Maya Guatemala Essay
The official name of Guatemala is República de Guatemala. "The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had led to the death of more than 100 000 people and had created some 1 million refugees" (Guatemala, Guatemala). "The Mayan period lasted from about AD 300 to 900 and featured highly developed architecture, painting, sculpture, music, mathematics (including the use of
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zero), a 365-day calendar, roads, and extensive trade" (Guatemala, History). The country of Guatemala is located in Central America. The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Guatemala has an overall population of 13 million (Guatemala, World, 332). According to the Nations of the World, the head of state in Guatemala is President Otto Perez Molina; he took office on January 14, 2012 (747). The currency of this country is called the Quetzal, which equals 100 centavos. The Quetzal is very hard to find and exchange outside of Guatemala, and many people advise that you make your exchanges before you leave or enter the country. The U.S. Dollar became an official currency in 2001 (Guatemala, World, 333). One Quetzal equals about thirteen cents in the United States (USD/GTQ).
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. English is wildly spoken in tourist areas and major hotels and restaurants. The constitution guarantees freedom of worship; sixty percent of the population are Catholic, and the majority of the others are Protestant. Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American Republics, and it is the only one which is predominantly Indian although the Spanish have strongly influenced their way of life (Guatemala, World, 332). "The flag of Guatemala consists of three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the national emblem of Guatemala centered in the white band. The national emblem of Guatemala comprises of a wreath of bay tree branches, the Resplendent Quetzal (the national bird of Guatemala), a scroll with 'LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821' written on it, two crossed Remington rifles and two crossed swords. When used for civil purposes, the flag should not contain the national emblem of Guatemala" (Guatemala, Flag). The blue stands for the Pacific and Atlantic oceans that wash Guatemala's shores and the sky. The white symbolizes peace and purity. The Resplendent Quetzal symbolizes liberty. A bay tree crown represents victory. The parchment scroll indicates Central America's independence from Spain. The crossed rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if need be, and the crossed swords symbolize honor. Central American states declared independence from Spain on 15 September 1821 (Guatemala, Flag).
According to World Travel Guide, "the climate of Guatemala varies due to altitude. The areas near the coast tend to be hot and rainy all through the year" (332).
Guatemala is bounded to the north and west by Mexico, on the northeast by Belize and (along a short coastline) by the Gulf of Honduras, to the east by Honduras, to the southeast by El Salvador, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean.
The surface of Guatemala is characterized by four major topographical features. Southern Guatemala is dominated by a string of 27 volcanoes extending for about 180 miles between Mexico and El Salvador. Between the volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean lies a fertile plain ranging 25–30 miles in width. The Petén region, a large, low-lying, rectangular area, juts northward to occupy a portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, a limestone platform shared with Mexico and Belize. Sandwiched between the volcanic landscape and the Petén are the high mountain ranges and valleys. This arc gently eastward from Mexico for a distance of 210 miles, extending into northern Honduras. The east-flowing Motagua River and west-flowing Cuilco pass in opposite directions through a structural trough that serves as the boundary between the volcanic terrain of southern Guatemala and the sierras of its midsection. The sierra region is drained by large rivers that flow primarily north into the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Usumacinta River. The Motagua River is the longest of a series of rivers draining eastward toward the Caribbean. Several small rivers drain into the Pacific Ocean. Much of the Petén region is drained by the subsurface flow of water
(Horst).
The country of Guatemala is known for having some beautiful landmarks. Tikal National Park houses the largest excavated site in North America, it features a Mayan step pyramid and hieroglyphic carvings. Lake Atitlan has been called the most beautiful lake in the world and is surrounded by three volcano peaks. "Pacaya is an active volcano in the southern Guatemalan mountains near Guatemala City. It has been continuously active since the 1960s, most recently emitting slow-moving lava flows down its slopes. Regular hiking tours set out from the capital city or nearby Antigua into the surrounding national park; it's recommended that you stick with the tours rather than venture out alone, for safety's sake" (Selke). The Quirigua is another major landmark in Guatemala; the Quirigua is where the famed Mayan calendars were found (Selke).
Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances mainly in business. The overall dress of Guatemala is very conservative. The people of Guatemala mostly dress casual except in formal settings like dinners and clubs. The locals of Guatemala are often suspicious of foreigners taking pictures, especially of young children. Before taking anyone's picture, make sure that the person is aware and that they are okay with it. Someone wanting to take pictures may be asked to pay a small amount of money to the person that they took the picture of. The Internet is available in large towns; there are several cafes in Guatemala City and the main tourist areas that have access to The Internet. There are both public and private medical facilities in Guatemala City, but medical insurance is strongly advised before travel. Some hotels offer doctor's services to any guest. (Guatemala, World, 332). There are a few restaurants and cafes in Guatemala that have a wide selection of cooking styles including American, Argentinian, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish. There are many fast food chains and continental-style restaurants. The national specialties are kac ic which is a soup made from turkey and seasoned sarnut. Sarnut is a herb from Alta Verapaz. Flan de Naranja is an orange flavored flan. Quettzalteca is an extremely potent raw cane spirit. Guacamole and coffee are also very big in Guatemala (Guatemala, World, 332). Guatemala has several of its own major holidays like All Saints Day which takes place on November 1st, and Independence Day is celebrated on September 15th. Holy Week takes place from April 13th through the 16th. Christmas Eve is celebrated on the 24th of December, but the people only celebrate in the afternoons; Christmas takes place on the 25th. New Year's Eve is still celebrated on the 31st of December, but like Christmas Eve, the people of Guatemala only celebrate in the afternoon. Assumptions Day is a holiday only celebrated in Guatemala City on August 15th (Guatemala, World, 332).
The country of Guatemala has strict rules and regulations regarding the safety of its citizens and other people who visit the country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from any travelers who is over one year of age that is coming from countries with infected areas. "Bottled water is available everywhere; other water sources may be contaminated and water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled. Milk should also be boiled before drinking. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk, and only eat well-cooked meat and fish that is served hot. All vegetables should be cooked, and fruits need to be peeled (Guatemala, World, 332).
The country of Guatemala is located in Central America. The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Guatemala is home to many famous landmarks and features its own unique way of living regarding the foods and culture.
zero), a 365-day calendar, roads, and extensive trade" (Guatemala, History). The country of Guatemala is located in Central America. The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Guatemala has an overall population of 13 million (Guatemala, World, 332). According to the Nations of the World, the head of state in Guatemala is President Otto Perez Molina; he took office on January 14, 2012 (747). The currency of this country is called the Quetzal, which equals 100 centavos. The Quetzal is very hard to find and exchange outside of Guatemala, and many people advise that you make your exchanges before you leave or enter the country. The U.S. Dollar became an official currency in 2001 (Guatemala, World, 333). One Quetzal equals about thirteen cents in the United States (USD/GTQ).
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. English is wildly spoken in tourist areas and major hotels and restaurants. The constitution guarantees freedom of worship; sixty percent of the population are Catholic, and the majority of the others are Protestant. Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American Republics, and it is the only one which is predominantly Indian although the Spanish have strongly influenced their way of life (Guatemala, World, 332). "The flag of Guatemala consists of three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the national emblem of Guatemala centered in the white band. The national emblem of Guatemala comprises of a wreath of bay tree branches, the Resplendent Quetzal (the national bird of Guatemala), a scroll with 'LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821' written on it, two crossed Remington rifles and two crossed swords. When used for civil purposes, the flag should not contain the national emblem of Guatemala" (Guatemala, Flag). The blue stands for the Pacific and Atlantic oceans that wash Guatemala's shores and the sky. The white symbolizes peace and purity. The Resplendent Quetzal symbolizes liberty. A bay tree crown represents victory. The parchment scroll indicates Central America's independence from Spain. The crossed rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if need be, and the crossed swords symbolize honor. Central American states declared independence from Spain on 15 September 1821 (Guatemala, Flag).
According to World Travel Guide, "the climate of Guatemala varies due to altitude. The areas near the coast tend to be hot and rainy all through the year" (332).
