Country Overview

• Population: Approximately 18.7 million people

• Capital: Guatemala City

• Official Language: Spanish

• Recognized Indigenous Languages: 22 Mayan languages, plus Xinka and Garifuna

• Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

• Government: Constitutional Republic

• Area: 42,042 square miles (108,889 km²)

Geography

• 22 departments (states/provinces)

• Over 30 volcanoes (3 currently active)

• Mountainous highlands, tropical rainforests, and Pacific & Caribbean coastlines

• Many villages are only accessible by steep mountain roads.

People

• Median age: about 24 years

• Nearly half of the population lives in rural communities.

• Guatemala has one of the largest Indigenous populations in Latin America.

Economy

• GDP: approximately $123 billion USD (2025)

• GDP per person: about $6,600 USD

• Agriculture remains an important source of employment.

• Remittances from Guatemalans working abroad make up a significant portion of the economy.

Challenges

• Many rural communities have limited access to healthcare, education, and other public services.

• Chronic child malnutrition remains a serious concern in parts of the country.

• Many people in remote mountain villages must travel long distances to reach a doctor or clinic.

• Although approximately 84–88% of Guatemala's population identifies as Christian, many people have never experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.