Guatemala is one of the most mysterious and amazing countries on the world map. Where is Guatemala? Guatemala on the world map: geographical features of the country What is the language in Guatemala

In 1524, a detachment under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, consisting of 300 Spaniards and many Tlaxacaltecan Indians, conquered the capital of the Kaqchikels, the city of Iximche. Here, on July 25, 1524, Alvarado founded the capital of Spanish Guatemala, which was named Santiago de Guatemala, in honor of St. James, the patron saint of the conquistadors. On November 22, 1527, the capital was moved to the Almolonga valley, at the foot of the Agua volcano. In 1541, the city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. In 1543, the capital was moved to the Panchoy valley. Nowadays this city is known as Antigua. In 1773 the city was destroyed by a strong earthquake. The capital of Guatemala was rebuilt again, this time in the picturesque Virgen Valley, where it is still located. In 1776 it received the name New Assumption Guatemala (Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncion). Schools, monasteries, cathedrals, and administrative buildings were built.

One of the first universities in Spanish America, San Carlos, was founded in the city, where students study to this day. The city was repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes, so few archaeological sites have survived. Cathedrals, museums, the National Palace (now the Palace of Culture), the Police Palace, markets and bridges have survived to this day. The most destructive earthquake occurred in 1976.

The National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology houses ancient Mayan inscriptions, pottery, jewelry, and other ancient treasures. The National Museum of Modern Art offers a large collection of ancient and modern paintings and sculptures. The exhibition of the Historical Museum tells about the history of the city. A favorite place for city residents to walk is the Botanical Garden, where you can admire huge exotic flowers, ornamental trees and fruit plants.

Natural conditions

The city is located in the southeastern part of the Guatemalan Highlands, in a valley, at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level. Earthquakes often occur here. The climate is mountainous and subequatorial. Seasonal weather changes are determined not by the temperature difference, which stays within +20 °C throughout the year, but by the precipitation regime, most of which falls from May to October.

In the vicinity of Guatemala there are oak forests. Among the representatives of the fauna, foxes, coyotes, squirrels and small rodents were preserved; large animals were exterminated. The avifauna is diverse, numbering about 2000 species of birds, including many parrots. Guatemalans have a special relationship with the quetzal (a long-tailed bird with bright green plumage), which is a national symbol. This bird is depicted on the flag and coat of arms of the country, and its name is on the national currency.

Population, language, religion

Guatemala is home to 1 million people (with suburbs, within the boundaries of the Guatemala department - 2.5 million), who are ethnically divided into Indians (more than 50%), who are descendants of the Quiche-Mayans and mestizos-Ladinos. The number of residents of European (mainly Spanish) origin is small.

The official language is Spanish. In the capital you can also hear 25 local languages: 23 Mayan, Garifuna (the language of the Caribbean blacks) and Xinca (their origin is unknown in Guatemala).

The bulk of believers profess Catholicism (60%) and Protestantism. The city also has a synagogue, a mosque, and a Greek Orthodox church.

Cultural significance

The historical architecture of Old Guatemala is dominated by the Baroque style brought by the Spaniards, slightly adapted to the characteristics of the territory subject to frequent earthquakes. In the 17th-18th centuries, squat, wide buildings with low arcades were built. Vivid examples of such architecture are the Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. You should also pay attention to Plaza Mayor and Minerva Park. In 1979, La Antigua was declared a World Heritage Site.

Of interest are the ruins of Kaminalhuyu, remnants of ancient Mayan buildings. The exhibition of the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnography tells in more detail about the culture of this people. The Museum of History and Fine Arts exhibits works by more contemporary masters.

The traditions of fine art have quite deep roots in Guatemala. From the colonial era, paintings and sculptures remained, placed in special niches to decorate not only churches, but also houses. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mexican monumental painting had a serious influence on Guatemalan artists, who created beautiful murals based on Indian folklore.

The musical and theatrical life of the capital has developed at a fairly rapid pace since the early 1930s. In 1932, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Guatemala was created, then in 1943 - the Coro Guatemala choir, in 1948 - the National Opera Group and the National School of Dance with the Ballet of Guatemala, in 1964 - the ballet troupe of modern folk dance. The National Conservatory has its own symphony orchestra and military brass band.

Education in the capital can be obtained at ten universities, which include 1 National and 9 private. In 2008, it is planned to open the 11th university (San Pablo). In addition, some Spanish universities and universities in Mexico and the USA have representative offices in Guatemala (mainly at the master's and postgraduate level).

Little Guatemala brings together a lot of things that tourists like - monuments of ancient civilizations, pyramids and acropolises of the Mayan Indians, mountain ranges and volcanoes, mountain rivers and lakes, centuries-old majestic forests, hot springs and wide beaches. We completely agree with the Spaniards who called Guatemala the “Land of Eternal Spring”.

Geography

Guatemala is located in Central America. Guatemala borders Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. In the southwest the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. Total area – 108,890 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,687 km.

Two mountain ranges cross Guatemala from west to east, dividing it into three parts - the highlands, the Pacific coast (south of the mountains) and the Petén plateau (north of the mountains). In general, more than 50% of the country is located in the Cordillera mountain system. The largest local peak is the Tajumulco volcano, whose height reaches 4,220 meters. In general, there are more than 30 volcanoes in this Central American state, and among them there are active ones (for example, the Fuego and Santa Maria volcanoes).

Earthquakes occasionally occur in Guatemala. Some of them can be very destructive (the last strong earthquake was recorded in 1976).

The longest rivers are Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Capital

Guatemala is the capital of the state of Guatemala. More than 1.1 million people now live in the city. Archaeologists claim that on the territory of modern Guatemala, once upon a time there was a Mayan city called Kaminaljuyu.

Official language

Guatemala has one official language – Spanish.

Religion

50-60% of the population are Catholics, about 40% are Protestants, and 3% are Orthodox Christians.

State structure

According to the current Constitution of 1985, Guatemala is a presidential republic in which the President is both head of state and head of government.

The unicameral parliament is called the Congress of the Republic, it consists of 158 deputies elected for 4 years.

The main political parties are the Patriotic Party, National Union of Hope, Union of Nationalist Change and Democratic Freedom.

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala is tropical and is strongly influenced by the oceans and mountains. In coastal areas, the air temperature during the day reaches +40C, and at night it never drops below +20C. The Antigua Guatemala region has a temperate climate all year round, i.e. not very hot.

The dry season is from October to early May, and the rainy season is from late May to late September. However, “rainy season” does not mean that it rains all day. It usually rains in the afternoon for 1-2 hours, and then at night. The bright sun shines in the morning and until lunchtime. It is very rare for it to rain all day.

You can vacation in Guatemala all year round, even in the so-called. "rain season". The fact is that the “rainy season” is when the most interesting and grandiose local festivals and holidays occur.

Seas

In the southwest, Guatemala is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. The total length of the coastline is 400 km. During the rainy season, the water off the coast remains warm, but visibility is limited. Therefore, the best time for a beach holiday in Guatemala is from December to May, when the water is clear and warm.

Rivers and lakes

Among the longest rivers flowing through Guatemala are the following: Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Tourists are also interested in the Guatemalan lakes located in the mountains - Izabal, Atitlan, Guija and Peten Itza. Many of them are considered excellent holiday destinations.

Culture

It is impossible to imagine Guatemalan culture without festivals. Almost every village has its own holidays. However, more than 60 festivals are celebrated at the national level. The most popular of them are Santa Eulalia (February), Holy Week (March), Santa Cruz La Laguna (May), Almolonga (June), Santiago Atitlán (July), Joyabaj (August), San Mateo Ixtatan (September), Panajachel ( October), Nahualà (November) and Chichicastenango (December).

Kitchen

Guatemalan cuisine has its origins in the culinary traditions of the Mayan Indians. Subsequently, the inhabitants of this country adopted many dishes from the Spanish conquistadors. The main local food products are corn, beans, rice, cheese, and less often meat (chicken). Many Guatemalan dishes are similar to those prepared in neighboring Mexico.

