Guatemala

The Republic of Guatemala, situated in the heart of Central America, is a nation of striking contrasts—rich in history, biodiversity, and culture, yet challenged by persistent social and economic inequalities. Bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala serves as a bridge between North and South America. Its cultural heritage, shaped by the ancient Maya civilisation and Spanish colonialism, endures alongside modern democratic governance and economic transformation.

Historical Background

Guatemala’s lands were once the cradle of the Maya civilisation (250–900 A.D.), one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian societies in the Americas. The Maya developed advanced astronomy, mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing, and built monumental cities such as Tikal, Quiriguá, and Tak’alik Ab’aj. Their legacy continues to influence Guatemala’s Indigenous cultures today.
In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors led by Pedro de Alvarado conquered the region, incorporating it into the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a province of the Spanish Empire. For nearly 300 years, Spanish colonial rule imposed Catholicism and European governance while exploiting Indigenous labour through the encomienda system.
On 15 September 1821, Guatemala gained independence from Spain along with other Central American territories. It briefly joined the Federal Republic of Central America (1823–1839) before establishing full sovereignty. The 19th century saw alternating liberal and conservative governments, land reforms, and foreign economic influence, particularly from U.S. agricultural corporations such as the United Fruit Company.
The 20th century brought turbulence. Democratic reforms under President Jacobo Árbenz (1951–1954), including land redistribution, alarmed U.S. interests, leading to a CIA-backed coup in 1954. The event triggered decades of political instability, culminating in a civil war (1960–1996) between leftist guerrillas and military governments. Over 200,000 people were killed, mostly Indigenous civilians, and tens of thousands disappeared. The 1996 Peace Accords ended the conflict, initiating a new democratic phase and human rights reforms.
In the 21st century, Guatemala has witnessed gradual democratic consolidation, though corruption, inequality, and organised crime remain entrenched. The 2023 election of Bernardo Arévalo de León, leader of the Semilla Movement, marked a turning point in anti-corruption efforts and hopes for greater social inclusion.

Geography and Environment

Location: Central AmericaArea: 108,889 sq kmCoordinates: 15°30′ N, 90°15′ WBorders: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El SalvadorCoastlines: Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Terrain: Dominated by two east–west mountain ranges dividing highlands, Pacific plains, and northern lowlands. The Sierra Madre region contains volcanic peaks, including Volcán Tajumulco (4,220 m), the highest point in Central America.
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid in the lowlands, temperate in highlands.Natural hazards: Frequent earthquakes, active volcanoes (Pacaya, Fuego, Santa María), and hurricanes along the Caribbean coast.
Natural resources: Petroleum, nickel, hydropower, rare hardwoods, and fertile volcanic soil.Land use (2022):

• Agricultural: 43%
• Forest: 32.7%
• Other: 24.3%

Environmental challenges: Deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination—especially in the Petén rainforest. Guatemala is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in Latin America, with droughts and storms intensifying migration and food insecurity.

People and Society

Population (2024): 18.25 millionUrban population: 53.1%Median age: 24.8 yearsPopulation growth rate: 1.49%Capital: Guatemala City (3.1 million, 2023)
Ethnic composition:

• Mestizo (Ladino): 56%
• Maya: 41.7%
• Xinca: 1.8%
• African descent / Garifuna / others: 0.5%

Guatemala is among the most ethnically diverse countries in the Americas, officially recognising 23 Indigenous languages, including 21 Mayan tongues such as K’iche’, Q’eqchi’, and Kaqchikel.
Languages:

• Spanish (official): 69.9%
• Maya languages: 29.7%
• Xinca and Garifuna: 0.4%

Religion (2023):

• Evangelical: 45.7%
• Roman Catholic: 42.4%
• None/other: 11%

Health indicators:

• Life expectancy: 73.5 years
• Infant mortality: 25 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 94 per 100,000
• Health expenditure: 6.9% of GDP
• Physician density: 1.28 per 1,000 population

Education:

• Literacy: 83% (male 88.4%, female 78.6%)
• School life expectancy: 11 years
• Public expenditure: 3.2% of GDP

Social challenges: Over 56% of Guatemalans live in poverty, with pronounced inequality (Gini Index 45.2). Child malnutrition affects nearly half of Indigenous children. Rural areas face limited healthcare and infrastructure, driving internal and external migration.

