The Country of Guatemala
Guatemala is a small country in located in Central America. Some of its many borders are Mexico, the pacific ocean, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala gained its independence from Spain in the year 1821. The National language of Guatemala is Spanish, however the Spanish language is not spoken universally throughout the country. Twenty one other Mayan languages are spoken in rural villages and many of these indigenous peoples never learn the Spanish language.
Although Guatemala is a relatively small country, it has a lot of rich history as well as many well known cities. The Capital City of Guatemala, is conveniently named Guatemala City. Other important cities include Coban, Tikal, and Antigua.
The country was recently involved in a civil war which left up to 200,000 people dead and 40-50,000 people missing. The Guatemalan Civil War began in 1960 and ended in 1996 and was fought between the Guatemalan government and leftist rebel groups made up mostly of Mayan indigenous peoples and underprivileged groups.
Guatemala is also well known for its biodiversity. Five distinct ecosystems exist within the small country of Guatemala and the country is the fifth "biodiversity hot spot" in the world.
Although Guatemala is a relatively small country, it has a lot of rich history as well as many well known cities. The Capital City of Guatemala, is conveniently named Guatemala City. Other important cities include Coban, Tikal, and Antigua.
The country was recently involved in a civil war which left up to 200,000 people dead and 40-50,000 people missing. The Guatemalan Civil War began in 1960 and ended in 1996 and was fought between the Guatemalan government and leftist rebel groups made up mostly of Mayan indigenous peoples and underprivileged groups.
Guatemala is also well known for its biodiversity. Five distinct ecosystems exist within the small country of Guatemala and the country is the fifth "biodiversity hot spot" in the world.