We recommend that tourists try the following Guatemalan dishes: “Chiles rellenos” (chili peppers stuffed with rice, cheese, meat and vegetables), “Chicken Pepian” (chicken with spicy pumpkin and sesame sauce), “Kak'ik” (Mayan turkey soup with spices), "Spiced mango" (sliced ​​green mango with chilli and Om lime), "Nachos", "Flan" (caramel cream) and much more.

Traditional soft drinks are coffee, mate tea and fruit juices. Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum and wine.

Attractions

Around the 2nd century AD. In South America, the Mayan civilization was formed, which also occupied the entire territory of modern Guatemala. In Guatemala, tourists can see not only individual historical monuments of the Mayans, but also their entire cities, excavated by archaeologists. One such Mayan city (called Samabah) was discovered at the bottom of Lake Atitlan.

By the way, three Guatemalan historical and cultural sites are under the protection of UNESCO - the city of Antigua Guatemala, Tikal National Park, as well as the Quirigua Ruins complex.

Unfortunately, the ancient Mayan city of Piedras Negras is on the verge of destruction. This city was once the capital of one of the kingdoms of the local Indians.

However, the attractions of Guatemala are not limited to Indian monuments of the pre-Columbian era. In this country there are many beautiful medieval Catholic churches, monasteries, forts and fortresses that were built by immigrants from Spain. Thus, you should pay attention to the San Felipe fortress, founded in the 16th century.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla and Guatemala.

Along the entire coast of Guatemala (Pacific and Caribbean) there are small towns that are now developing very quickly as beach resorts. On the Caribbean coast, Punta de Palma and Livingston beaches are popular among locals and tourists. However, the largest number of beach resorts are located on the Pacific coast, among them Tilapa, Monterrico, Zipacate, Las Lisas and San Jose. Residents of Guatemala City, for example, prefer to relax in the resort of Monterrico, whose beaches consist of volcanic black sand. By the way, in the vicinity of Monterrico there are four species of sea turtles.

Souvenirs/shopping

From Guatemala, tourists bring handicrafts (including ceramics), wooden boxes, bedspreads, blankets, necklaces, traditional women's Guatemalan blouses, skirts, colorful scarves, belts, coffee, and sweets.

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GUATEMALA (Guatemala), Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala).

General information

Guatemala is a country in Central America. It borders on the west and north with Mexico, on the northeast with Belize, on the southeast on Honduras and El Salvador. In the east it is washed by the Caribbean Sea, in the south and southwest by the Pacific Ocean. Area 108.9 thousand km2. Population 12.7 million (2006), the largest country in Central America by population. The capital is Guatemala City. The official language is Spanish. The monetary unit is the quetzal. Administrative division: 22 departments (table).

Guatemala is a member of the UN (1945), IMF (1945), IBRD (1945), OAS (1948), Organization of Central American States (1951), Central American Common Market (1960), WTO (1995).

N. S. Ivanov.

Political system

Guatemala is a unitary state. The Constitution was adopted on May 31, 1985. The form of government is a presidential republic.

The head of state and government is the president. The President is elected by the population for a term of 4 years (without the right of re-election). At the same time, a vice president is elected.

The highest legislative body is the unicameral Congress of the Republic, consisting of 113 deputies elected for 4 years. Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the president.

Guatemala has a multi-party system. Among the leading political parties are the National Progress Party and the Guatemalan Republican Front.

Nature

Relief. Guatemala has predominantly mountainous terrain. In the central part of the country there is a vast folded-block highland, fragmented and dissected by deep tectonic depressions (Motagua, Polochik, etc.) into high and mid-mountain massifs and ridges of predominantly sublatitudinal extent (Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, altitude up to 4093 m; Sierra de -las Minas, height up to 3015 m, etc.). Adjacent to the folded-block highland from the southwest is the Sierra Madre volcanic highland with numerous cones of active and potentially active volcanoes, including Tajumulco (height up to 4220 m - the highest point of Guatemala and Central America), Acatenango (3976 m), Santa Maria (3789 m), etc. Along the northern periphery of the folded-block highlands stretch the karst lowlands of Alta Verapaz, descending to the low (height 150-250 m) slightly hilly Petén plateau, which occupies the northern part of Guatemala. Karst landforms (karrs, underground rivers, caves, etc.) are widespread on the plateau. In the south of Guatemala, a submontane alluvial lowland plain 40-60 km wide stretches along the leveled lagoonal shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Geological structure and minerals. Guatemala is located within the Central American Isthmus of the tectonic Antilles-Caribbean region. From the east, the western end of the Paleozoic Chortis block, composed of dislocated metamorphic rocks intruded by pre-Permian, Cretaceous and Paleogene granites, enters the territory of the country (into the area of ​​folded blocky highlands). The Chortis block in the northern and central part is crossed by the Polochik-Matagua shear-fault zone, marked by Early Cenozoic ophiolites and tectonic depressions (grabens) filled with Oligocene-Quaternary lake and river sediments. The Alta Verapaz lowlands are composed of deformed Jurassic-Cretaceous red continental and carbonate sediments. Within the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes massif, Upper Paleozoic terrigenous and clastic rocks emerge from beneath Mesozoic sediments. In the north of Guatemala (in the northern part of the Peten plateau), Paleocene-Eocene marine terrigenous and Eocene lagoonal-continental (gypsum, marls) deposits of the marginal part of the young platform are widespread. In the south, the Central American volcanic belt, composed of Neogene-Quaternary basaltic, andesitic and dacite lavas and tuffs, stretches across the territory of Guatemala. There are about 20 Holocene (active and potentially active) volcanoes. The most active of them are Fuego, Santa Maria and Pacaya. The southwestern regions are characterized by high seismicity (destructive earthquakes in 1773, 1902, 1917, 1976 - more than 23 thousand deaths); Volcanic danger remains.

The most important minerals are oil and laterite nickel ores. There are small deposits of polymetallic ores, manganese, chromium, gold, and antimony. There are significant reserves of kaolin, diatomite, marble, asbestos, and sulfur.

Climate. Guatemala is located within the tropical climate zone. Average monthly temperatures, which are 23-28°C within the plains and intermountain depressions, drop to 13-20°C in the lowlands and mid-mountains and to 8-13°C in the highlands. Annual precipitation is 2000-3000 mm on the Caribbean coast and the northeastern slopes of the mountains (in some places up to 3500 mm), 1200-2000 mm on the southwestern slopes of the Sierra Madre and on the Peten plateau, 800-1200 mm on the Pacific coast , about 500 mm in closed intermountain depressions (Motagua). The northeastern slopes of the mountains of the Caribbean coast and the Peten plateau are characterized by uniform moisture throughout the year with a small summer-autumn maximum precipitation; on the southwestern slopes of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific coast there are clearly defined wet (May - October) and dry seasons.

Inland waters. Over 3/4 of the territory belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin: most of the mountainous regions of Guatemala are drained by rivers of the Caribbean Sea basin (Motagua, Polochik, etc.), the northwestern and western parts of Guatemala are drained by rivers of the Gulf of Mexico basin, including the Usumacinta. Short, wild rivers flow from the southwestern slope of the Sierra Madre and flow into the Pacific Ocean. From the Peten plateau, surface flow is insignificant: watercourses are lost in karst sinkholes and flow in underground cavities and caves. There are many natural lakes in Guatemala, including the largest Lake Izabal (about 800 km 2), connected by the wide navigable Rio Dulce channel with Amatica Bay in the Gulf of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea, the picturesque volcanic lakes Atitlan, Amatitlan and others in the Sierra Madre and Peten mountains -Itza and Tigre on the Peten plateau, etc. Guatemala’s annually renewable water resources amount to 111 km 3, water availability - 9.3 thousand m 3 / person. in year. No more than 1% of water resources are used annually for economic purposes (of which 74% is spent for agricultural needs, 9% for municipal water supply, 17% is consumed by industrial enterprises).

