Guatemala
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 18
Currency
💱 Guatemalan quetzal
Languages
🗣️ Spanish
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Guatemala
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Guatemalan
Independence
September 15, 1821 (from Spain)
Top-Level Domain
.gt
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+502
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-06:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Guatemala City
ISO Alpha-2
GT
ISO Alpha-3
GTM
UN Code
320
Geographic Coordinates
15.5,-90.25
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
108,889#107 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
18,406,359#70 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
169.14
Highest Point (m)
4,220 meters (Volcán Tajumulco)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
40.3% agricultural land; 40.5% forest
Irrigated Land
780 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
250 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, nickel, timber, fish, chicle, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico
Major Rivers
Motagua River, Usumacinta River
Major Lakes
Lake Atitlán, Lake Izabal, Lake Petén Itzá
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
22 departments
Legal System
Civil law system based on Spanish law
Chief of State
President Bernardo Arévalo
Head of Government
President Bernardo Arévalo
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
Elections
President and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; legislative elections held every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Justice
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la República)
Major Political Parties
Movimiento Semilla, Vamos, Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Guatemalan quetzal
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
123.31#68 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
284#72 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,598.18#123 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.55
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.79
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
62.13
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.49#140 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7,684,762
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.6#160 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2013)Checked September 29, 2026
25.21
Budget
The Guatemalan government's annual budget varies and is available from official sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19.19#91 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
38.19#71 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves is available from the Central Bank of Guatemala.
Currency Exchange
Visit a reputable financial website or bank for current exchange rates.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Major Industries
Agriculture, tourism, textiles, and construction.
Major Export Partners
United States, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.
Major Import Partners
United States, China, Mexico, and El Salvador.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
82.11#116 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
20.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.9
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -2 migrants per 1,000 population.
Median Age
Approximately 23 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
56.3#137 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.5% annual rate of change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
72.7#126 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.5% of adults.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
6.8
Ethnic Groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish), Amerindian, and European.
Religions
Predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Spanish
Education
Education System
The education system is divided into public and private sectors. Education is compulsory from age 7 to 13. Challenges include infrastructure, teacher training, and access.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
10.8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is relatively low compared to other countries.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Universidad Rafael Landívar.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Guatemalan culture is a blend of indigenous Mayan traditions and Spanish colonial influences. Rich in vibrant colors, music, dance, and art.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Maundy Thursday (2026-04-02)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Holy Saturday (2026-04-04)
- Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
- International Workers' Day (2026-05-01)
- Army Day (2026-06-30)
- Independence Day (2026-09-15)
- Revolution Day (2026-10-20)
- All Saints' Day (2026-11-01)
- Christmas Eve (2026-12-24)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Marimba music is national symbol. Also, Latin pop, salsa, and rock are popular.
Traditional Food
Pepian, paches, tamales, and chiles rellenos.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.
Major Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, Fiesta de Cobán.
Famous People
Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Ricardo Arjona (singer-songwriter).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Iximché, Quiriguá.
UNESCO Sites
Antigua Guatemala, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies. Information can be found from international health organizations.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and provider.
Number of Hospitals
Information on the number of hospitals is available from the Ministry of Health or local health authorities.
Universal Healthcare
Guatemala's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers. The public system is underfunded and faces challenges in access and quality.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from public to private, with varying levels of quality and accessibility.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas; access can be limited in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Limited railway system, primarily for freight.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Includes buses (chicken buses), cars, and limited railways. Roads are often in poor condition.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Coban Airport (CBV), Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), Puerto Barrios Airport (PBR), Retalhuleu Airport (RER), Rubelsanto Airport (RUV)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
60.22#149 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.11#137 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality; can vary by region and season.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution, especially in urban areas and near agricultural activities.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing use of renewable energy, particularly hydropower, with some solar and wind projects.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage, air pollution in urban areas.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, droughts.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure; significant challenges with solid waste disposal and recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
World Trade Organization (WTO), Organization of American States (OAS), and others.
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties related to trade, human rights, and the environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to a number of countries, varying based on passport and nationality.