Guatemala

Central America

Guatemala is a country in Central America, home to 18.4 million people, with an area of 108,889 km². Its capital is Guatemala City.

Capital: Guatemala City
Population: 18.4 million
Area: 108,889 km²
Region: Central America
Density: 169 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Guatemala · Central America · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Guatemala is known for

Guatemala is best known for Tikal, Lake Atitlán and Antigua Guatemala.

Guatemala is a country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The country is known for its rich history, diverse indigenous cultures, and stunning natural beauty.

Guatemala at a glance

Language: Spanish is the official language, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Religion: Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Guatemala, with significant Protestant and Mayan spiritualist minorities
National dish: Pepián (a traditional stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices)
Climate: Guatemala has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April
Main industries: Agriculture (including coffee, bananas, and sugar), textiles and clothing, and tourism
GDP: $83.6 billion USD (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Guatemala is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 125 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Guatemala

Some of the main tourist attractions in Guatemala include:

Tikal an ancient Mayan city located in the Petén region, featuring impressive ruins, temples, and pyramids.
Lake Atitlán a stunning volcanic lake surrounded by picturesque villages and mountains, known for its beauty and tranquility.
Antigua Guatemala a charming colonial city with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and impressive churches and monasteries.
Chichicastenango Market a bustling market in the highlands, offering a wide range of traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Semuc Champey a natural limestone bridge over the Cahabón River, featuring turquoise pools and waterfalls.
Pacaya Volcano an active volcano near Antigua Guatemala, offering hiking trails and views of lava flows and eruptions.
Quiriguá an archaeological site featuring intricate Mayan sculptures and monuments, located in the Izabal Department.
Livingston a coastal town on the Caribbean Sea, known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, seafood, and lively music scene.
El Mirador a remote and ancient Mayan city located deep in the jungle, accessible only by foot or helicopter.
Rio Dulce a scenic river that flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea, featuring waterfalls, hot springs, and picturesque villages.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Guatemala has to offer. The country's unique culture, history, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination in Central America.

Guatemala in pictures

Guatemala on video

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Guatemala compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Guatemala	18.4 million	108,889 km²	Guatemala City
Honduras	10.7 million	112,492 km²	Tegucigalpa
Nicaragua	7 million	130,373 km²	Managua
El Salvador	6.4 million	21,041 km²	San Salvador