Soils, flora and fauna. The soil cover is dominated by red-yellow and red ferrallitic soils and their mountain varieties; the most fertile are volcanic soils formed in the Sierra Madre and slitozems developed on the piedmont plain and in the northern part of the Petén plateau. The flora and fauna of Guatemala are characterized by a very high diversity and level of endemism (on average 13%). Forests occupy about 83% of the territory. On the Petén plateau, the Caribbean coast and the lower parts of the mountain slopes, moist and variable-humid tropical forests predominate, interrupted in places by predominantly secondary savannas and xerophytic woodlands. Tropical forests are rich in valuable tree species (sviteniya, zedrela, rosewood, sapodilla, guarea, breadnut, etc.). In the middle mountains with an altitude of 1100-2000 m (the so-called fog belt), broad-leaved forests of oaks, avocados, liquidambar, etc. with tree ferns, epiphytes, lianas are common, above 2700 m they are replaced by coniferous forests of various types of pines, fir with the participation of yew. The highest peaks are occupied by mountain meadows (the floristic composition is similar to the South American páramos). The thorny bush thickets in the Motagua Depression, grass savannas and xerophytic woodlands on the plains along the Pacific coast have been almost completely replaced by agricultural land. High rates of deforestation (1.7% per year) lead to increased soil erosion and degradation and pose a threat to the decline in the biological diversity of the country's ecosystems.

There are 150 species of mammals found in Guatemala. Within the sparsely populated plains (Caribbean coast, Peten plateau) live anteaters (three-toed, four-toed and dwarf), nine-banded armadillo, Central American tapir, deer (Virginian, great mazama), peccaries, prehensile-tailed monkeys; Among the predators are jaguar, puma. In the mountains, large mammals have mostly been exterminated; various species of small rodents, bats, and raccoons (kinkajou, coati, etc.) have survived. The avifauna of Guatemala is rich, numbering 670 species of birds. Many tropical birds with bright plumage, including the quetzal (quetzal) - the national symbol of Guatemala. A wide variety of reptiles, including the Central American crocodile, numerous snakes (rattlers, coral adders, etc.).

Guatemala has 73 protected natural areas with a total area of ​​2.5 million hectares, including the Sierra de las Minas and Maya biosphere reserves (within its borders the Tikal National Park, included in the World Heritage List), is located.

Lit.: Nash D. L. Flora of Guatemala. Chi., 1976; Biodiversity in Guatemala: biological diversity and tropical forest assessment. Wash., 1988; Atlas temâtico de la Repûblica de Guatemala. Guatemala, 2002.

N.V. Kopa-Ovdienko.

Population

58.6% of the population of Guatemala are Spanish-speaking Guatemalans, including 57.8% mestizos (Ladinos), 0.8% “whites” (Creoles). The Indians mainly belong to the Maya group (35.9%): Quiche (14.2%), Mame (5.5%), Kaqchikel (4.8%), Qeqchi (3.9%), Pocom (1. 4%), Kankhobali (1.2%), Hakalteki (1.1%), Tsutuhili (0.9%), Ishili (0.7%), Chukhs (0.5%), Chortti (0.4% ) and etc.; a special group of the mestizo population is the Garifona (0.2%). Among the non-aboriginal population living in Guatemala are Americans (2.8%), West Indian blacks (2.1%), Chinese (0.2%), immigrants from Great Britain (0.1%), etc.

The population of Guatemala is constantly growing (8,908 thousand people in 1990; 11,225 thousand people in 2000; 12,389 thousand people in 2004). Population growth (about 2.5% per year in 2000-05; 2.3% in 2006 - one of the highest rates in the region) is the result of natural dynamics. The birth rate (29.9 per 1000 inhabitants in 2006) significantly exceeds the death rate (5.2 per 1000 inhabitants); The fertility rate is 3.8 children per woman. Infant mortality is 30.9 per 1000 live births. In the age structure of the population, the share of children (under 14 years old) is 41.1% (one of the highest in the region), the population of working age (15-65 years old) is 55.5%, the elderly (over 65 years old) is 3 ,4%. There are 99 men for every 100 women. The average age of the population is 18.9 years. Average life expectancy is 64.9 years (men - 67.6, women - 71.2 years).

Balance of migration -1.94 per 1000 inhabitants; The main reasons for the outflow of the population are the low standard of living and the unstable political situation. The average population density is 117 people/km 2 . The most densely populated areas are the intermountain basins, especially around the cities of Guatemala and Quetzaltenango, as well as the Caribbean coast in the region of Puerto Barrios. The lowest population density (about 10 people/km 2) is observed in the north of the country, in the department of El Petén. Urban population - 39.9% (2005); In small towns, part of the population is engaged in agricultural work in the suburbs. Largest cities (thousands of people, 2006): Guatemala (1010; with the nearby cities of Misco, Villa Nueva and others, it forms the largest agglomeration in Central America with a population of over 2.9 million people), Quetzaltenango (136.3), Escuintla (109 ,4).

Economically active population - 4458 thousand people (2003); 37.2% of workers are employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing, 22% in industry, 40.8% in the service sector. Unemployment rate - 7.5% (2003). About 1/2 of the population lives in subsistence farming; about 3/4 of the population has incomes below the official poverty level (2005).

N. S. Ivanov.

Religion

According to data from 2004-05, about 80% of the population of Guatemala are Catholics, more than 15% are Protestants of various denominations (2004-05), a small part (about 1.5%) adheres to Judaism, Hinduism and other religions. Guatemala is characterized by the preservation of local traditions and religious syncretism.

Historical sketch

The earliest monuments of human activity on the territory of Guatemala (San Rafael, near Guatemala City; 10-9th millennium BC) include Clovis-type points. The most ancient monuments of mountainous Guatemala are short-term cave and open sites of the 8-7th millennium BC; tools - scrapers, choppers, etc.

Guatemala was part of the formation zone of an ancient Mesoamerican cultural tradition, inextricably linked with the cultivation of corn in combination with pumpkin and beans (Ocos culture on the northwest coast, etc.). In the mountainous regions of Guatemala in the 4th millennium, one of the first varieties of corn was developed - “nal-tel”, which soon spread throughout Mesoamerica (N. I. Vavilov was the first to express the hypothesis about the focus of the domestication of corn in mountainous Guatemala). In the 2nd to 1st millennia BC (Preclassic period), highland and lowland Guatemala was densely populated by numerous culturally similar groups of farmers.

The formation of the Mayan civilization is associated with Guatemala (the territory of Guatemala covers most of its central and southern regions). In the 6-4 centuries BC, the first urban centers with monumental architecture appeared in the central region (Nakbe, El Mirador, Tikal, etc.). Their layout had a look characteristic of later Mayan cities: a combination of independent, astronomically oriented acropolises adapted to the relief, representing a rectangular area surrounded by temple and palace buildings raised on platforms. On the Pacific coast, the cultures of El Baul, Abah-Takalik and others, dating between 300 BC and 300 AD, are distinguished. The Mayan culture reached its peak during the classical period (300-900 AD). Mayan writing was developed in Guatemala. The monuments of mountainous Guatemala differ from those of the lowlands in funeral rites, architectural style and ceramics. In 1523, Spanish conquistadors under the command of P. de Alvarado began the conquest of Central America. The Captaincy General of Guatemala was created on its territory (1527). Colonial Central America, whose population at the time of independence was 1,227 thousand, represented the deep economic and political periphery of the Spanish empire. Feudal forms of land tenure (encomienda) and labor contracting (habitaciones, repartimiento) dominated here. The social structure of society was hierarchical. All senior administrative posts were occupied by royal officials appointed by the Supreme Council for Indian Affairs, economic power was in the hands of a small (less than 5% of the population) Creole elite, and the bulk of the Ladino mestizos (10-12%) and Indians (about 80%) were engaged in agricultural and handicraft labor and did not have any political rights.

In September 1821, under the influence of the ideas of the European Enlightenment and the national liberation movement in South America and Mexico, patriotic circles, led by P. Molina and J. M. Delgado, declared the independence of the Central American colonies of Spain. In 1823 (after their short stay as part of the Mexican Empire of A. de Iturbide), the federation of the United Province of Central America was created, in which Guatemala, as the most populated (over 600 thousand inhabitants) and economically strong part, played a key role. In 1824, a federal constitution was adopted that abolished slavery and feudal privileges.

