Overview of Guatemala

Profile

Possessing both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Guatemala features diverse terrain including volcanic highlands, tropical rainforest lowlands, and fertile Pacific coastal plains. With Central America's largest population, it is characterized as a multi-ethnic and multilingual society. Since the 19th century, the economy has been built on coffee and sugar exports, with tourism and manufacturing growing after the 1996 peace accords. However, poverty disparity and security issues persist, with social infrastructure development remaining a challenge.

Official name: Republic of Guatemala
Common name: Guatemala
Numeric code: 320
Alpha-3 code: GTM
Alpha-2 code: GT
Population: Approximately 18 million (2023)
Population density: About 160 people/km2
Primary languages: Spanish, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', Mam, Xinca, Garifuna and 23 other languages
Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant (Evangelical), Traditional Maya religion
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Guatemala (National Anthem of Guatemala)
Calling code: +502
Internet TLD: .gt

History

After Spanish colonial rule, independence in 1821. Experienced coups and 36-year civil war in the 20th century, peace achieved in 1996.

After flourishing as a major center of ancient Maya civilization, it was conquered by Spanish Alvarado in the 16th century. Gained independence from Spain in 1821, becoming a republic again in 1839 after the Central American Federation. Democratic reforms advanced with the 1944 revolution, but reversed by a U.S.-supported coup in 1954, followed by civil war between government forces and leftist guerrillas from 1960 to 1996, claiming about 200,000 lives. After UN-mediated peace accords, democratic institutions have been consolidating, though struggles with poverty, security, and corruption continue.

Geography & climate

Three major landscapes: volcanic range central highlands, tropical rainforest Petén lowlands, and black sand Pacific coastal plain with Caribbean coral reef and mangrove coast.

Mix of tropical savanna and subtropical highland climates

Area: North America / 108889 km²
Capital: Guatemala City (Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción)
Largest city: Guatemala City
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Atitlán, Lake Izabal, Lake Petén Itzá
Bordering countries: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic ash soil, Coffee cultivation land, Cardamom, Obsidian, Jade deposits, Gold mines, Nickel mines, Petroleum, Hydroelectric rivers, Tropical hardwoods, Rich biodiversity, Tourism resources like volcanoes and caves

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Quetzal (GTQ)

GDP (nominal): 95.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 189.0 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', Mam, Xinca, Garifuna and 23 other languages

Time zone: Central Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Ladino, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', Mam, Garifuna, Xinka, Mestizo, European descent, Afro-descent

Life expectancy

72.3 years

Literacy rate

81%

National sports

Soccer, Futsal, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Volleyball