Background of Guatemala

The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence 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 left more than 100,000 people dead and had created some one million refugees.

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize. It is slightly smaller than Tennessee.

Natural hazards in Guatemala are volcanoes in the mountains, with occasional violet earthquakes; Caribbean coast is extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms.

The Ethnic groups include: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish---in local Spanish called Ladino) and European, K'iche, Kaqchikel, Mam, Q'eqchi, Mayan, and indigenous non-Mayan. About 60% of the population speaks Spanish.

Guatemala is the largest and most populous of the Central American countries, with a GDP per capita roughly 1/2 that of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The agricultural sector accounts for about 1/4 of GDP, 2/3 of exports, and 1/2 of the labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products.

Guatemala's religions include: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and indigenous Mayan beliefs.

Guatemala's transportation includes: Railways, Highways, Waterways, Ports and harbors, and Airports.