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A Top Destination for Spanish and Much More...
Slightly smaller than Tennessee, this beautiful
little country packs loads of scenery and culture.
Located between Mexico and Honduras and flanked by
the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Guatemala presents us
with active volcanoes, waterfalls, caves, beaches, Mayan
ruins, lakes, rainforests and a large indigenous population.
Much of Guatemala consists of lush, mountainous terrain
inviting tranquility and adventure alike. Mayan
traditions are constantly evident in everything from
clothing made of colorful woven fabrics, which represent
specific towns, to the sounds of indigenous languages.
Guatemala’s natural beauty belies its social and
political struggles. After achieving its independence
in 1821, Guatemala faced civil and political unrest
for much of its recent history. Guatemala’s people
suffered through 36 years of civil war, ending in 1996.
It is also one of the poorest nations in Latin America,
with 75% of the populous below the poverty line and the
Maya suffering the greatest rates of poverty and oppression.
GUATEMALA FACTS
TOURISM
HEALTH AND SAFETY
SPANISH SCHOOLS
OTHER RESOURCES
GUATEMALAFACTS:
Population: 15 million
Composition: Mestizo
(mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local
Spanish called Ladino) and European 59.4%,
K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%,
Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%,
indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (2001 census)
Population below the poverty line: 75%
Literacy: 71%
Area: 108,890 sq km (42,042 sq miles)
Capital: Guatemala City
Time Zone: During U.S. daylight savings: Mountain; during U.S. standard: Central
Currency: Quetzal
Source: CIA World Factbook – Guatemala
TOURISM:
Approximately 1.2 million tourists visit
Guatemala each year. In 2005, the British Broadcasting
Corporation named Guatemala the best cultural spot in the
world. Top Guatemalan destinations include:
Antigua – colonial town and a UNESCO heritage site
Lake Atitlan – often described as the most beautiful lake in the world
Tikal Ruins – Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Travelers should research travel advisories
(U.S. Department of State provides detailed reports) and take precautions.
SPANISH SCHOOLS:
For 30 years, Guatemala has built a
world-renown reputation as a destination for
learning Spanish. There are more than 80 Spanish
schools in Antigua alone. Quetzaltenango (or Xela)
is another popular destination for Spanish classes.
Speak Shop currently works with tutors
from PROBIGUA (Proyecto Bibliotecas Guatemala) –
a Spanish academy in Antigua that also operates
rural libraries and Internet centers to educate
thousands of children throughout the country.
Click here
to learn more about PROBIGUA and their
tutors. If you’re not sure whether you’d like studying
abroad, Speak Shop’s online tutoring can give you a
sense of what it’s like to take lessons in Guatemala.
Tutors use the same immersion teaching methods online
and in person.
Guatemala365.com profiles Spanish
schools throughout Guatemala.
OTHER RESOURCES:
INGUAT (Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo)
Tourism information published by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute.
U.S. Department of State
Travel advisories, safety warnings, visa requirements and other valuable information on traveling to Guatemala.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Detailed traveler's health information, recommended vaccinations, special warnings.
Guatemala Guidebooks
Guatemala News in Spanish
Guatemala News in English
Disclaimer:
Please note that Speak Shop is neither responsible for,
nor endorses the external sites shown on this page.
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