Maya Ethnic Group and Population - Maya are an ethnolinguistic group of indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica - The ancient Maya civilization was formed by members of this group - Today, Maya inhabit southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras - The term 'Maya' is a modern collective term for the peoples of the region - There was no common sense of identity or political unity among the distinct populations, societies, and ethnic groups - It is estimated that seven million Maya were living in the area at the start of the 21st century - Guatemala, southern Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and western Honduras have maintained remnants of their ancient cultural heritage - Some Maya are integrated into majority Hispanic cultures, while others maintain a traditional, culturally distinct life - The largest populations of contemporary Maya inhabit Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras, El Salvador, and northern Nicaragua - The Yucatan Peninsula has a large population of Maya who identify themselves simply as Maya without further ethnic subdivision

Language and Identity - The Maya language is referred to as Yucatec or Yucatec Maya - The correct name for the people is simply Maya, not Mayans - Maya women who use traditional dress identify as mestiza, not Maya - Ethnic self-identification as Maya is variable and situational - Some Maya people identify as Christians rather than Maya

Historical Interactions with Europeans - The Yucatan Peninsula's indigenous population was first exposed to Europeans in 1511 - Spanish expeditions led by Córdoba, Grijalva, and Cortés explored the region - Francisco Montejo's attempts to conquer the Yucatan failed initially - European diseases, native recruitment, and internal conflicts eventually led to the conquest of Chichen Itza - The western Yucatan Peninsula surrendered to the Spanish in 1542

Maya Identity in Modern Times - Between 750,000 and 1,200,000 people in the Yucatan Peninsula speak Mayan - Many people of Maya origins hold ancient Maya surnames and do not speak Mayan as their first language - The Caste War of Yucatan was a successful revolt by the native Maya people - The Maya state of Chan Santa Cruz was recognised as an independent nation by the British Empire - Politicians of Maya heritage have held various offices in the Yucatan Peninsula, including governor

Maya Cultural Heritage and Tourism - Maya people are known for their brightly colored textiles, such as capes, shirts, blouses, huipiles, and dresses. - Each village has its own distinctive pattern, allowing people to identify someone's hometown. - Maya religion is a combination of Roman Catholicism and indigenous Maya beliefs. - The syncretic religion prevailed throughout the country, especially in rural regions. - Protestant Pentecostalism has become the predominant religion in urban centers and some rural areas. - Cultural tourism plays a significant role in constructing national identities for the Maya. - Cultural tourism focuses on lifeways, such as costumes, rituals, diet, handicrafts, language, and housing. - Cultural tourism represents a large portion of global tourism, estimated to be around 35-40%. - Historic symbols and topics in tourism contribute to nation-building. - Ethno-commerce in tourism can create value but may also lead to the invention of artificial attractions.