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Location
Central America.
Time
GMT - 6.
Area
108,889 sq km (42,042 sq miles).
Population
13 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
119.4 per sq km.
Capital
Guatemala City. Population: 951,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
Guatemala is located in Central America and shares borders to the north and west with Mexico, to the southeast with El Salvador and Honduras, to the northeast with Belize and the Caribbean sea and to the south with the Pacific ocean. The landscape is predominantly mountainous and heavily forested. A string of volcanoes rises above the southern highlands along the Pacific, three of which are still active. Within this volcanic area are basins of varying sizes which hold the majority of the country’s population. The region is drained by rivers flowing into both the Pacific and the Caribbean. One basin west of the capital has no river outlet and thus has formed Lake Atitlán, which is ringed by volcanoes. To the northwest, bordering on Belize and Mexico, lies the low undulating tableland of El Petén, 36,300 sq km (14,000 sq miles) of almost inaccessible wilderness covered with dense hardwood forest. This area covers approximately one-third of the national territory, yet contains only 40,000 people.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.
Head of State
President Alvaro Colom since 2007.
Recent History
President Alvaro Colom of the center-left National Union of Hope party defeated retired General Otto Perez Molina of the conservative Patriot Party in November 2007. Major campaign issues included policies for reducing Guatemala's high crime rate and violence and the illegal migration of Guatemalans to the United States.
The massive human rights abuses of previous governments, especially the Rios Montt regime, is still a central and highly sensitive issue in Guatemalan domestic politics. Abroad, the main issue facing the country remains a territorial dispute with neighbouring Belize.
The massive human rights abuses of previous governments, especially the Rios Montt regime, is still a central and highly sensitive issue in Guatemalan domestic politics. Abroad, the main issue facing the country remains a territorial dispute with neighbouring Belize.
Language
The official language is Spanish. There are also 22 indigenous languages.
Religion
About 60% of the population are Catholic. Most of the remaining population are Protestant. Some indigenous communities hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites.
Electricity
115-125 volts AC, 60Hz. There are some regional variations. Plugs are the flat two-pin American type.
Social Conventions
Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American republics and is the only one which is predominantly Indian, although the Spanish have had a strong influence on the way of life. Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances, particularly in business. Dress is conservative and casual wear is suitable except in the smartest dining rooms and clubs.
Photography: Locals are often suspicious of foreigners taking photographs, particularly of young children. Before approaching children for photos, or even just to talk to them, you should check with an an adult that this is acceptable. However, if you are in any doubt, refrain from doing so. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
Photography: Locals are often suspicious of foreigners taking photographs, particularly of young children. Before approaching children for photos, or even just to talk to them, you should check with an an adult that this is acceptable. However, if you are in any doubt, refrain from doing so. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
