Country Profile: Guatemala

Guatemala, located in Central America, is bordered by the North Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Honduras. The country showcases a diverse geography with mountainous regions, lowlands, and a tropical climate. With a population of approximately 18.3 million, it is characterized by a youthful demographic and significant urbanization, where over half of the populace resides in rural areas. Economically, Guatemala is developing, heavily dependent on remittances and facing challenges such as high poverty rates and income inequality. The governance structure is a presidential republic, with recent elections highlighting a dynamic political landscape.

Geography

Guatemala's geographic location in Central America places it between El Salvador and Mexico, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country spans an area of about 108,889 square kilometers, featuring mountainous highlands and vast lowlands in the north. The terrain is divided by two mountain ranges and is subject to natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Highest Point: Volcan Tajumulco at 4,220 meters.
Area: 108,889 sq km.
Coastline: 400 km.
Natural Resources: Petroleum and hydropower.
Land Use: 43% agricultural land (2023).

People and Society

Guatemala has a population of about 18.3 million, predominantly composed of Mestizo and Maya ethnic groups. The country has a youthful demographic with a median age of 24.8 years, and many inhabitants live in rural areas with significant urban migration. Spanish is the official language, but various indigenous languages thrive, reflecting the nation's cultural diversity.

Population (2024 est.): 18,255,216.
Urban Population: 53.1% (2023).
Literacy Rate: 82.1% (2024).
Life Expectancy: 73.5 years (2024).
Religions: 45.7% Evangelical, 42.4% Roman Catholic (2023).

Economy

Guatemala's economy is classified as developing, with a focus on agriculture, services, and manufacturing. It experiences steady GDP growth but faces challenges from high poverty rates and income inequality. The economy is heavily dependent on remittances, which account for a significant part of the GDP. A high majority of household consumption indicates limited government spending on public services.

Real GDP (PPP): $232.673 billion (2024 est.).
GDP Growth Rate: 3.7% (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 2.3% (2024 est.).
Poverty Rate: 56% below the national poverty line (2023).
Main Exports: Garments and bananas.

Government

Guatemala operates as a presidential republic with a multifaceted political landscape. The current president, Bernardo Arévalo de León, was elected in 2023. The country's legal system is based on civil law, and the constitution has been amended multiple times since its adoption in 1985. The government faces various challenges, including public corruption and limited governmental services.

Capital: Guatemala City.
Administrative Divisions: 22 departments.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Legislature: Unicameral Congress with 160 members.
Independence: Achieved on 15 September 1821.

Military and Security

The Guatemalan military is primarily focused on internal security, assisting police forces in combating organized crime and violence. With approximately 20,000 active personnel, the military has historical ties to the country's civil conflicts. Military expenditures are modest, and the force consists of land, naval, and air components.

Military Expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2024).
Active Personnel: ~20,000 (2025).
Military Service Age: Males 18-50 eligible for service.
Deployment: Involved in peacekeeping missions (e.g., DRC).

Energy

Guatemala's energy market is primarily based on renewable sources, with significant contributions from hydropower and biomass. The country boasts a high rate of electrification, though challenges remain in expanding and improving infrastructure.

Electricity Access: 99.1% of the population (2022).
Installed Capacity: 4.995 million kW (2023).
Hydroelectric Generation: 42% of total capacity (2023).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 17.096 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Guatemala faces several environmental issues, including deforestation and water pollution, largely due to agricultural practices and urbanization. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to address climate change and biodiversity.

Deforestation: Notable in the Peten rainforest.
Land Use: 33.2% forest (2023).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 18.546 million metric tonnes (2023).
Waste Recycling Rate: 10.4% of municipal solid waste (2022).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Guatemala includes roads, ports, and air travel, but faces challenges such as limited railway services. The country has several airports and a growing merchant marine sector.

Airports: 58 (2025).
Railways: 800 km (rail service suspended since 2007).
Ports: 3 main ports (2024).
Merchant Marine: 9 vessels (2023).

Communications

Guatemala's communication infrastructure features a mix of fixed and mobile services, with a significant proportion of the population using mobile phones and the internet. Despite advancements, challenges in reaching rural populations remain.

Internet Users: 56% of the population (2023).
Mobile Subscriptions: 20.6 million (2023).
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 1.94 million (2023).
Broadband Subscriptions: 921,000 (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,255,216	Estimated for 2024
Area (sq km)	108,889	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$232.673 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.3%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	21.4 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	73.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	82.1%	Estimated for 2024
Military Expenditure (% GDP)	0.4%	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	99.1% of population	Estimated for 2022
Urban Population	53.1% of total population	Estimated for 2023