For 12 years, supporters of liberal reforms and the federal structure of Central America, under the leadership of F. Morazan and M. Galvez, waged a stubborn struggle against conservatives (large landowners, colonial aristocracy, army elite, church) to preserve the territorial unity of the federation. Ignoring the interests of the Indians on the part of the leaders of the liberal movement led to their isolation and, ultimately, to political and military defeat. Using the movement of the Indian masses under the leadership of J. R. Carrera, opponents of the unification of Central America achieved in 1839 the withdrawal of Guatemala from the federation and established a reactionary regime based on the alliance of the latifundists, the army and the church. The conservative governments of Carrera, who was declared president for life, and his successor V. Serna Sandoval, slowed down economic reforms and pursued an anti-national foreign policy, ceding, in particular, the rights to Belize to Great Britain. They were in power until 1871, when a new liberal revolution began in Guatemala, led by representatives of the so-called coffee bourgeoisie - M. García Granados Zavala and J. R. Barrios.

The government of H.R. Barrios (1873-1885) took steps to modernize the economy (railway construction, development of telegraph communications, electrification), political and military institutions, and the education system. A new constitution was proclaimed, church was separated from the state, restrictions on the use of child labor were introduced, and new civil and criminal codes were adopted. However, the attempt to reunite the Central American states ended in failure and the death of H.R. Barrios.

With the establishment of the dictatorial regime of M. J. Estrada Cabrera in 1898, foreign, primarily North American, capital began to actively penetrate Guatemala, virtually completely subordinating its national economy (production of coffee, bananas and cotton). The American United Fruit Company in the 1st third of the 20th century became the largest land owner in Guatemala and practically controlled its domestic and foreign policy. The military played an increasingly important role in Guatemala. In 1921-30, during the presidency of generals J. M. Orellana Pinto and then S. Chacon Gonzalez, the first trade unions arose, steps were taken to stabilize the national monetary system, develop the health care system and school education.

In 1931, in the context of the global economic crisis and the exacerbation of internal social and economic problems, the military dictatorship of General J. Ubico was established in Guatemala. The so-called vagrancy law was adopted, which actually enslaved the Indian population, and Law No. 816, which gave the latifundists the right to dispose of the property and lives of peasant farm laborers and tenants. Widespread political repression began in the country, trade unions were dissolved and opposition political organizations were banned.

In June 1944, as a result of mass protests by students, workers and representatives of the middle classes, the dictatorial regime of J. Ubico was overthrown (see Guatemalan Revolution of 1944-54). In 1945, the famous public figure J. H. Arevalo became president, and in 1951, J. Arbenz Guzman. Democratic reforms were carried out in Guatemala. In June 1954, as a result of a coup d'etat, Arbenz Guzman was removed from power. Colonel C. Castillo Armas became president, who reversed the reforms carried out by the democratic government. After his assassination in July 1957, the far-right government of General M. Hidigoras Fuentes came to power. Political repression against democratic forces has intensified in the country.

At the end of 1960, a group of young officers - supporters of J. Arbenz Guzmán organized an armed uprising under the slogan of restoring democracy and carrying out social and economic reforms. The country actually began a civil war that lasted almost 36 years. Three leading revolutionary organizations - the Rebel Armed Forces, the Guerrilla Army of the Poor and the Organization of the Armed People - united in 1982 under the National Revolutionary Unity Front of Guatemala.

With the exception of the civilian government of J. S. Mendez Montenegro (1966-70), which tried to carry out limited social and economic reforms on the basis of the new Constitution adopted in 1965, military dictators, Generals K, were in power in Guatemala until the mid-1980s M. Arana Osorio (1970-74), C. E. Laugerud García (1974-78), F. R. Lucas García (1978-82), J. E. Rios Montt (1982-83) and O. U Mejia Victores (1983-1986). During these years, the 1965 Constitution was suspended, the National Congress was dissolved, the activities of leading political parties were banned, mass arrests and murders of opponents of the regime were carried out, and large-scale removal of Indians from public lands was carried out.

Only after winning the elections and taking office as president of the civilian politician, member of the Christian Democratic Party M. V. Cerezo Arevalo (January 1986), a new Constitution was introduced in Guatemala, and the slow process of finding ways to achieve internal peace began. Attempts were made to limit the role of the armed forces in the political life of the country and begin the negotiation process with the rebels. In 1987, an agreement between five Central American states (the Esquipulas Pact) was signed in Guatemala, which began the process of peaceful resolution and ending the civil war not only in Guatemala, but also in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Despite two attempts by far-right forces to carry out military coups, power in Guatemala was legally transferred to President J. A. Serrano Elias in 1991. During his reign, widespread violations of civil rights continued in Guatemala. In 1992 and 1993, the government tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with representatives of the leftist rebels. In the spring of 1993, mass demonstrations took place in Guatemala demanding changes to the government's neoliberal policies. Serrano Elias's attempt to launch a campaign against corruption in government, Congress and the military, pursuing populist goals, led to his forced removal from power by the military.

In June 1993, Congress approved R. de Leon Carpio, a member of the Union National Center and Commissioner for Civil Rights in Guatemala, as interim president of the country. The term of office of the President and Congress was reduced from 5 to 4 years, and a number of economic reforms were carried out. For the first time in the history of Guatemala, a representative of the Mayan Indians, S. Tay Coyoy, became the Minister of Education. In 1994, agreements were signed with the leaders of rebel organizations on the observance of civil rights, on the return of forcibly resettled Indians to their places of permanent residence, and in 1995 - an agreement on the civil rights of Indians. In September 1995, a temporary ceasefire was announced.

In November 1995, general elections were held in Guatemala. A representative of the right-wing Party of National Progress, A. Arsu Yrigoyen, was elected president (took office in January 1996). 12/29/1996, in the presence of UN Secretary General B. Boutros-Ghali, the Guatemalan government signed a peace treaty with the rebels, ending the civil war in Guatemala, during which over 200 thousand people died or went missing, and 1.5 million people became refugees (more than 80% of all victims are representatives of the Indian population, 93% of all acts of violence were committed by the army and right-wing paramilitary groups). The agreement began to be implemented in early 1997. More than 3 thousand partisans laid down their arms, and by September 1998 the army was reduced by a third (from 47 thousand to 31.5 thousand people). However, political murders and repressions in Guatemala continued: in the spring of 1998, the Archbishop of the capital of Guatemala, J. H. Condera, was killed, and in May 1999, a prominent figure in the democratic forces, R. Gonzalez, was shot.

In May 1999, important changes were made to the country's Constitution, which included clauses on improving the legal status of the Indian population, limiting the power of the military and carrying out judicial reform. In November 1999, the first general elections since the end of the civil war took place. The right-wing Guatemalan Republican Front party, led by J. E. Rios Montt, achieved success. The party's candidate, A. A. Portillo Cabrera, who promised to defend human rights, fight poverty and respect peace agreements, was elected president of the country in December 1999. In January 2004, he was replaced in this post by a representative of the center-right coalition Great National Alliance, former mayor of the capital O. H. R. Berger Perdomo. He continued the demilitarization of the country (in May - June 2004, over 10 thousand military personnel were dismissed from the army). In July 2004, the government announced it would begin paying compensation to victims of political violence and terror. In December 2004, the UN Peace Observatory for Guatemala announced the end of its mission and left the country.

Lit.: Gulyaev V.I. The most ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. M., 1972; Leonov N. S. Essays on the new and recent history of Central America. M., 1975; History of Latin America. Pre-Columbian era - 70s of the 19th century. M., 1991; History of Latin America. 70s of the XIX century. - 1918 M., 1993; Ershova G. G. Ancient America: flight in time and space. Mesoamerica. M., 2002; History of Latin America. Second half of the 20th century M., 2004.

