The Mayan Indian empire flourished in this particular country for over 1,000 years before the Spanish arrived. Even today, more than half the population are Mayans. What country is this?

This Central American nation is often called the "heart of the Mayan world," and for good reason. It was the cradle of the classical Mayan civilization, which reached its peak between 250 and 900 AD. For over a millennium before the Spanish conquest, great city-states like Tikal, El Mirador, and Quiriguá dominated the landscape, showcasing incredible advancements in astronomy (Deals), mathematics, and architecture. The ruins of these magnificent cities, many still hidden deep within the jungle, are a powerful testament to the empire's long and influential history.

The legacy of this ancient empire is not just confined to archaeological sites. Guatemala has the largest percentage of Mayan descendants of any country in Central America. While official figures vary, indigenous Mayans make up a significant portion of the country's population, often cited as being over half. This living culture is vibrant and visible in daily life, from the brightly colored, hand-woven textiles to the more than 20 distinct Mayan languages that are still spoken today, preserving a direct and unbroken link to their rich ancestral past.