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• Guatemala, also known as the Republic of Guatemala, is a mountainous country located in Central America. Bordered by Mexico to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast, the country is known for its rich, fertile earth, which leads to a diversity of wildlife. Guatemala is a travel destination for those seeking to explore unique biodiversity hotspots and to view Mayan ruins. A tumultuous past has included many civil and political upheavals; however, the country has been stable since it signed a global peace accord in 1996. Although it is the most populous country in Central America, Guatemala struggles with poverty and has a GDP per capita of approximately one-half that of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

• Fast Facts

  1. Capital: Guatemala City
  2. President: Alvaro Colom
  3. Government: Constitutional Republic
  4. Population: 13 million
  5. Currency: Quetzal
  6. Official Language: Spanish

• History

  Guatemala’s first settlers were the Mayans, who built cities whose ruins still exist today. The Mayans prospered in Guatemala for almost 2,000 years before the Spanish, led by Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, colonized the country in the early 16th century. The country did not gain independence until 1821 when it became part of the Mexican Empire. Guatemala gained complete independence in the 1840s. In-fighting led to decades of division in the country, culminating in a 36-year civil war that concluded in 1996 with the signing of a peace accord.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Oscar Arias | Mayans | Honduras | Honduras Earthquake

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