Guatemala has a long history dating back to 18,000 BC. Spanish expeditions in 1518 had a profound impact on the culture. The country has experienced internal turmoil but has enjoyed stability in recent years. The economy relies on exports, including cocoa and sugar cane. The country has a diverse population with over 23 recognized national languages. Roman Catholicism is the largest faith, but Mayan religion is also practiced. Guatemala has a small tourist trade but is attracting more visitors with political stability.
The Republic of Guatemala, located in Central America, has a long and illustrious history. Here’s some background on the country, as well as some basics of life in the country today.
Some of the earliest evidence of settlers in the region dates back thousands of years, with some archaeologists claiming to have arrowheads and other items that would place civilization in the region as early as 18,000 BC. There is general agreement that the date of the earliest settlers can be traced back to at least 10,000 BC and that early Guatemalans were hunters and gatherers, relying on the fruits of the earth to provide for their needs.
Slowly, the creation of agrarian communities began to take shape. There is some evidence that maize or corn was grown in the area as early as 3500 BC. With the advent of agriculture, the formation of villages, then towns, and finally cities became common and a society based on a fixed location began to emerge.
The arrival of Spanish expeditions to Guatemala starting around 1518 had a profound impact on the culture of the region. They brought with them infectious diseases that claimed the lives of many native Guatemalans. With the fall of the Quiche, Quetzales and Cakchiquel cultures, little was left of indigenous society to hold the country together.
For many years after the country became independent from Spain, it continued to experience internal turmoil, although it has enjoyed a fair amount of stability in recent years. Several important commercial centers have emerged, of which Guatemala City is one of the most important. Considered a seat of culture and commerce, the city boasts several museums that capture the nation’s history, as well as a number of libraries and performing arts centers. It is also home to the National Library, the National Archive. The Museum of Archeology and Ethnology helps preserve Mayan culture and arts, with exhibits and archaeological artifacts that help tell the story. Museums play a huge role in the country, with over three hundred municipalities in Guatemala having at least one museum.
Spanish remains the official language in Guatemala, although there are several languages used by various groups within the population. Over twenty-one Mayan dialects are spoken, as well as a unique blend of local dialects and English which is collectively referred to as Amerindian. Within the Amerindian dialect family, there are the Xinca and Garifuna languages. Overall, there are twenty-three recognized national languages in the country, with many more used on a regional basis.
Exports do a lot to keep the country’s economy going. Since colonial times it has been known for the production of cocoa and sugar cane. In recent years it has attracted attention for its exports of industrial supplies to other countries in the Western Hemisphere. The traditional red and blue dyes, which have been popular since colonial times, are also important export products for the country.
In matters of religion, Roman Catholicism is easily the largest faith represented among Guatemalans. As in many other cultures, many blend Mayan religion into Roman Catholic practice. Different Protestant faiths have also established a presence in the country, especially in the metropolitan areas of the country. In recent years, small Jewish and Muslim populations have appeared in Guatemala, adding to the country’s cultural diversity.
Although it has a lush tropical climate, Guatemala has a relatively small tourist trade compared to other countries in Latin America and South America. However, with continued political stability, more and more people are finding their way to the resorts.
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