Guatemala is a country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Honduras to the east and southeast, and El Salvador to the south. The country has a rich history and culture, with a mix of Mayan and Spanish influences.

The capital and largest city is Guatemala City, and the official language is Spanish. The population is around 17 million people, with a diverse mix of indigenous and mestizo (mixed-race) peoples.

Guatemala is known for its natural beauty, including its volcanic landscapes, forests, and lakes. Popular tourist destinations include the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, Lake Atitlan, and the colonial city of Antigua. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting.

Guatemalan cuisine is diverse and delicious, with influences from the country's indigenous Mayan heritage, Spanish colonizers, and other Central American countries. Some popular dishes include tamales, chiles rellenos, and pepian, a spicy stew made with meat and vegetables.

Travelers should be aware that Guatemala has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas, and should take precautions to ensure their safety. It is also important to respect local customs and traditions, particularly in indigenous communities, and to be mindful of the country's political and social issues.

Telephone Code
502

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 123; Fire: 123; Police: 110

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate
Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Currency (Code)
Quetzales (GTQ)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
Spanish, Maya languages

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 41.7%, Evangelical 38.8%, other 2.7%, atheist 0.1%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Guatemala, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Mayan ruins of Tikal; Antigua Guatemala; Lake Atitlan; Chichicastenango Market; Quetzaltenango; Archaeological Park & Ruins of Quirigua

Major Sports
Soccer, futsal (type of indoor soccer on a hard court)

Cultural Practices
Wine and flowers are appropriate gifts if invited to a household but avoid white flowers because they symbolize mourning.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is a question of rewarding good service rather than an obligation. Restaurant bills do not include gratuities so adding 10% is customary. Bellhops and maids expect tips only in the most expensive hotels.

Souvenirs
Coffee, Mayan native textiles and jewelry, jade, wood carvings, leather goods, hammocks, baskets, ceramics

Traditional Cuisine
Pepián — a spicy stew made with chicken, beef, or pork and containing both fruit and vegetables and a mix of spices; traditionally served with rice and tortillas or Pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings including refried beans, cheese, or pork and then fried)

Geography
Area
total: 108,889 sq km
land: 107,159 sq km
water: 1,730 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Natural resources
petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

People and Society
Population
17,980,803 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2% (2018 est.)

Languages
Spanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna); note - the 2003 Law of National Languages officially recognized 23 indigenous languages, including 21 Maya languages, Xinca, and Garifuna (2018 est.)

Religions
Roman Catholic 41.7%, Evangelical 38.8%, other 2.7%, atheist 0.1%, none 13.8%, unspecified 2.9% (2018 est.)

Population growth rate
1.54% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Guatemala City

Economy
Economic overview
growing Central American economy; unique South Korean business relations; high poverty, inequality, and malnutrition; low government revenues impede educational, sanitation, and healthcare efforts; high migration, child labor, and remittances

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$152.734 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$8,900 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, bananas, oil palm fruit, maize, melons, potatoes, milk, plantains, pineapples, rubber

Industries
sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Exports
$15.318 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 33%, El Salvador 12%, Honduras 8%, Mexico 5%, Nicaragua 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
bananas, raw sugar, coffee, cardamom, palm oil (2019)

Imports
$27.388 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 36%, China 12%, Mexico 11%, El Salvador 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicines, cars, delivery trucks (2019)