History of Latin America - Guatemala

FLAG Of the seven nations in Central America, Guatemala is by most measures the most important. It contains one third of the region's population and surpasses other Central American countries in commerce and manufacturing. With more than 1 million inhabitants, its capital city also called Guatemala is by far the largest urban center in Central America. That Guatemala was equally distinguished before the arrival of the Spanish is revealed by the widespread distribution of major Mayan archaeological sites.
Bordering on Mexico, Guatemala is the westernmost nation in Central America. To the east lie Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, and a narrow strip of land faces the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala's southern boundary is marked by the Pacific Ocean. With the greatest distance of 275 miles (443 kilometers) from north to south and 250 miles (402 kilometers) from east to west, this compact nation contains more than 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers).

Official Name. Republic of Guatemala.
Capital. Guatemala City.
Area. 42,042 square miles (108,888 square kilometers).
Population (1991 estimate). 9,177,000; 218.3 persons per square mile (84.3 persons per square kilometer); 35 percent urban, 65 percent rural.
Major Language. Spanish (official).
Major Religion. Roman Catholicism.
Literacy. 60 percent.

Highest Peak. Tajumulco.
Major Rivers. Motagua, Polochic, Sarstun, Usumacinta.

Form of Government. Republic.
Head of State and Government. President.
Legislature. National Congress.
Voting Qualifications. Age 18 and over; compulsory for those who are literate, optional for illiterates.
Political Divisions. 22 departments.
Major Cities (1991 estimate). Guatemala City (1,095,700), Mixco (348,500), Villa Nueva (125,200), Quezaltenango (93,400), Escuintla (63,500).

Chief Manufactured and Mined Products. Beverages, cement, clothing, flour, food processing, matches, pharmaceuticals, shoes, soap, textiles, tires, tobacco.
Chief Agricultural Products. Crops bananas, beans, coffee, corn, cotton, rice, sugarcane, wheat. Livestock cattle, pigs.
Monetary Unit. 1 quetzal = 100 centavos.