Guatemala(Nick)

=//** Guatemala **//= =//** --General Info **//= Capital City: Guatemala Population of Capital: 1,150,452 Population: //14,388,929// Birth rate: 26.96 births/1,000 population Death rate: 4.98 deaths/1,000 population Imports: fuels, machinery and transportequipment, construction materials =**--Geography**= -Geographies Affect on the Economy: Have no natural harbors on the west coast so it doesn’t allow to have big ships for trade. The Mayan civilization prospered throughout Guatemala and surrounding countries way before the Spanish settled in the region. No one knows when the Mayan civilization migrated there or if they just have always been there. When the Spanish arrived, the Mayans started declining. Then Pedro de Alvarado went to war with them in 1523 and defeated the Mayans in 1524. Pedro made the first colonial capital in Ciudad de Viejas, but it was destroyed after multiple floods and an earthquake in 1542. The second colonial capital, Antigua, was made in 1543, than destroyed in 1773 by 2 earthquakes. The next capital is still standing today and has not changed. It is Guatemala City or Ciudad de Guatemala. September 15, 1821 was when Guatemala gained its independence from Spain. For a little bit after that it was part of the Mexican Empire, and then became part of a federation called the United Provinces of Central America. In the mid-19th century all the way to the mid-1980’s it went through a series of dictatorships, rebellions, and military rule. Then in 1984 they made a democratic constitution, with this new constitution a political leader (Vinicio Cerezo) won the first election with 70% of the votes. He took office in January 14, 1986. The government then announced its main priorities would be to end the political violence and establish laws and rules. =**//--Culture//**= //**-Sports:**// In Guatemala they play all of the sports we play here in US. The most popular sport is soccer or "futbol". One of the not so popular sports is golf. Another big sport is baseball, which they have a team in the little league world series. //**-Holidays:**// January 1 New Year's Day March/April Easter May 1 Labor Day June 30 Army Day September 15 Independence Day October 20 Revolution Day November 1 All Saints Day December 25 Christmas Day //**-Foods:**// For breakfast them eating eggs in a tortilla shell is like us eating eggs and toast, it just belongs together! Also they like to eat the fruits and vegetables at every meal. At lunch and dinner they eat about the samething, which involves ckicken, steak, beef and pork; with a side of fruits or vegetables. //**-Music:**// The marimba is the mot popular instrument in Guatemala. It is also the most popular music. Whether it is the most rural or urban area you can always find this music. =**//--Tourism//**= //**1.**// There are Mayan ruins located all throughout Guatemala. They range from pyramid like, to huge temples, to funny looking statues. These ruins are over 2000 years old and are a great family adventure for all ages. //**2.**// One of the most beautiful places in Guatemala is Lake Atitlan. It is surrounded by volcanoes and over 5000 feet above sea level. This lake is located beside of Panajachel City and is 12 miles long and anywhere from 4 to 7 miles wide. //**3.**// Pacaya Volcano is one of the large volcanos in Guatemala. You can spend the day hiking up it and being able to look out over Lake Atitlan, which is right beside it. This volcano is active so you might get lucky and be able to see it erupt, dont worry though, it only erupts gases and very small streams of lava. == = = = = = = = = = = = = =**//--Current Events//**= []
 * - Demographics: **
 * Life Expectancy:**
 * Total population; 70.88 years male; 69.03 years female; 72.83 years**
 * -Main Religion:** Roman Catholic
 * -Official Languages:** 60% Spanish, 40% Amerindian Languages (Indian)
 * -Major Exports:** Coffee, Banana’s, and Sugar
 * -Money System: ** Quetzal (bills) and centavos (cents). The exchange rate is $1 = Q7.44.
 * -Climate:** Tropical, Hot and humid
 * -Terrain:** Mostly mountains, has narrow coastal plains
 * --History of Guatemala**
 * --Government**
 * -Type of Government:** Democratic
 * -Current Leaders:** President- Otto Fernando Perez Molina
 * Vice President-** Ingrid Roxana Baldetti Elias
 * Minister of Foreign Affairs-** Harold Osberto Caballeros Lopez
 * Minister of Defense-** Hector Mauricio Lopez Bonilla
 * Minister of Government-** Ulises Noe Anzueto Giron
 * -Political Climate:** There are many problems and difficulties in the political stability of this country. They are making change and trying to make solutions to these problems every day.

**//-Summary//**
They are mineing for gold but the only person benefitting from this is the mayor. It is bringing popularity to him for letting them mine. Really it is hurting the environment and making the town spend money that isnt needed to be spent. []

//**-Summary**//
This article is talking about kids, youth ,and young adults. They walked to represent and promote HIV and AIDS. They decided to spend more time and effort against these diseases. Also to have certain days of they year promoted directly towards these diseases. =**//--References//**=
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 * -Time Magazine: Guatemalas President**