Though the Maya has been a subject of archaeological, art and academic interest for hundreds of years, to many in current society, the Maya calendar is what is most commonly known of this people and its culture. There are many end of world theories, but perhaps the one most often spoken of is attached to the Maya calendar and the date 12-21-12. The references do not generally include the fact that there are millions of Maya still living today.
Today's Maya faces poverty and over population in some areas; have been caught between revolutionaries such as the Zapatistas and the government; and, may face violent non-acceptance in other areas. However, statistics show that there are approximately 6 million Maya living in Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, Belize and Honduras. The Maya has been one of few indigenous cultures that has survived conquests, missionaries, natural disasters and outside settlement. There has been some assimilation and change over the many years; however, the many languages, traditions and religious practices of their ancestors are still recognizable among the Maya of today.
