Mopan people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| approx. 9,800 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Belize |
6,909 |
 Guatemala, El Petén |
2,891 |
| Languages | |
| Mopan, English, Kriol, Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Catholic, Evangelicalist, Maya religion | |
The Mopan are a fascinating group of Maya peoples who live in parts of Belize and Guatemala. They have their own special language, also called Mopan. This language is part of the larger Yucatec Maya language family.
Contents
A Look at Mopan History
The Mopan people have a long and interesting history. At one point, the British government moved many Mopan people from an area called British Honduras (which is now Belize) into Guatemala.
Life in Guatemala
When the Mopan were in Guatemala, they were forced to work for others. This was a very difficult time for them.
Returning to Belize
Later, in the 1800s, many Mopan people from Guatemala decided to move back to British Honduras. They wanted to return to their original lands.
Where Mopan People Live Today
Today, Mopan people live in both Belize and Guatemala.
Mopan in Belize
In the year 2000, a count showed that 6,093 people in Belize spoke Mopan as their main language. This was about 3% of all the people living in Belize at that time. Most Mopan in Belize live in the Toledo District.
Mopan in Guatemala
In Guatemala, many Mopan people live in the El Petén region.
Mopan Language
The Mopan language is an important part of their culture. It is one of the many languages spoken by the Maya people. Besides Mopan, many Mopan people also speak English, Kriol, or Spanish.
See also
In Spanish: Pueblo mopán para niños
