Guatemala

The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 12,728,111 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Guatemalan(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Guatemalan

Official Language(s): Spanish

Major Languages Spoken: Spanish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Guatemala

Country Name (short form): Guatemala

Country Name (local long form): Republica de Guatemala

Country Name (local short form): Guatemala

Name of Capital: Guatemala

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Guatemala: Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras

Land Area: 108430 sq km

Water Area: 460 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Tennessee

Total Land Boundry: 1,687 km

Coastline: 400 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

International Phone Code: 502

Currency Code: quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

Internet Country Code: .gt

US Embassy Location: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City

US Embassy Mailing Address: APO AA 34024