Guatemala is a Central American country bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its rich Maya heritage, colorful indigenous culture, and dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, rainforests, and highland lakes. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by towering volcanoes, is one of the country's most celebrated natural landmarks.
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- Central America
- Area
- 108,889 km²
- Coordinates
- 15.5° N, 90.25° W
Country facts
- Guatemala was the heartland of the ancient Maya civilization, and hundreds of archaeological sites are scattered across the country.
- The country has more than 30 volcanoes, including Santiaguito and Pacaya, which are among the most active in Central America.
- Spanish is the official language, but around 20 Maya languages are also widely spoken throughout the country.
- Guatemala is one of the world's leading producers of cardamom, exporting the spice to markets around the globe.
- The quetzal, a brilliantly colored bird sacred to the ancient Maya, is both the national bird and the name of the national currency.
Capital facts
- Guatemala City was founded as the capital in 1776 after earthquakes devastated the previous capital, now known as Antigua Guatemala.
- It is the largest city in Central America and serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country.
- The National Palace of Culture, built in the 1940s, is a striking green stone building that once housed the executive government.
- The city sits on a high plateau at roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, giving it a mild, spring-like climate year-round.
- The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in the city holds one of the most important collections of Maya artifacts in the world.