Country Profile: Guatemala

Guatemala is a Central American country with a diverse landscape characterized by volcanic highlands, tropical lowlands, and a rich historical legacy dating back to the Maya civilization. It borders the North Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Honduras, sharing land borders with Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. With an estimated population of over 18 million people, Guatemala faces economic challenges, including high poverty rates and income inequality, yet continues to experience steady economic growth driven largely by remittances. The country operates as a presidential republic, with ongoing efforts to develop its governance and address social issues.

Geography

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with a climate that varies from hot and humid in the lowlands to cooler in the highlands. The terrain consists of several mountain ranges, dividing the country into three distinct regions: the highlands, the Pacific coastal area, and the northern Peten lowlands. With a total area of approximately 108,889 square kilometers, it has significant natural resources, including petroleum and hydropower.

Highest Point: Volcan Tajumulco at 4,220 m, the tallest in Central America.
Area Comparison: Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania.
Climate: Tropical with variations based on elevation.
Natural Hazards: Prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Coastline: Approximately 400 km long.

People and Society

Guatemala has a diverse population of about 18.3 million, with a significant majority identifying as Mestizo, followed by a large Indigenous Maya community. The population is predominantly young, with approximately 31.5% under the age of 15. The country has made strides in education and health, yet struggles with high poverty rates and inequality.

Ethnic Composition: Mestizo 56%, Maya 41.7%.
Languages: Spanish is spoken by 69.9%, with various Maya languages spoken by 29.7%.
Urbanization: 53.1% of the population lives in urban areas.
Literacy Rate: 82.1% (2024 est.).
Life Expectancy: 73.5 years (2024 est.).
Birth Rate: 17.12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).

Economy

Guatemala's economy is classified as developing, marked by steady growth primarily fueled by remittances from abroad. The country faces challenges such as high poverty rates and income inequality, which impede overall human development. The agricultural sector plays a vital role, contributing significantly to GDP, along with service and industry sectors.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $232.673 billion (2024).
Unemployment Rate: 2.3% (2024 est.).
Agricultural Sector Contribution: 9.8% of GDP (2024 est.).
Main Exports: Garments, bananas, coffee, and palm oil.
Public Debt: Approximately 31.56% of GDP (2020).

Government

Guatemala operates as a presidential republic, with the president serving as both head of state and government. The country's current constitution was enacted in 1986, with several amendments throughout its history. The government structure includes executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with defined powers and responsibilities.

Current President: Bernardo Arévalo de León (since January 15, 2024).
Legislative Body: Congress of the Republic, with 160 members.
Legal System: Based on civil law with judicial review.
Voting Age: Minimum age for suffrage is 18 years.

Military and Security

Guatemala's military is primarily focused on internal security and support for police operations against crime and violence. The armed forces consist of land, naval, and air components and are lightly armed, relying mostly on aging equipment. The country participates in international peacekeeping efforts.

Active Military Personnel: Approximately 20,000 (2025).
Military Expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.).
Military Service Age: Voluntary service from 18-28 years.
UN Peacekeeping Missions: Engaged in missions, such as operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Energy

Guatemala has made significant strides in expanding access to electricity, with a reported coverage of over 99% of the population. The energy mix is diverse, with a reliance on renewable sources, especially hydroelectric power.

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

Environment

Guatemala faces significant environmental challenges including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The country is engaged in various international environmental agreements to address these issues.

Deforestation: Significant in the Peten rainforest region.
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources are estimated at 127.91 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Carbon Emissions: 18.546 million metric tons of CO2 (2023 est.).
Waste Management: Only 10.4% of municipal solid waste is recycled.

Transportation

Guatemala has a developing transportation infrastructure, with various modes of transport including roads, air travel, and a minimal railway system that is currently non-operational for passenger services.

Airports: A total of 58 airports (2025).
Railways: Total length of 800 km, but passenger service has been suspended since 2007.
Merchant Marine: Comprises 9 vessels, primarily for cargo.
Ports: Notably includes Puerto Barrios and Puerto Quetzal.

Communications

Guatemala's communication sector is growing, with a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet users, reflecting an expanding technological landscape.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 20.6 million (2023).
Internet Users: 56% of the population have internet access (2023).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: Approximately 1.94 million (2023).
Broadcast Media: Dominated by privately owned channels with extensive radio presence.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,255,216 (2024 est.)
Area	108,889 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$232.673 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	17.096 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	17.12 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.3%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.5 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	82.1%	(2024 est.)
Agricultural Land	43%	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.4% of GDP	(2024 est.)