Government and Politics

Official name: República de GuatemalaGovernment type: Presidential republicCapital: Guatemala City
Executive:

• President: Bernardo Arévalo de León (since 15 January 2024)
• Vice President: Karin HerreraThe president serves a four-year term with no immediate re-election.

Legislature:

• Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la República): Unicameral, 160 seats, four-year terms.

Main political parties (2023):

• Vamos (39 seats)
• UNE (28)
• Semilla (23)
• Cabal (18)
• VIVA (11)
• Others (41)

Judiciary:

• Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) – highest appellate court
• Constitutional Court – interprets the constitution and ensures legal oversight

Administrative divisions: 22 departments (departamentos), including Petén, Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango, and Sacatepéquez.Constitution: 1985 (amended 1994) – establishes checks and balances and civil liberties.Suffrage: Universal at 18; military and police personnel cannot vote.
National symbols:

• Flag: Blue-white-blue vertical bands with a quetzal (national bird) and crossed rifles and swords, symbolising liberty and sovereignty.
• Anthem: Himno Nacional de Guatemala
• National Day: 15 September (Independence Day)
• Currency: Quetzal (GTQ)

Economy

Guatemala possesses one of Central America’s largest and most stable economies, combining agriculture, manufacturing, and services with significant remittance inflows.
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (nominal): $113.2 billion
• GDP (PPP): $232.7 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $12,600
• Real growth rate: 3.7%
• Inflation: 2.9%
• Unemployment: 2.3%
• Public debt: 31.6% of GDP
• Tax revenue: 11.6% of GDP (one of the lowest in Latin America)

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 9.8%
• Industry: 21.7%
• Services: 61.8%

Major exports: Garments, coffee, bananas, sugar, palm oil, cardamom.Main export partners: USA (33%), El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico.Main imports: Refined petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals.Import partners: USA (30%), China (19%), Mexico (11%).Remittances: 19.1% of GDP (mainly from Guatemalans in the United States).
Despite steady growth, poverty and underemployment remain pervasive, with wealth concentrated in urban centres. Informal labour dominates rural areas, and Indigenous populations often lack access to credit and education.

Infrastructure and Energy

Electricity access: 99.1% (2022)Installed capacity: 4.995 million kW (2023)Energy mix:

• Hydroelectric: 42%
• Biomass/waste: 25.7%
• Fossil fuels: 25.4%
• Geothermal and solar: growing sectors

Guatemala exports surplus electricity regionally through the SIEPAC grid (Central American Electrical Interconnection System).
Transport:

• Airports: 58 (main: La Aurora International, Guatemala City)
• Ports: Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Barrios, Santo Tomás de Castilla
• Rail: 800 km (inactive)
• Roads: Part of the Pan-American Highway, linking to Mexico and the rest of Central America.

Defence and Security

The Guatemalan Armed Forces (Ejército de Guatemala) consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with around 20,000 active personnel.

• Military expenditure: 0.4% of GDP (among the lowest in Latin America)
• Service: Voluntary (males aged 18–50)
• International role: Contributes troops to UN peacekeeping (MONUSCO, Congo)

The military assists police in combating drug trafficking, gang violence (notably MS-13 and Barrio 18), and border insecurity. Despite demilitarisation since 1996, security remains a pressing concern.

Culture and Heritage

Guatemala’s culture is a dynamic fusion of Maya heritage and Spanish colonial influence. Traditional textiles, festivals, and languages coexist with modern urban life, especially in Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala City.