Petén Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Petén
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Department
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El Petén
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| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department | Petén Department |
| Capital | Flores |
| Municipalities | 12 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Departmental |
| Area | |
| • Department | 35,854 km2 (13,843 sq mi) |
| Population
(Census 2002)
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| • Department | 366,735 |
| • Urban | 110,399 |
| • Ethnicities | Ladino Mopan Lacandon Itza Q'eqchi' |
| • Religions | Roman Catholicism Evangelicalism |
| Time zone | -6 |
Petén is a large area in the northern part of Guatemala. It is one of the country's departments, which are like states or provinces. Petén is the biggest department in Guatemala. It covers about one-third of the whole country!
The capital city of Petén is Flores. In 2005, about 450,000 people lived in Petén. The government of Guatemala officially created the Petén department on May 8, 1866.
Geography of Petén
Petén shares its borders with other countries and parts of Guatemala. To the east, it borders Belize. To the north and west, it borders Mexico.
To the south, Petén borders two other Guatemalan departments: Alta Verapaz and Izabal.
Many rivers form the borders of Petén. The Usumacinta River and its branch, the Salinas River, make up much of the western border with Mexico. The Gracias a Dios and Santa Isabel rivers form parts of the southern border.
Lakes in Petén
Petén is home to many beautiful lakes. In the center of the department, you can find:
- Petén Itzá
- Peténchel
- Quexil
- Salpetén
- Macanche
Other important lakes include:
- Yaxhá and Sacnab in the east
- Petexbatún in the southwest
- Perdida, Larga, La Gloria, San Diego, Mendoza, El Repasto, and Lacandón in the west
Images for kids
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Map of Petén showing its main towns, roads, rivers, and ancient sites. Click to enlarge.
See also
In Spanish: Departamento de Petén para niños