G. G. Ershova (archaeology); A. I. Kubyshkin.

Farm

The basis of Guatemala's economy is agriculture, which specializes in the production of tropical crops (coffee, sugar cane, bananas, cardamom, etc.). In terms of GDP - 62.97 billion US dollars (at purchasing power parity; 5,200 dollars per capita in 2005) - Guatemala surpasses other Central American countries. Real GDP growth 3.1% (2005). Human Development Index 0.663 (2003; 117th among 177 countries in the world). Economic policy is aimed at achieving macroeconomic stabilization, restructuring the financial sector, and overcoming poverty. In 1997-99, to modernize the economy, the leading public sector enterprises were privatized: the largest energy companies Empresa Electrica de Guatemala (EEGSA) and Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion (INDE), a large part of the transport infrastructure, as well as telephone communications and television and etc.

In the structure of GDP, the share of the service sector is growing at the fastest pace (58.1% in 2005), agriculture, forestry and fishing account for 22.8%, industry - 19.1%. Foreign tourism is developing (the second most important source of foreign exchange earnings after income from coffee exports), and new hotels are being actively built. Guatemala was visited by 1,182 thousand people in 2004 (826 thousand people in 2000; 884.2 thousand people in 2002), tourism income amounted to $770 million ($535 million in 2000; $612.2 million in 2002). The main types of tourism: educational, medical and recreational, ethnographic, environmental. Main tourist sites: the remains and ruins of the ancient Mayan cities of Tikal (in the north of the country, on the Peten plateau), Kaminalhuyu (now within the city of Guatemala), Quirigua (in the east of Guatemala), Piedras Negras, Peteshbatun (in the northwest), Coban (near the city - Lanquin cave with an extensive network of underground passages), Quetzaltenango, Chichicastenango, Santa Cruz del Quiche (nearby are the ruins of the former capital of the Quiche - Utatlan), as well as the Totonicapan Valley (area inhabited by Mayan Indians; sulfur springs; handicraft production of textiles), a winter resort with mineral springs in Escuintla, beaches near San Jose and Puerto Barrios. The main centers of tourism are Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala.

Industry. Guatemala is a country with underdeveloped industry. Mining contributes about 0.6% of GDP (2005). Oil production is of greatest importance. Despite significant reserves, production is low (about 1.1 million tons per year, mainly in the south of the El Petén department; field development is controlled by the Canadian company Basic Oil). Guatemala exports some of its oil, but oil imports (from Mexico and Venezuela) exceed exports. Antimony ores (about 0.8 million tons per year), gold, sulfur are mined; nickel ores (since 1981, El Estor deposit), copper, zinc, lead, and chromium are mined in small quantities. Oil refineries operate near the cities of Puerto Barrios (Matias de Galvez) and Escuintla (total capacity of about 1 million tons). Electricity production 6.9 billion kWh (2003), of which about 50% comes from thermal power plants (mostly small, fuel oil-fired), about 45% from hydroelectric power plants (92% in 1990; the largest hydroelectric power station is on the Chikhoi River, capacity 300 MW ). Electricity consumption is low (about 490 kWh per capita), and there are interruptions in the supply of electricity; in a number of areas, up to 85% of residents do not have the opportunity to use electricity.

One of the leading branches of the manufacturing industry is food. A significant part of the enterprises are small and medium-sized artisanal types, engaged in the processing of local agricultural raw materials and serving the domestic market. Export products are produced by factories for processing coffee, producing sugar, rum, and tobacco products. The textile industry has been developing since the 1980s. Factories owned by American firms produce knitted and apparel products, mainly for subsequent export to the United States (production is concentrated mainly in free trade zones in the port of Santo Tomas de Castilla and near Guatemala City). There are also steel rolling (production of galvanized steel) and tire factories, enterprises for the assembly of consumer electronics (based on imported components, including South Korean), production of chemical products, perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, paper, cement, etc. The main industrial centers are - Guatemala and Quetzaltenango. In the western part of Guatemala, traditional Indian occupations have been preserved - handicraft production of clothing, pottery, and wooden jewelry.

Agriculture. The combination of large plantations of tropical crops (owned mainly by foreign companies and producing export products) with small peasant farms supplying products for domestic consumption remains typical. Latifundists and foreign companies (0.2% of all farms) own about 3/4 of the cultivated land, owners of small plots (only about 9/10 of the total number of farms) own about 15% of the land.

The main export crop is coffee (collection of 222 thousand tons of green beans in 2004). Over 80% of the harvest comes from large plantations; The main production areas are the Pacific slope of the highlands (about 80% of the harvest) and the central part of the highlands (about 15%, mainly the Alta Verapaz department). Traditionally, sugar cane (collection of 18 million tons of green mass in 2004) and bananas (about 1 million tons per year; plantations of mainly American companies Chiquita Brands International and Dole Food Co.; with a decline in demand, banana exports are also of great export importance significantly decreased; hurricanes of 1983 and 1998 caused great damage to plantations). By the beginning of the 21st century, the production of cotton, one of the most important cash crops, had sharply decreased (harvest 166 thousand tons in 1985; 3 thousand tons in 2004). Since the end of the 20th century, the production and export of cardamom has increased significantly (plantation area increased from 30 thousand hectares in the 1970s to 50 thousand hectares in 2005; collection - from 7.3 to 18 thousand tons), fresh fruits (total 1.6 million tons in 2004) and vegetables (about 600 thousand tons, including Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers). Flowers, essential grains (lemongrass, citronella grass for the production of essential oils), tobacco, and sesame are mainly grown for export. The main consumer crops are corn, potatoes, beans, rice; The areas they occupy are gradually being reduced due to the expansion of plantations of export crops. Harvest (thousand tons, 2004): corn - 1072, potatoes - 283, beans - 76, rice - 29.3, melons - 188, tomatoes - 187, mangoes - 187, lemons and limes - 142.9, watermelons - 126, oranges - 106, pineapples - 103, avocados - about 100. Livestock farming is extensive. The number of cattle is about 1.5 million (bred mainly in the Pacific lowlands and in the eastern part of the highlands), sheep 700 thousand, pigs 500 thousand (2005). Valuable wood species are being harvested (balsa, buckout, etc.; a total of 16.4 million m3 in 2005), as well as chicle resin (for the production of chewing gum; since the end of the 20th century, harvesting volumes have sharply decreased). On the Caribbean coast - fishing, shrimp, squid, lobsters, etc. (15.6 thousand tons in 2005).

Transport. The total length of railways is about 1 thousand km (2005), most of the roads are narrow gauge. The main lines are owned by the state company Ferrocarriles de Guatemala and connect the capital with the Caribbean coast. The length of roads is about 14 thousand km (2005), most of the roads are dirt and gravel; About 4.9 thousand km have asphalt pavement. Main roads: highway along the Pacific coast and the Interoceanic Highway (San Jose - Escuintla - Guatemala - Zacapa - Puerto Barrios). The Pan-American Highway (511 km) passes through Guatemala. The importance of air transport, especially passenger air transport, is growing. There are 528 airfields in Guatemala, 9 of which have a runway over 1000 m. International airports - “La Aurora” in Guatemala City, “Mundo Maya” near the city of Flores; major airports are in Puerto Barrios, San Jose. The main air transportation is carried out by Aviateca. The total cargo turnover of Guatemala's seaports is 15.76 million tons (2005). The most important seaports: in the Caribbean Sea (freight turnover, million tons) - Puerto Barrios 1.95, located 8 km from it Santo Tomas de Castilla 4.34; on the Pacific Ocean - San Jose 2.44, Puerto Quetzal 9.49 (4 km from San Jose). The length of oil pipelines is 480 km (2004).

International trade. The value of exports is 3.9 billion dollars, imports are 7.7 billion dollars (2005). A significant part of the value of commodity exports is made up of agricultural products (about 43% are coffee, sugar, bananas, cardamom, 33% are fruits, vegetables, flowers), 14% are textile products. Major buyers (% of value, 2004): USA - 53, El Salvador - 11.4, Honduras - 7.1, Mexico - 4.1. Imports are dominated by petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, electronic components, vehicles, plastics, chemical fertilizers, food and consumer goods. Main suppliers (% of cost, 2004): USA - 34, Mexico - 8.1, South Korea - 6.8, China - 6.6, Japan - 4.4.

