Country Details
| Land Area |
108,430 sq km |
Population |
11385334 |
| Capital City |
Guatemala |
People |
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian - in local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2% |
| Language |
Spanish & English |
Religion |
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs |
| Government Type |
constitutional democratic republic |
Life Expectancy |
66.51 years |
| HIV/AIDS Rate |
1.38% (1999 est.) |
GNP per Capita |
$3,700 |
| Currency |
quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed |
Major Exports |
coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, car |
| National Holiday |
Independence Day, 15 September (1821) |
Dialing Code |
502 |
| Electricity |
110v 60Hz |
Malaria Risk |
Moderate / Low Risk |
| Water Quality |
Unsafe |
Inoculations |
Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Malaria |
| Crime |
Violent crime is prevalent, common place on public transport. |
Driving License |
|
| Photography |
|
Entry Regs |
Passport & Visa(48hrs) Visa not required if holdin |
| Time Zone |
GMT-6 |
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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 1 million refugees.
