Country Guatemala Capital Antigua Guatemala Area 465 km² | Department Antigua Guatemala Time zone -6 Municipalities 16 | |
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Points of interest Church and Convent, Santa Catalina Arch, San Francisco Church, Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, Antiguo Colegio de la Compa Destinations Antigua Guatemala, Amatitlán, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, Sumpango, Ciudad Vieja | ||
Sacatepéquez ([sakateˈpekes]) is one of the 22 departments of Guatemala. Population estimate 265,500 in 2000. The name comes from Sacatepéquez, a city from November 21, 1542 until July 29, 1773 when it was destroyed by the Santa Marta earthquake. Sacatepéquez means grasshill in the Pipil Maya dialect. The capital of Sacatepéquez is Antigua Guatemala. Other important cities include Ciudad Vieja.
Contents
Map of Sacatep%C3%A9quez, Guatemala
Etymology
Sacatepéquez has also been called Zacatepeques.
Population
As of 1850, the area had a population of an estimated 56,000. The southern area has the largest population, which is closer to Guatemala City.
Municipalities
- Alotenango
- Antigua Guatemala
- Ciudad Vieja
- Jocotenango
- Magdalena Milpas Altas
- Pastores
- San Antonio Aguas Calientes
- San Bartolomé Milpas Altas
- San Lucas Sacatepéquez
- San Miguel Dueñas
- Santiago Sacatepéquez
- Santa Catarina Barahona
- Santa Lucía Milpas Altas
- Santa María de Jesús
- Santo Domingo Xenacoj
- Sumpango
Geography
The area is mountainous, with what the British described, in 1850, as a "mild climate." Rivers include: Guacalate, Los Encuentros, Las Cañas, Pensativo y Sumpango.
Economy
The more populated areas produce fruit and various crops, including maize. Livestock is also raised, with trade going towards Guatemala City. The southern area of the department produces coffee, sugar, tobacco, and cotton. As of 1850, products were being shipped out of Iztapa.