Lit.: Country profile. Guatemala: Annual. L., 2001-.

N. S. Ivanov.

Armed forces

The Armed Forces (AF, 2005) of Guatemala consist of the Ground Forces (27 thousand people), the Air Force (700 people), the Navy (1.5 thousand people) and paramilitary forces - the national police (19 thousand people). The supreme commander in chief is the president. Direct leadership of the Armed Forces is exercised by the Minister of Defense through the commanders of the Armed Forces. It is armed with 10 tanks, 47 armored personnel carriers, 16 infantry fighting vehicles, 196 artillery pieces, 85 mortars, 32 anti-aircraft guns, 10 combat and 25 auxiliary aircraft, 12 combat helicopters, over 30 patrol boats. The armed forces are recruited by conscription, the period of active military service is 30 months. Command personnel are trained mainly in the USA.

V.V. Gorbachev.

Healthcare. Sport

In Guatemala, per 100 thousand inhabitants there are 90 doctors, 405 paramedical personnel, 18 dentists (1999). Expenditures on health care amount to 4.8% of GDP (budget financing - 47.5%, private sector - 52.5%) (2002). Health care is decentralized, includes several sectors (public, private commercial and non-profit, traditional medicine), based on primary health care. The most common infectious diseases are bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and malaria (2003). The main causes of death in the adult population are infectious diseases, injuries and poisonings, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and cancer (2003).

The National Olympic Committee was founded and recognized by the IOC in 1947. In 1952, Guatemalan athletes participated in the Olympic Games for the first time, then since 1968. The most popular sports: boxing, wrestling, cycling, horseback riding and sailing, athletics and weightlifting, swimming, shooting, fencing, football. In 2000, Guatemala hosted the World Futsal Championship, for the opening of which the Polideportivo Sports Palace was built in the capital for 7.5 thousand spectators. In 2001, the 7th Central American Games were held (the first were also held in Guatemala in 1973); 564 Guatemalan athletes competed in 37 disciplines. In 2002, the Volcano Circuit (area 15 hectares) was built 60 km from the capital.

V. S. Nechaev (health care).

Education. Scientific and cultural institutions

Education is compulsory and free for children from 7 to 14 years of age. However, in the late 1990s, only 41% of children of the appropriate age attended school. The education system includes a 6-year (in rural areas - 3-year) primary school, a 5-year secondary school, and vocational schools. In 2003, about 85% of students attended primary school, and about 30% attended secondary school. Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in Latin America - 69% (2003). Largest universities: State University of San Carlos (1676), private Catholic universities - Rafael Landivar University (1961), Del Valle University (1966), Mariano Galvez University (1966), Francisco Marroquín University (1971); Conservatory (1875), National School of Plastic Arts (1920) - all in Guatemala City. Scientific institutions: Guatemalan Academy of Languages ​​(1887), Guatemalan Academy of Geography and History (1923), Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences (1945), Academy of Mayan Languages ​​(1959), National Institute of Atomic Energy (1966), National Institute of Electrification, Institute Anthropology and History (1946), National Institute of Geography, National Observatory (1925). General management and coordination of scientific research is carried out by the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (1967). National Library in Guatemala City (1879). Museums: colonial (1936), Santiago (1956), ancient books (1956) - all in the city of Antigua Guatemala; National Museum of Modern Art "Carlos Merida" (1934), National Museum of History and Fine Arts (1935), National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (1948), National Museum of Natural History "Jorge A. Ibarra" (1950), Museum of Popular Arts and Crafts (1959), Museum of Guatemala History (1975) - all in Guatemala City.

Mass media

State news agency - Inforpress Centroamericana. The daily government publication is the newspaper “Diario de Centroamérica” (published since 1880; 35 thousand copies in 2005). 5 daily morning newspapers are published (circulation, 2005): “Prensa Libre” (about 25 thousand copies), “Siglo Veintiuno” (20 thousand), “El Grâfico” (30 thousand), “La Republica” (35 thousand), “ El Periodico" (20 thousand), evening newspaper "La Hora" (about 30 thousand). Weekly magazines - “Cronica” (15 thousand), “Critica” (about 10 thousand). Broadcasting since 1930. A total of 640 registered radio stations (2004); There are 22 radio stations in Guatemala City, of which 5 are state-owned, including “La Voz de Guatemala”. Television broadcasting since 1956.

26 television stations (2004), 5 national television channels (all pro-government), one of them belongs to the Ministry of Defense, 4 private channels (3, 7, 11, 13; belong to the same owner).

N. S. Ivanov.

Literature

Guatemalan literature develops mainly in Spanish. The pre-colonial period is represented by the heritage of the Maya-Kiche Indians (fragments of hymns, war songs, lyrics, myths). A mythological epic with features of the historical chronicle “Popol Vuh” (published in 1861, Russian translation - 1959) has been preserved, written in Latin around the middle of the 16th century; book of prophecies "Chilam-Balam"; folk drama "Rabinal-Achi". In the 16th century, B. Diaz del Castillo created the historical chronicle “The True History of the Conquest of New Spain and Guatemala.” Among the other most significant chroniclers of this time are F. Vázquez, F. Jimenez, as well as B. Villacañas, P. Sotomayor and M. Lobo, who participated in the creation of dictionaries and grammars of Indian languages. Poetry of the 17th century was predominantly religious in nature (P. de Lievana, J. de Mestanza, brothers F. and J. Cadena, nun J. de Maldonado y Paz). In the 18th century, journalism began to develop (P. Molina, S. Bergagno), the genres of fables (R. Garcia Goyene) and descriptive poems appeared (Rural Life in Mexico by R. Landivara, 1781). In the 1st half of the 19th century, a romantic movement emerged in Guatemalan literature; its largest representative is the poet J. Batres Montúfar. A notable phenomenon was the work of the satirist J. A. de Irizarry. Costumbrism arose in the mid-19th century (the collection of everyday life essays “Pictures of Morals” by J. Milia i Vidaurre, 1865; the story “Bird’s Eye View” by F. Laifiesta, 1879, etc.). At the end of the 19th century, naturalist tendencies intensified in Guatemalan literature: novels by R. A. Salazar, E. Martinez Sobral. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the genre of the political novel appeared (M. Soto Hall); sharp satirical pamphlets were created by R. Arevalo Martinez. In the 1st half of the 20th century, the aesthetics of modernism was actively combined with elements of romanticism and avant-gardeism in the works of F. Herrera, S. Brañas and others. C. Wild Ospina became the founder of the genre of the Creole novel (The Estate of the Gonzaga Family, 1924, etc.) . His novels in many ways anticipated the work of M. A. Asturias, who laid the foundations of magical realism in Guatemalan literature. A notable phenomenon in literary Guatemala was the work of L. Cardos y Aragon. Social issues were reflected in the works of most writers of the 2nd half of the 20th century: O. R. Castillo, R. Obregon Morales, C. Illescas, A. Acuña, C. Matute, etc. In the 1990s, the poetry of U . Akabala, who, turning to national folklore, created poems in the Quiché language; in the book by R. Menchu ​​Tum “My name is Rigoberta Menchu” (1983) the life of Indian tribes is shown with sympathy. Significant writers of the late 20th century - M. R. Morales, G. A. Montenegro, J. Barnoya, A. Arias, F. Goldman.

Lit.: Velä D. Literaturaguatemalteca. Guatemala, 1985. Vol. 1-2.

L. G. Khoreva.

Fine arts and architecture

Mayan art developed in Guatemala between the 3rd and 9th centuries. In Kaminalhua, Quirigua, and Tikal, temples were built on pyramidal or tower-shaped foundations, palaces, pyramids, steles with relief images of rulers, and altars were erected. Painted and figured ceramics, products made of stone, bone, shells, etc. were distinguished by a high artistic level. The traditions of Mayan culture were preserved in the folk artistic crafts of the Indians, who made fabrics decorated with transverse stripes with complex geometric patterns, shawls and belts with ornaments and human figures and animals; Women's and men's huipili shirts are decorated with embroidery with a predominant red color. All clay utensils are produced without the help of a potter's wheel; their painting often reproduces ancient motifs; Wicker vessels made from agave fibers and palm leaves are also common.

