Guatemala: the essentials
Official Name: Republic of Guatemala
Travel documents: Passports, but not visa, required
Location: Central America
Population: 12,347,000
Area: 42,042 square miles
Weather and Climate: The land of "Eternal Springtime"
Languages & Culture: Spanish, Mayan, English
Currency: Quezal (quezales);
Government: constitutional democratic republic
Capital: Guatemala City
Where is Guatemala?
Guatemala is Central America's westernmost country, bordering Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast and Honduras and El Salvador to the east. Its volatile topography is a mountainous and forested jumble of volcanoes and jungle. The western highlands are home to over 30 volcanoes, which reach heights of up to 3800m (12467ft) and cast a red glow at night. The area also experiences frequent earthquake activity. The intensively cultivated Pacific coastline is a vast expanse of mostly black-sand beaches, while the tiny Caribbean coastline lacks beaches but is culturally rich. The vast jungle lowland of El Petén fills the interior, characterized by a mix of banana plantations and soils rich with dinosaur bones. [return to top of page]
What is population and land area of Guatemala?
Guatemala has an area of 42,042 square miles, roughly the size of Tennessee, which ranks 36th in size among the United States. The population is 12,347,000, approximate the same as that of Pennsylvannia, the 6th most populous state in the US. By comparison, this means Guatemala is about half the size of Pat's home state of Nebraska, with approximately six times the population. [return to top of page]
How would you describe the climate and weather in Guatemala?
Guatemala's climate is lovely year round with a rainy season which extends from May through October. The best time to visit is November through April when there is less rain. Climate variations are due to altitude, but it is generally hot throughout the country. The north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September. The coastal regions and north east are hot, with a definite dry and rainy season. The highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, have a pleasant climate with less rainfall than the coast, and cold temperatures at night. [return to top of page]
What about the language and culture?
There are two main people groups in Guatemala, those with more predominately Hispanic heritage, called Ladinos, and the Mayans, who are native to Guatemala. In the period from 1954 through 1996, there was great civil unrest based largely on racial/ethnic and economic divisions. In general, the Ladinos were the landowners, and the Mayans functioned largely as tenant farmers and sometimes squatters. Since the 1996 peace treaty between the government and the insurgents, relations between the Mayans and Ladinos have improved considerably.
There are 24 languages currently spoken in Guatemala, 21 of which are Mayan dialects. These differing languages are the most defining difference between the Mayan tribes. Spanish among these tribes is usually reserved for communicating with those outside the local community. [return to top of page]
