GUATIMALA, la Nueva, the capital of the republic of Guatemala, in Central America.1 Its situation is in N. Lat. 14. 36., and W. Long. 90. 30., at the extremity of a plain 22 miles in length by 7 in breadth, with a deep ravine on three sides, and elevated above the sea 4970 feet. The form of the town is quadrangular; and the streets are wide, straight, and clean. On account of the frequency of earthquakes the houses are only one story in height. The Plaza or Great Square measures about 150 yards on each side, and is surrounded on three sides by colonnades. Here are the principal buildings in the town—the cathedral, archbishop's palace, the old royal palace, the College de Infantes, and the various government offices. In the centre stands a large and elegant fountain. The town is well supplied with water brought by pipes from the mountains upwards of two leagues distant. Besides the cathedral, there are 26 other churches and chapels; and, besides the plaza, several other squares, each with a fountain in the centre. At the south side of the city there has recently been erected a fort mounting 20 guns. There are several private schools in Guatimala; and several printing establishments, whence two weekly newspapers are issued.
Thompson, in his Official Visit to Guatimala, states that "the mean heat" of the city of Guatimala "during the day, from the 1st of January to the 1st of July is 75° of Fahr., at night 63°. In the summer months the average may be taken at ten degrees higher." Fruits, vegetables, provisions, and all articles of ordinary consumption are abundant, at moderate prices, while many descriptions of British manufacture are as cheap as in Britain. The manufactures are muslins, gauze, cottons, earthenware, porcelain, jewelry, cigars, &c.
The inhabitants are courteous and hospitable to strangers, but live very much apart from each other, their only recreation being their incessant religious processions. The suburbs are occupied mostly by ladinos (mulattoes) and Indians. The buildings of this city were begun in 1776, three years after the fearful earthquake of 1773, which completely destroyed Old Guatimala, the former capital. The population is variously estimated from 35,000 to 50,000.