General background: Guatemala was freed of Spanish
colonial rule in 1821. During the second half of the 20th
century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian
governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996,
the government signed a peace agreement formally ending
the conflict, which had led to the death of more than
100,000 people and had created some 1 million refugees.
Area comparative: Slightly smaller than Tennessee
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands;
cooler in highlands
Terrain: Mostly mountains
with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau
(Peten).
Population: 13,314,079 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish
or assimilated Amerindian - in local Spanish called
Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or predominantly
Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2%.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous
Mayan beliefs
Language: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages
40% (more than 20 Amerindian languages, including Quiche,
Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Government type: Constitutional democratic republic
Capital: Guatemala
Legal system: Civil law system; judicial review
of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction.
Economic overview: The agricultural sector accounts
for about one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports,
and half of the labour force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas
are the main products. Former President ARZU (1996-2000)
worked to implement a program of economic liberalization
and political modernization. The 1996 signing of the
peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed
a major obstacle to foreign investment. In 1998, Hurricane
Mitch caused relatively little damage to Guatemala compared
to its neighbours. Ongoing challenges include increasing
government revenues, negotiating further assistance
from international donors, and increasing the efficiency
and openness of both government and private financial
operations. Despite low international prices for Guatemala's
main commodities, the economy grew by 3% in 2000 and
2.3% in 2001. Guatemala, along with Honduras and El
Salvador, recently concluded a free trade agreement
with Mexico and has moved to protect international property
rights. However, the PORTILLO administration has undertaken
a review of privatizations under the previous administration,
thereby creating some uncertainty among investors.
Communication/Telephone system: Fairly modern
network centered in the city of Guatemala
Places of interest: Its volcanoes are the highest
and most active, its Mayan ruins the most impressive,
and unfortunately, its earthquakes the most devastating.
Travel tips: A relatively high level of violent
crimes are committed against foreigners in Guatemala,
so travelers should always be alert to potentially dangerous
situations. Incidents of bus- and car-jackings are quite
common, and Guatemala's larger cities can be dangerous
after dark. Intercity travel after sunset should be
avoided. Kidnappings, rapes and assaults do occur during
daylight hours and in some cases affect entire groups
of travelers.
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