About Guatemala

This post is just to share some information about the country Elizabeth comes from (and that Chrissie and Aunt Jenny are going to visit in 10 days!).

The country's flag is shown on the left with a white stripe between two sky blue stripes, representing the fact that Guatemala is a land located between two oceans (Pacific and Atlantic). In the center of the flag is the Guatemalan coat of arms. It includes the national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal, which symbolizes liberty. The olive branch wreath symbolizes victory. A parchment scroll bears the date of Central America's independence from Spain Sept 15, 1821. Crossed rifles indicate Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force, if need be, and crossed swords represent honor.

The New Guatemala Republic (including what is now El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) received it's independence from Spain on Sept 15, 1821, although it was still a part of the newly independent state of Mexico. In 1823 Guatemala became independent from Mexico as well.

At 2.5 million inhabitants, Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America, but most of the country's 12.8 million people live outside the capital city.

The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal - GTQ (named after the national bird - the Resplendent Quetzal). As of 10/16 there are approximately 7.6 GTQ per $1 US dollar.