Trivia in Guatemala

National symbols

Flag: Vertical triband of blue-white-blue with the national coat of arms centered. Blue represents the Pacific and Caribbean, white symbolizes peace and purity.

Emblem: A shield surrounded by laurel branches depicting the national bird quetzal, independence declaration scroll, rifles and sabers.

Trivia & facts

• Quetzal tail feathers were once used as currency.
• Quetzal currency notes feature Maya numerals.
• World's largest cardamom exporter with second-highest production after India.
• Flag's blue symbolizes two seas, a common color among Central American nations.
• Antigua lost capital function after 1776 earthquake.
• Tikal flooded with tourists during 2012 Maya calendar doomsday boom.
• Guatemala first Spanish-speaking country to designate marimba as national instrument.
• World Heritage Tikal famous as Star Wars movie filming location.
• Consistently ranks high in Cup of Excellence coffee competition.
• Folk craft Worry Dolls (Muñecas Quitapenas) placed under pillow to remove worries.