Guatemala is the Country of Eternal Spring. Come and discover where it is and the best places to visit!
Official Name:   Republic of Guatemala

Capital: Guatemala City

Language: The official language is Spanish (60%) Other 23 Mayan languages (Amerindian languages 40%):   Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca.

Currency: Quetzal (£1 = Q12) US dollar, others allowed

Schedule: GMT-6:00 (6 hrs. behind England)

Extension: 108,889 kilometres (84% size of England)

Country code:  +502

Indigenous Name:  Quauhtemallan,  "place where trees abound".

Boundaries: To the North and West with Mexico
To the South-East El Salvador and Honduras
To the South with the Pacific Ocean
To the North-East with Belize and Caribbean Sea

Surface: The 82 % of the territory is made of slopes and uplands. It has more than 35 volcanoes. 13 of such volcanoes compile with the necessary conditions. Two mountain ranges cross the country. 

Population: 14,655,189 (July 2005 est.)

Political division: 22 departments.

National Holiday:  September 15th, Independence from Spain in 1821.

Internet domain:  .gt

International dialing:  00+country code+ area code+ phone number.

    Government Type: constitutional democratic republic.
Other emergency numbers:

  • Police (911 equivalent): 110 or 120
  • Tourist emergency assistance: 502 2421-2810
  • Tourist Police (POLITUR): 1 500
  • Fire Department: 122 or 123
    A Closer Look

    Background 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.

    Climate tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

    Constitution 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986

    suspended 25 May 1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president; amended November 1993
Geography

    Terrain mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)

    Land Area 108,430 sq km

    Water Area 460 sq km

    Total Area 108,890 sq km

    Land Boundaries 1,687 km

    Border Countries Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

    Coastline 400 km