Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango (Spanish pronunciation: [ketsalteˈnaŋɡo], also known by its Maya name, Xelajú [ʃelaˈχu] or Xela [ˈʃela]), is both the capital of Quetzaltenango Department and the municipal seat of Quetzaltenango municipality in Guatemala. Quetzaltenango has a population of 180,706 (2018 census). The population is about 61% indigenous or Amerindian, 34% Mestizo or ladino and 5% white Latin American. The city is located in a mountain valley at an elevation of 2,330 meters (7,640 feet) above sea level at its lowest part. It may reach above 2,400 m (7,900 ft) within the city. The Municipality of Quetzaltenango consists of an area of 122 km2 (47 sq mi). Municipalities abutting the municipality of Quetzaltenango include Salcajá, Cantel, Almolonga, Zunil, El Palmar, Concepción Chiquirichapa, San Mateo, La Esperanza, and Olintepeque in Quetzaltenango department and San Andrés Xecul in Totonicapán department.