Guatemala is bounded to the north and west by Mexico, on the northeast by Belize and (along a short coastline) by the Gulf of Honduras, to the east by Honduras, to the southeast by El Salvador, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean.
The surface of Guatemala is characterized by four major topographical features. Southern Guatemala is dominated by a string of 27 volcanoes extending for about 180 miles between Mexico and El Salvador. Between the volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean lies a fertile plain ranging 25–30 miles in width. The Petén region, a large, low-lying, rectangular area, juts northward to occupy a portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, a limestone platform shared with Mexico and Belize. Sandwiched between the volcanic landscape and the Petén are the high mountain ranges and valleys. This arc gently eastward from Mexico for a distance of 210 miles, extending into northern Honduras. The east-flowing Motagua River and west-flowing Cuilco pass in opposite directions through a structural trough that serves as the boundary between the volcanic terrain of southern Guatemala and the sierras of its midsection. The sierra region is drained by large rivers that flow primarily north into the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Usumacinta River. The Motagua River is the longest of a series of rivers draining eastward toward the Caribbean. Several small rivers drain into the Pacific Ocean. Much of the Petén region is drained by the subsurface flow of water
(Horst).
The country of Guatemala is known for having some beautiful landmarks. Tikal National Park houses the largest excavated site in North America, it features a Mayan step pyramid and hieroglyphic carvings. Lake Atitlan has been called the most beautiful lake in the world and is surrounded by three volcano peaks. "Pacaya is an active volcano in the southern Guatemalan mountains near Guatemala City. It has been continuously active since the 1960s, most recently emitting slow-moving lava flows down its slopes. Regular hiking tours set out from the capital city or nearby Antigua into the surrounding national park; it's recommended that you stick with the tours rather than venture out alone, for safety's sake" (Selke). The Quirigua is another major landmark in Guatemala; the Quirigua is where the famed Mayan calendars were found (Selke).
Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances mainly in business. The overall dress of Guatemala is very conservative. The people of Guatemala mostly dress casual except in formal settings like dinners and clubs. The locals of Guatemala are often suspicious of foreigners taking pictures, especially of young children. Before taking anyone's picture, make sure that the person is aware and that they are okay with it. Someone wanting to take pictures may be asked to pay a small amount of money to the person that they took the picture of. The Internet is available in large towns; there are several cafes in Guatemala City and the main tourist areas that have access to The Internet. There are both public and private medical facilities in Guatemala City, but medical insurance is strongly advised before travel. Some hotels offer doctor's services to any guest. (Guatemala, World, 332). There are a few restaurants and cafes in Guatemala that have a wide selection of cooking styles including American, Argentinian, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish. There are many fast food chains and continental-style restaurants. The national specialties are kac ic which is a soup made from turkey and seasoned sarnut. Sarnut is a herb from Alta Verapaz. Flan de Naranja is an orange flavored flan. Quettzalteca is an extremely potent raw cane spirit. Guacamole and coffee are also very big in Guatemala (Guatemala, World, 332). Guatemala has several of its own major holidays like All Saints Day which takes place on November 1st, and Independence Day is celebrated on September 15th. Holy Week takes place from April 13th through the 16th. Christmas Eve is celebrated on the 24th of December, but the people only celebrate in the afternoons; Christmas takes place on the 25th. New Year's Eve is still celebrated on the 31st of December, but like Christmas Eve, the people of Guatemala only celebrate in the afternoon. Assumptions Day is a holiday only celebrated in Guatemala City on August 15th (Guatemala, World, 332).
The country of Guatemala has strict rules and regulations regarding the safety of its citizens and other people who visit the country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from any travelers who is over one year of age that is coming from countries with infected areas. "Bottled water is available everywhere; other water sources may be contaminated and water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled. Milk should also be boiled before drinking. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk, and only eat well-cooked meat and fish that is served hot. All vegetables should be cooked, and fruits need to be peeled (Guatemala, World, 332).
The country of Guatemala is located in Central America. The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Guatemala is home to many famous landmarks and features its own unique way of living regarding the foods and culture.