North & Central America and Caribbean

Guatemala
Last reviewed: 27 February 2012

Country information

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Map of Guatemala

GUATEMALA TODAY

Country Facts

Area: 42,042 sq miles (108,890 sq km)
Population: (2011): 13,824,463. Growth rate: 2.0%; birth rate: 29.1 per 1000; infant mortality rate: 29.8 per 1000; life expectancy: 69.7.
Capital and largest City (2003 est): Guatemala City, population 2,655,900 (metropolitan area), 1,128,800 (city) (2003 est).
Other large cities: Mixco, 287,600; Villa Nueva, 138,900
Ethnicity/race: Mestizo (Ladino) - mixed Amerindian-Spanish ancestry - and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (200
Language(s): Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca). Many in the business community speak English.
Religion(s): Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs. There are a small number of Jewish, Muslim and other faith communities.
Currency: Quetzal made up of 100 centavos. Approximately Q13.50 = £1.00