Jalapa, Jalapa

Jalapa is a city in Guatemala. It is the capital of the department of Jalapa; it is also the municipal seat of that department's municipality of Jalapa. It is located 174 kilometres (108 mi) from Guatemala City.

However, there is a shorter road from Guatemala city to Jalapa using Atlantic Highway and then going south (exit toward the city of Sanarate). This way Jalapa is only around 97 kilometres (60 mi), from Guatemala City.

The city of Jalapa was built in a valley, surrounded by the Jumay volcano and the mountains of Alcoba and Arluta and the Jalapa Mountains. For this reason and its altitude, 1,362 meters above sea level, their inhabitants enjoy an excellent weather, which is mild temperate; for this reason Jalapa is Known as the "climatologic of the east". It is never too cold and never too hot.

The local economy is based on agricultural and livestock products. The department of Jalapa produces corn and beans which are the main diet of Guatemalans, but also produces fruits such as peaches, apples, blackberries, bananas, avocados and vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower, most of which are exported to El Salvador. Jalapa also produces dairy products and is famous for its cheese, especially queso seco ("dry cheese", a drier version of queso fresco) and mantequilla de costal ("sack butter"), which is produced mainly in Monjas, San Manuel Chaparrón, San Carlos Alzatate and Jalapa.

Name: Jalapa. First city: Jalapa. Population: approximately 262,996 Cities: Jalapa, San Pedro Pinula, San Luis Jilotepeque, San Manuel Chaparrón, San Carlos Alzatate, Monjas and Mataquescuintla. Weather: Several types due to its geography. Language: Spanish y poqomam. Altitude: 1,362 meters above sea level. Territorial limits: It bounds to the north with El Progreso and Zacapa; to the east with Chiquimula; to the south with Santa Rosa and Jutiapa, to the west with Guatemala. Territorial extension: 2,063 square kilometers. Main festivity: Jalapa: From May 2 to may 5 in honor to the Holy Cross. Foundation: 1873. Temperature: Several types

Source: Guatemalan National Statistical Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, (INE).