During the colonial period, cities arose in Guatemala with a rectangular network of streets, built up with squat, massive stone buildings with low walls and arcades. The houses, mostly one-story, had a courtyard (patio) with a gallery on wooden pillars, a portal set aside from the main axis of the building, and a balcony or turret (mirador) at the corner. The influence of the Arab-Spanish Mudejar style is noticeable in the architecture of residential buildings. From the 2nd half of the 18th century, the facades were decorated with baroque lush stucco and carved patterns: Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (1549-68; rebuilt in 1763-64, architect L. Diez Navarro), Town Hall (1739-43, architect D. de Porres), the University of San Carlos (1773, architect J. M. Ramirez), the monastery with the church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced (17th century, rebuilt in 1760) - all in the city of Antigua Guatemala. In the 16th-18th centuries, a distinctive school of religious sculpture developed: wooden statues were covered with metal, enamels and varnish, creating the illusion of products made of precious metals (sculptors J. de Aguirre, C. Cataño, A. de la Paz, E. Zúñiga). Polychrome ceramic statues were also made to decorate churches. Painting was also mainly of a religious nature. The works of A. de Mantufar are especially famous. Since the 19th century (mainly in the capital), buildings were built in the style of classicism, and from the mid-20th century - in the spirit of modern European architecture. The small towns of Guatemala, inhabited mainly by Indians, are built mainly with houses covered with straw and tiles, and retain an archaic appearance. In 1920, the National School of Fine Arts in Guatemala was founded, in 1963 - the Local School of Fine Arts in Quetzaltenango. In the 2nd half of the 20th century, masters emerged who turned to the life and history of the Indians (painters A. Galvez Suarez, U. Garavito, T. Fonseca, P. R. Gonzalez Chavahay, etc.). Famous sculptors are J. Urruela, R. Galeoti Torres. The works of C. Merida, D. Vázquez Castañeda and others are close to abstractionism. In the last third of the 20th century, the influence of figurative expressionism (E. Rojas, M. A. Quiroa, R. Cabrera) and primitivism was noticeable. In the architecture of the late 20th century, monumental forms of painting and sculpture were actively used (E. Resinos).

Lit.: Chinchilla Aguilar E. Historia del arte en Guatemala: Arquitectura, pintura y escultura. 2 ed. Guatemala, 1965; Arte contemporaneo / Ed. J. Alonso de Rodriguez. Guatemala, 1966; Lujän Munoz L. Sintesis de la arquitectura en Guatemala. Guatemala, 1968; Juärez J. V. Pintura viva de Guatemala. Guatemala, 1984; Mobil J.A. Historia del arte guatemalteco. 11 ed. Guatemala, 1995.

Music

The roots of the musical art of Guatemala are in the pre-Columbian Mayan culture, which experienced Spanish influence in the modern era. The appearance of the country's musical culture is largely determined by the traditional and folk music of Ladino, Mayan, Garifon and other peoples.

From the mid-16th century, European-style musical life developed, an important part of which was the music of the Catholic Church. The composer and organist E. Franco (1554-1573) worked in the cathedral of the city of Guatemala, and the music of Spanish and Dutch composers was played. Other Guatemalan musicians of the colonial period include E. de Leon Garrido, M. Pontaza, and the author of the popular villancicos V. Science (2nd half of the 18th - early 19th century). The first composer to turn to local folklore was L. F. Arias (late 19th - early 20th century). J. Castillo used Indian musical material in his instrumental compositions and operas Quiche Vinak (1925) and Nikte (1933, unfinished). R. Castillo (ballet “Kaal Baba”, 1951), who was educated in Paris and wrote music in the impressionist style, also turned to Indian themes. Important contributions to the formation of the national musical culture of Guatemala were made by: S. Ley, E. Solares (mid-20th century), J. Oreolan, J. A. Sarmientos, U. Ayestas, R. Asturias, I. de Gandarias, I. Sarmientos, P. Alvarado, A. Crespo, U. Orbaugh, D. Lehnhoff (2nd half of the 20th century).

Lit.: Lehnhoff D. Espada y pentagrama: la mùsica polifônica en la Guatemala del siglo XVI. Antigua Guatemala, 1986; Lemmon A. E. La mùsica de Guatemala en el siglo XVIII. Antigua Guatemala, 1986.

V. I. Lisova.

Movie

The first film show was held in Guatemala in 1896. The first feature film (“Agent No. 13”) was shot in 1912 by A. de la Riva. Two versions of the feature film “The Master’s Son” were staged in 1915 and 1929 (directed by A. Gerbrugger, A. Palarea). In the 1930s, documentaries were mainly made about religious holidays and sports competitions. The first sound film is “Rhythm and Dance” (1942, directors E. Fleischman, R. Aguirre, J. Gavarret). The first full-length feature film is “The Hat” (1950, directed by G. Andrew and Fleischman). In the years 1944-54, popular science films predominated. In the mid-1950s, a film studio was built in the country. Among the films: “Vacation 1953” by M. Reischenbach (1953), “Daughter of the Caribbean Islands” by S. Abularach (1955), “A Crown for My Mother” (1958), “Earthquake in Guatemala” (1976) and “Candelaria” (1977 ) R. Lanusy, “The Joy of Life” (1960) and “Sundays Pass” (1967) A. Sera. Films intended for working and student audiences were also released: “Christmas in Guatemala” (1977, directed by L. Argueta), “The Veil” (1978, directed by H. Chang). In 1968, the Association for the Development of Guatemalan Cinema was created, in 1970 - the University Cinematheque. At the turn of the 20th-21st centuries, Guatemalan cinema is one of the most dynamically developing in Central America. The search for an original film language is evidenced by the films “The Silence of Neto” by L. Argueta (1994), “Uraga” by A. Carlos and G. Escalona (2002), etc.

Guatemala is a country of opposites: a rich history and a successful future, restless volcanoes and tropical rainforests, sandy beaches and endless coffee plantations.

This Central American state borders Mexico and Belize, Honduras and El Salvador in the north. Guatemala is washed by the waters of two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic.

The capital of the republic, Guatemala City, is the largest urban agglomeration in Central America. It is located along mountain ranges on a picturesque plateau and has the typical attributes of Latin American cities: bright buses and chaotic markets, which especially emphasizes the majesty of the buildings of the Mayan civilization. Previously, Antigua was the capital of the republic, but in 1776 the city was severely destroyed by an earthquake. Despite the fact that the capital was moved to its modern location, called Guatemala, Antigua occupies a significant place in the history of the Americas as one of the most important cities of the Mayan people. The city was built at the foot of three volcanoes - Agua, Feugo and Acatenango, which rise majestically above colonial buildings that preserve the mystical history of the Mayan civilization.

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala can be called mild, but it should be noted that the temperature depends on the altitude above sea level. The difference between the seasons: winter (May-October) and summer (November-April) is manifested exclusively in the amount of precipitation and temperature conditions at night. The hottest and sunniest months are February, March, April and May. The period from May to October sees the most rainfall.

The Pacific coast of Guatemala has a hot tropical climate. The temperature during the day in May-June is about +32 °C, at night - +23 °C. During the day in December, the thermometer can reach +27 °C.

On the Caribbean coast, the temperature during the day throughout the year ranges from +31...+33 °C, at night - about +23 °C. During the rainy season it remains the same high. The predominant amount of precipitation falls in this part of the republic.

The best time to visit Guatemala is the dry season, which lasts from November to May.

Nature

Two-thirds of Guatemala's territory is located on the medium-high and high mountain ranges of the Cordillera system. Two mountain ranges - Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre - cross the country, starting on its northern side and ending on the southern side. There are 33 volcanoes in this picturesque area, some of them are active to this day and their height reaches 3800 m. The Tajumulco volcano with a height of 4211 meters is the highest point in the country.

The west and south of Guatemala are located on the Pacific coastal lowland, namely, a flat plain penetrated by many rivers that carry crystal clear water from the mountain ranges.

