Maya peoples facts for kids
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The Maya area within Mesoamerica
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 7 million+ (2002) Pre-Columbian: 5–10 million |
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| Regions with significant populations | |
| Parts of modern-day countries of Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador | |
| Languages | |
| Mayan languages, Spanish, and Kriol | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity and Maya religion |
The Maya peoples are a group of indigenous peoples from Mesoamerica. This area includes parts of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. The famous ancient Maya civilization was built by their ancestors. Today, many Maya people still live in these same regions.
The word "Maya" is a modern name for these groups. Historically, the different Maya communities did not use this single term for themselves. They had their own unique traditions, cultures, and identities. There was no single political group that united all of them.
Today, it is thought that over six million Maya people live in this area. They have kept many parts of their ancient culture alive. Some Maya people have blended into the larger hispanicized cultures of their countries. Others continue to live a more traditional life. Many still speak one of the Mayan languages as their main language.
The largest groups of Maya today live in Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. Large populations also live in the Mexican states of Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Chiapas.
Contents
Who Are the Maya People?
The Maya are an ethnolinguistic group. This means they are a group of people who share a common culture and language. Their history goes back thousands of years. They are known for their amazing achievements in science and art.
Where Do They Live?
The Maya homeland is in Mesoamerica. This region stretches from central Mexico down to northern Costa Rica. The Maya mostly live in the southern part of this area. This includes the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It also covers all of Guatemala and Belize. Parts of El Salvador and Honduras are also Maya lands.
How Many Maya People Are There?
It is estimated that about 7 million Maya people live today. This number is from the early 2000s. In ancient times, during the peak of the Maya civilization, there were likely 5 to 10 million people.
Maya Culture and Languages
The Maya have a rich and diverse culture. It includes their languages, religions, and daily traditions. Many aspects of their ancient heritage are still practiced today.
Maya Languages Today
There are many different Mayan languages. Each one is spoken by a specific Maya group. These languages are part of a larger language family. Besides their native languages, many Maya also speak Spanish. In Belize, some also speak Kriol.
Traditional Maya Life
Some Maya communities live very traditional lives. They wear colorful clothing and follow ancient customs. They often live in villages and farm the land. Their daily life is connected to their history and beliefs.
Modern Maya Life
Other Maya people are more integrated into modern society. They live in cities and work in various jobs. Even so, they often keep strong ties to their heritage. They might celebrate traditional festivals or speak their native language at home.
Notable Maya Individuals
Throughout history, many Maya people have made important contributions. They have excelled in different fields.
Maya Leaders
Francisco Luna Kan was a Maya man who became a governor. He led the state of Yucatán in Mexico. His family name, "Kan," is very common among Maya people.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Rigoberta Menchú Tum is a famous Maya woman from Guatemala. She won the Nobel Peace Prize. She received this award for her work promoting human rights. She fought for the rights of indigenous peoples.
Images for kids
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The Maya area within Mesoamerica
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Map of Maya linguistic distribution
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Chichen Itza's El Castillo
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Yucateken
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Former governor of Yucatán, Francisco Luna Kan, is a Maya with the very common surname "Kan"
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Maya populations in Chiapas. The area officially assigned to the Lacandon Community is the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, which partly overlaps with the Tzeltal, Tojolabal and Chʼol areas
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Ixil women in Nebaj, Guatemala.
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Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú Tum in Acaya, Province of Lecce (Italy), at the opening press conference of the International Forum of Peace.
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Guatemalan girls in their traditional clothing from the town of Santa Catarina Palopó on Lake Atitlán
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Maximón, a Maya deity
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Maya family from Yucatán
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See also
In Spanish: Pueblo maya para niños
