Guatemala

Guatemala Lying in the Central America bordered by Mexico, this country has been marked by the Cold War, but nevertheless it will give you a great mix of sights, historical as well as cultural. The landscapes of Guatemala will strech from tropical rainforest, amazing waterfalls, underground caves and valleys. Visit Guatemala city and you will find a old quater with colonial buildings. You can see plazas, the beautiful cathedral, an arcade of shops and the national racecourse.

Area: 108.917 Km²
Population: 12.974.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 119 pop/Km²

System of government: Presidential Republic
Capital: Guatemala (2.205.000 pop.)
Major cities: Escuintla 120.000 pop., Quezaltenango 100.000 pop., Puerto Barrios 70.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Amerindian (Maya) 55%, Mestizo 40%, Black 3%, White 2%
Border countries: Mexico NORTH and WEST, Belize and Honduras EAST, El Salvador SOUTH-EAST

Principal mountains: Tajumulco 4220 m
Principal rivers: Motagua 400 Km
Principal lakes: Lake Izabal 590 Km², Lake Atitlán 128 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Tropical

Language: Spanish (official), Maya languages
Religion: Catholic 95%
Currency: Quetzal (GTQ)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 1/5, 30/6, 15/8, 15/9, 20/10, 1/11, 24/12, 25/12, 31/12
Dialling code: 00502
GMT: -6

World Heritage List:

• Antigua Guatemala (1979)
• Tikal National Park (1979)
• Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua (1981)