Most of the country's population lives in the intermountain basins between the Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre ranges. The largest of them lies around Lake Atitlan, on the southeastern side of which the country's capital, Guatemala City, is located. Plantations of bananas, grain crops and cocoa almost entirely occupied the basins themselves, but the adjacent mountain slopes are dotted with pine and cedar forests.

Attractions

Guatemala is worth a visit to see with your own eyes how the centuries-old history of the ancient Mayan tribes and the promising future of their descendants can be organically combined. This most beautiful place in Central America is simply filled with legendary buildings.

The country's capital is an architectural eclecticism: glass skyscrapers rise above ancient stately mansions, and the city's wide and bustling shopping streets are criss-crossed with narrow streets where locals sip strong, aromatic coffee.

The city is located in a picturesque area surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and endless plantations, which can be seen from a bird's eye view if you take a helicopter tour, costing about $900 for five passengers.

The cities of Tigal and Antigua are favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world thanks to the Mayan civilization. A large number of pyramids, palaces and temples of ancient Indians have been preserved in the cities to this day.

The city of Quetzaltenango is widely known for its healing hot springs and handmade souvenirs. The town of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa will happily open up the pages of American history before its discovery by Columbus. If you have always dreamed of riding on a snow-white yacht or a wooden fishing boat, then you need to visit Livingston in northeastern Guatemala, where water excursions are offered.

Nutrition

Neighboring countries - Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador - have similar cuisine traditions to Guatemala, but the latter is considered simpler and rougher. It is impossible not to notice here the influence of Indian and Spanish culinary traditions, mixed with each other thanks to the rich history of the country. The main ingredients of traditional dishes are maize, fried meat (mostly chicken), beans and rice. Their combinations and ratios are different, but the dishes always contain a large amount of herbs and spices. Many recipes for national dishes have been preserved since Mayan times.

Coffee is Guatemala's staple drink and a top export. You can feel the aroma of good black coffee even in the most remote corners of the country - Guatemalans prefer a weak drink, but drink it very often (up to 20 cups a day). Tea is consumed much less; among the favorite varieties, the most popular is the traditional Latin American mate. Fruit juices are present in great abundance, as various tropical fruits are grown throughout the country.

Accommodation

Hotels in Guatemala have their own “zest”: original architecture. They are all different, some can be compared to an ethnographic village, others to a Spanish castle. But they also have something in common - excellent service at the European level.

The room must be booked in advance. Resort hotels on the coast resemble hotels from films: fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, loungers and palm trees.

Most hotels provide a buffet breakfast included in the price of your stay. The staff speaks Spanish and English.

If you want to feel the full flavor of the local culture, you should stay in a “guesthouse”: it offers full board, and the owners, for a fee, will help you explore the surrounding area and tell ancient legends.

Entertainment and relaxation

There are more than ten national parks and reserves in Guatemala, their flora and fauna are very diverse. The deepest lake in Central America, Atitlan, is also located here. The descendants of the Mayan tribe live right at the foot of the volcanoes in the vicinity of the lake.

Monterico is Guatemala's most popular beach, stretching along the Pacific coast and is an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing on the volcanic sand.

The country has a huge number of different festive events. Each village or city has its own patron saint, whose day is usually celebrated on a grand scale, with musical performances and church services followed by festive processions and fireworks. Traditional Guatemalan clothing and local life can be observed when visiting Sunday markets in Chichicastenango and nearby towns.

For those who prefer an active holiday to sunny sandy beaches, there are plenty of ways to spend time: hiking through ancient cities, climbing volcanoes, surfing, rafting, diving and other joys await adrenaline lovers in Guatemala.

Purchases

The best souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones can be goods and folk art products of the indigenous population of Guatemala, which include hand-woven clothing and Indian calendars, knitted items, semi-precious stones, wood products, ritual attributes of the Mayan civilization and much more.

Mostly all handicraft goods can be purchased at the city markets, where the price of them can be reduced by almost a third by haggling a little. The streets of the country's cities are literally strewn with souvenir shops, where you can find many products with images of the quetzal bird, which is a national symbol. If we talk about products used by tourists as “gifts” for loved ones, then we must talk about chocolate and coffee; it should be noted that even a small store can offer a large selection of them.

Transport

Guatemala's urban public transport consists of a small number of old school buses from the US. The conductor is the “main” person on such a bus, since his duties include communicating the route by leaning out of the open door and shouting the necessary information. And this happens due to the illiteracy of most of the local residents. The conductor also functions as turn signals and brake lights. Passengers can board and disembark even at intersections and bridges, and travel is inexpensive. It is more pleasant and much safer (however, more expensive) to travel using tourist shuttles: they move between main cities, drop off at the hotel and bring them back. There are only seats there and have a good level of comfort. There are taxis, the price for trips in it must be discussed before boarding. The only means of transport that can be used to get to some national parks is an ordinary boat.

Connection

The Internet and cellular communications are actively developing in Guatemala. There are a huge number of Internet cafes in the capital and main tourist cities of the country. The airport and several hotels have access to wireless networks. Mobile communications of the GSM 800/1900 standard are rapidly expanding. In order to make an international telephone call, you can use the services of post offices where there are telephone calls.

Telephone communication within the country is carried out using pay phones, which are abundantly present on the city streets.

Safety

In Guatemala, as in any country, there is crime, but currently the organization of tourist safety has increased significantly. In places frequented by visitors, a fairly large number of police officers are responsible for order, but thefts by pickpockets and attacks aimed at seizing the funds of foreigners are frequent. In this regard, you should not leave the hotel in the evening or at night, or walk around the city alone.

Only first medical aid is provided free of charge, while full medical care for foreign citizens is provided exclusively by private medical centers and its scope is stipulated by existing insurance documents.

Business climate

Guatemala has a very close connection with the history of the Mayan civilization. Every year, archaeologists find new artifacts that allow us to open the door to the past of this people. The country's authorities hold specialized exhibitions and conferences dedicated to the history of the Maya Indians, which bring together not only professionals in the scientific field, but also attract a huge number of tourists.

It is important to note the importance for the country's tourism of the opening of the Ancient Mayan city of Samabagh, planned for December 2012. Particular attention is drawn to this event because the city is located at the depths of Lake Atitlan, under the water column.

Real estate

A special feature of the Guatemalan real estate market is its openness to investors. It is worth noting that this direction can be called promising due to the annual increase in the number of tourists in the country. On average, the cost of one square meter varies from one to one and a half thousand dollars, although the location of the object of purchase/sale significantly influences the final price. A foreigner has the opportunity to freely buy and sell real estate in Guatemala, with the exception of areas on the border of the state, river and ocean coasts.

When buying or selling real estate, foreigners must pay the required taxes and adhere to the laws of the country when completing the transaction. According to Guatemalan law, the owner of real estate can be a foreign person, regardless of his migration status.

If you have decided to visit Guatemala, have already chosen a tour operator and are packing your bags with genuine trepidation, you should spend a few minutes on these tips that will allow you to enjoy your trip:

There is no restriction on the import of foreign currency into the country, but it will need to be registered on your tax return.

You can pay for souvenirs and goods using local currency and US dollars.

Bargaining is encouraged in all markets and in all small shops, with the exception of large shopping centers.

In restaurants and cafes they leave a tip - about 10% of the order amount.

To use electrical appliances, you will need adapters and adapters, since the mains voltage is 120 V.

To make an international call, use the dialing code 502 (country) and the area code (Guatemala City code - 2).

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling, check whether its model supports the 1800 band.

Visa information

Beginning tourists need to know: Guatemala is part of the countries participating in the common visa area agreement with countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. This means that if you have a visa for at least one of the listed countries, you can safely visit each of them.

On average, the processing time for a visa to Guatemala takes from 5 to 7 working days. The duration of stay in the country on a visa should not exceed 90 days. Otherwise, obtaining a visa follows the standard scenario: registration and submission of documents to the embassy or travel agency, and, of course, waiting time.

The Guatemalan Embassy in Moscow can be found at: st. Koroviy Val, 7, entrance 4, office. 92. Phone: (+7 495) 238-2214.