About Guatemala

Official Name: Republic of Guatemala.

Origin of the Name of Guatemala: The name Guatemala means land of the trees in the Maya-Toltec language.

Population: 13,400,000 (Mid-2007 est.) Source 2007 World Population Data Sheet

People: Ladinos (mixed Hispanic and aboriginal origin); aboriginal (Maya); Carib (African origin).

Capital: Guatemala City

Currency: Quetzal (Q);

Form of Government: republic with one legislative house.

Head of State: President Álvaro Colom Caballeros (since 14 January 2008): Vice President Rafael Espada

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Religion: predominantly catholic, 1/3 of which are Catholic/traditional syncretist; other Christian; traditional Maya.

Area: 108,889 square km (42,042 square miles).

Climate: Guatemala has a tropical climate. Annual Rainfall: 20-100 inches per year depending on location

Geographic coordinates: 15 30 N, 90 15 W

Landscape: There are over thirty-three volcanoes in Guatemala.

Life Expectancy: 65 (females, 68; males 63)

Traditional Exports: coffee, bananas, sugar,

Highest Point: Tajamulco Volcano, 4,220 meters/ 13,845 ft. above sea level.

Historical Fact: A civil war, lasting thirty-six years, was formally ended in 1996.