Guatemala City

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Capital and largest city of Guatemala, situated in the Guatemalan Highlands at an altitude of 1,500 m/4,920 ft on a plateau in the Sierra Madre mountains; population (2002 est) 942,300. A group of volcanoes overlooks the city: Acatenango (3,976 m/13,044 ft), Fuego (3,763 m/12,346 ft), and Agua (3,760 m/12,336 ft). Industries include textiles, tyres, silverware, footwear, and cement. Half of the industrial output of Guatemala emanates from Guatemala City. It was founded in 1776 as Guatemala's third capital after earthquakes destroyed the earlier capitals of Antigua and Cuidad Vieja in 1773 and 1542 respectively. It was itself severely damaged by subsequent earthquakes in 1917–18 and 1976.

There is a cathedral (built 1782–1815), and on the western outskirts of the city are the Mayan ruins of Kaminal Juyú. San Carlos University, founded in 1676, is one of the oldest in the Americas and the city is also home to Francisco Morroquin University (1971) and three other universities. The National Conservatory of Music (1881) is here. Other notable buildings include the churches of Santo Domingo and San Francisco.

Blue recalls the clear sky, the Atlantic Ocean, water, and rain. Red represents Namibia's people reflecting their heroism and desire for equal opportunity. White stands for peace and unity. Green symbolizes vegetation and agriculture. Effective date: 21 March 1990. >>