Sololá Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sololá Department
Departmento de Sololá
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![]() Location of the Sololá Department in Guatemala
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Country | ![]() |
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Capital | Sololá | ||
Municipalities | 19 | ||
Government | |||
• Type | Departmental | ||
Area | |||
• Department | 1,061 km2 (410 sq mi) | ||
Population
(2018)
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• Department | 421,583 | ||
• Density | 397.34/km2 (1,029.1/sq mi) | ||
• Urban | 259,533 | ||
• Ethnicities | K'akchiquel Tz'utujil K'iche Ladino | ||
• Religions | Roman Catholicism Evangelicalism Maya | ||
Time zone | UTC-6 | ||
ISO 3166 code | GT-SO |
Sololá is a special area in the west of Guatemala. It is called a department, which is like a state or province. The main city and capital of this department is also called Sololá.
Contents
What is Sololá Department?
The Sololá Department is a beautiful region in Guatemala. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, especially Lake Atitlán. Many different groups of people live here, including the K'akchiquel, Tz'utujil, and K'iche people.
Geography and Nature
Sololá Department covers an area of about 1,061 square kilometers. This is roughly 410 square miles. The area has many mountains and valleys. The most famous natural feature is Lake Atitlán, which is a very large lake surrounded by volcanoes.
Lake Atitlán: A Natural Wonder
Lake Atitlán is a huge lake that fills a volcanic crater. It is often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Many towns and villages are located around its shores. The lake is very deep and is important for the local people. They use it for fishing, travel, and farming.
People and Culture
In 2018, about 421,583 people lived in the Sololá Department. Most of the people living here are Indigenous Maya groups. They speak their own languages, like Kaqchikel, Tz'utujil, and K'iche'.
Traditions and Beliefs
The people of Sololá have rich traditions and cultures. Many practice a mix of Roman Catholicism and traditional Maya beliefs. Festivals and ceremonies are an important part of their lives. These events often include colorful clothing, music, and dances.
Daily Life in Sololá
Life in Sololá often involves farming, especially growing coffee and corn. Many people also make beautiful handmade crafts. These crafts are sold in local markets and to tourists. The department is a popular place for visitors who want to learn about Maya culture and enjoy nature.
Towns and Villages
The Sololá Department is made up of 19 different towns and villages. These are called municipalities. Each municipality has its own local government and unique characteristics.
List of Municipalities
Here are the 19 municipalities that make up the Sololá Department:
- Concepción
- Nahualá
- Panajachel
- San Andrés Semetabaj
- San Antonio Palopó
- San José Chacayá
- San Juan La Laguna
- San Lucas Tolimán
- San Marcos La Laguna
- San Pablo La Laguna
- San Pedro La Laguna
- Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan
- Santa Catarina Palopó
- Santa Clara La Laguna
- Santa Cruz La Laguna
- Santa Lucía Utatlán
- Santa María Visitación
- Santiago Atitlán
- Sololá