How Much Do You Know About Guatemala? Quiz

Answer: Central America

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Honduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean between El Salvador and Mexico.

Answer: Quetzal

The exchange rate in 2013 was approximately 7.88 quetzales per US dollar.

Answer: False

The country's capital is Guatemala City.

Answer: Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitalan is located about 80 miles west of the capital. Three volcanoes tower over the southern shore, villages fringe the shores and eighteen islands dot the surface. The main tourist center is the small town of Panajachel, within easy walking distance of the several hotels in town.

Its streets are lined with stalls overflowing with textiles, clothes and handicrafts, and there is a good selection of restaurants and bars or discos. A Motorlaunch excursion takes you to the small villages along the lake's shores. Panajachel is often the base for exploring the highlands, especially when accommodation in Chichi is sold out.

At the top of the valley before descending to the lake shores is Solola, with a traditional market on Tuesday and Friday that is well worth a visit.

Answer: Miguel Angel Asturias

Miguel Angel Asturias (1899-1974) was born in Guatemala and spent his childhood and adolescence in his native country. He studied for his baccalaureate at a state high school and later took a law degree at the University of San Carlos. His thesis on "The Social Problem of the Indian" was published in 1923.
After he finished his law studies, he founded with fellow students the Popular University of Guatemala, whose aim was to offer courses to those who could not afford to attend the national university.
He recieved the Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1967 for his vivid literary work, deep-rooted in the national traits and traditions of Indian peoples of Latin America. His work includes "The President", "The Mirror of Lida Sal: Tales Based on Mayan Myths and Guatemalan Legends (Discoveries) ", and "Men of Maize".

Answer: Mayan

The Mayans developed astronomy, calendrical systems and hieroglyphic writing. They were also noted for elaborate and highly decorated ceremonial architecture, including temple-pyramids, palaces and observatories, all built without metal tools.

Answer: True

Despite budget constraints, George Lucas insisted on filming exteriors of the Massasi rebel base amongst the real Mayan ruins at the spectacular site of Tikal in Guatemala.

Answer: Pedro de Alvarado

The Mayan people were defeated in 1523-4 by the Spaniards, led by Pedro de Alvarado.

Answer: September 15th

On September 15 1821, large landowners and local business interests joined forces with colonial officials to peacefully proclaim the independence of the viceroyalty of New Spain, including the five countries of Central America.

Answer: False

The first capital was named Tecpan Guatemala, founded on July 25, 1524 with the name of Villa de Santiago de Guatemala and later moved to Ciudad Vieja on November 22, 1527. On September 11, 1541 the city was flooded when the lagoon in the crater of the Agua volcano collapsed. The survivors made Antiguathe the second capital in 1543. In 1773, Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes. The third capital, Guatemala City, was founded in 1776.