10 fun and interesting Guatemala City facts

1. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes

From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. Located just 25 miles south of the city, the Pacaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, having erupted over 25 times since 1965. Its most recent eruption was in May of 2020, when it spewed ash and lava over a mile into the air. The other three volcanoes visible from Guatemala City are the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes, all of which are located within a 50-mile radius of the city.

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2. Zoning system makes it easy to find your way around in Guatemala City

Guatemala City is divided into 22 distinct zones, making it easier for residents and visitors to find their way around. However, zones 20, 22 and 23 are not included in this system, as they do not exist. This zoning system is a great way to help people navigate the city, as it allows them to quickly and easily locate addresses.

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3. The Most populous city in Central America

Guatemala City is the largest city in the Central American country of Guatemala, with an estimated population of 1 million people living within the city limits and a further 4 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. As of 2011, this makes it the most populous city in the country, and one of the most populous in the region. The city is a major economic and cultural hub, and is home to a wide variety of attractions, including the National Palace of Culture, the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the National Theatre of Guatemala.

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4. Guatemala City's Burning of the Devil Celebration

Every December, the streets of Guatemala City come alive with the quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) celebration. During this event, locals gather old belongings from their homes and burn them in the streets, symbolically cleansing their homes of the devil. This centuries-old tradition is a vibrant and colorful display of the culture and history of Guatemala City.

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5. Danger in the City of Guatemala

The Guatemalan capital of Guatemala City is a dangerous place to be. In 2009, an average of 25 murders were reported each week, and the majority of these violent crimes go unprosecuted. This alarming statistic is indicative of the high levels of violence that plague the city, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

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6. Sinkholes Threaten Take Action!

In Guatemala City, the risk of sinkholes is alarmingly high. In 2010, a particularly devastating sinkhole opened up and swallowed a three-story factory, causing significant damage and disruption to the local area. This event highlighted the need for increased awareness and safety measures to be taken in order to protect the city from further sinkhole-related disasters.

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7. Guatemala City - The Most Vibrant City in Central America

Guatemala City is the largest city in the Republic of Guatemala and Central America, boasting a population of over 1 million people. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike. From its bustling markets and colonial architecture to its vibrant nightlife and cultural events, Guatemala City is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and culture of Central America.

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8. " 4th Capital with Troubled Past"

Guatemala City is the fourth permanent capital of Guatemala, having been moved there after the devastating destruction of the previous capital, Antigua Guatemala. The city has a long and tumultuous history, with the original settlement of Guatemala City being founded in 1776. Since then, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the most recent destruction occurring in the 1976 earthquake. Despite this, Guatemala City has continued to thrive and is now the largest city in Central America, with a population of over 3 million people.

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9. Home to Nobel Prize Winners and Discoverors

Guatemala City has been home to some of the most influential people in the world, including Nobel Prize winner Miguel Asturias and Rodolfo Robles, the discoverer of Roble's Disease. Asturias was a Guatemalan poet, novelist, playwright, journalist, and diplomat who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. Robles was a Guatemalan physician and scientist who discovered Roble's Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Both of these prominent figures have left an indelible mark on Guatemala City and the world.

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10. Oldest & Largest Univ. in Guatemala: San Carlos

Founded in 1676, the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala is the oldest and largest university in Guatemala, and the fourth oldest in the Americas. Located in Guatemala City, the university has a long and distinguished history, having produced many of the country's most influential leaders, thinkers, and innovators. It is renowned for its academic excellence and has a wide range of courses and programs, from the humanities to the sciences. With its rich history and impressive academic offerings, the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala is an important part of Guatemala City's cultural and educational landscape.