
- Spanish Empire
Religions
- Roman Catholicism
- Maya traditions
- Evangelical Christianity
Culture
Huipil weaving, marimba music, Popol Vuh literature.
Language
Spanish official; 21 Maya languages spoken.
Important Battles
- Battle of Utatlán1524
Spanish conquest of the K'iche'
Historical Figures
Tecún Umán
d. 1524
K'iche' warrior
Rigoberta Menchú
b. 1959
Nobel Peace laureate
Archaeological Sites
- Tikal
- El Mirador
- Quiriguá
- Iximche
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Tikal
- Antigua Guatemala
- Quiriguá
Dynasties
Colonial Period
Spanish colony 1524 – 1821.
Modern History
Presidential republic; Maya population majority.