Guatemala

c. 2000 BCE – First evidence of the Mayan civilization emerges in the region

c. 1500 BCE–250 CE – Early Preclassic period of the Maya civilization

250 CE–900 CE – Classic Period of the Maya civilization, peak of cities such as Tikal and Calakmul

1524 (Tuesday, July 15) – Spanish conquest of Guatemala begins under Pedro de Alvarado

1821 (Tuesday, September 15) – Guatemala declares independence from Spain

1839 (Monday, May 4) – Guatemala becomes a republic after the dissolution of the Central American Federation

1847 (Thursday, March 18) – Café de las Antillas erupts, causing ash fallout and major disruption in the region

1954 (Monday, June 18) – CIA-backed coup overthrows democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz

1976 (Tuesday, February 4) – Earthquake in Guatemala causes over 23,000 deaths

1982–1983 – Guatemalan Civil War reaches its peak with government repression against indigenous populations

1996 (Monday, December 29) – Peace accords are signed, ending the Guatemalan Civil War

2005 (Monday, October 4) – Tropical Storm Stan causes severe flooding and landslides, displacing thousands

2010 (Thursday, June 10) – Pacaya Volcano eruption disrupts air traffic and affects nearby regions

2012 (Friday, September 14) – Hurricane Agatha causes widespread flooding and destruction

2017 (Monday, June 19) – Volcán de Fuego eruption results in significant destruction and loss of life in nearby towns

2018 (Wednesday, July 3) – Volcán de Fuego eruption causes devastating lava flows and ash clouds, displacing thousands

2020 (Thursday, November 5) – Tropical Storm Eta causes severe flooding and landslides in the country, impacting thousands

2021 (Monday, November 16) – Tropical Storm Iota hits, causing widespread damage and leading to hundreds of deaths and displacements

Continent: North America (Central America)
Location: Located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Honduras to the southeast, and El Salvador to the south.
Capital: Guatemala City
Language: Spanish (official), Mayan languages, Garífuna, Xinca
Currency: Quetzal (Q)
Population: ~19 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6)

Borders: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador
Landscape: Mountainous terrain with valleys, volcanoes, and coastal plains
Major Rivers: Motagua River, Usumacinta River, Polochic River, Lempa River
Major Mountains: Volcán Tajumulco (highest point), Volcán de Fuego, Volcán Pacaya, Sierra de las Minas, Volcán Atitlán
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Izabal, Lake Atitlán, Lake Xolotlan
Volcanoes: Volcán Tajumulco, Volcán de Fuego, Volcán Pacaya, Volcán Atitlán
Highest Point: Volcán Tajumulco – 4,220 m (13,845 ft)
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate in the lowlands, temperate climate in the highlands, and subtropical climate along the Pacific coast.
Geological Features: Guatemala lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it seismically active and home to several volcanoes. The country has many mountain ranges and deep valleys, as well as large areas of tropical rainforests.

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mestizo (~60%), with significant indigenous populations, including Mayans (~40%), as well as small populations of Afro-descendants, Garífuna, and others.
Religion: Roman Catholic (~50%), Evangelical Protestant (~40%), Indigenous religions (~5%), other religions (~5%)
Urban Population: ~51% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Guatemala has a significant indigenous population, with various Mayan groups that still speak their native languages, such as K’iche’, Mam, and Q’eqchi’. The country also has a rich cultural heritage from its Mayan civilization.

Famous For: Mayan heritage, colonial history, coffee production, textiles, and handicrafts
Cuisine: Tamales, Pepian, Kak’ik, Rellenitos de Plátano, Gallo en Chicha, Guatemalan Coffee
Arts: Mayan art and architecture, textiles, weaving, folk music, and dance
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, baseball
Music: Marimba music, traditional folk music, and modern pop music

Economy Type: Mixed, developing economy
GDP: Approx. $90 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (coffee, bananas, sugar), textiles, food processing, tourism, construction
Key Exports: Coffee, bananas, vegetables, textiles, sugar
Unemployment Rate: ~3.2% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Major economic activities are concentrated in Guatemala City and the Pacific coastal regions. The rural highlands focus on agriculture, with coffee and vegetables being major exports.

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Alejandro Giammattei (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Alejandro Giammattei (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
Constitution: Constitution of 1985, with several amendments

Antigua Guatemala: UNESCO World Heritage site, colonial architecture, volcanic backdrop
Lake Atitlán: Scenic lake surrounded by volcanoes, popular for hiking and indigenous culture
Tikal National Park: Ancient Mayan ruins, UNESCO World Heritage site
Pacaya Volcano: Active volcano popular for hiking
Chichicastenango Market: Traditional market offering textiles, crafts, and local goods
Quetzaltenango: Mayan ruins, colonial buildings, and hiking opportunities
Semuc Champey: Natural limestone bridge and pools