Where is Guatemala?
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has an estimated population of 15,806,675, making it the most populous country in Central America. A representative democracy, its capital and largest city is Guatemala City.
What is today Guatemala was for centuries part of the Mayan civilization that extended across Mesoamerica. Guatemala attained its independence in 1821. From 1960 to 1996, Guatemala underwent a bloody civil war fought between the U.S.-backed government and leftist rebels, which included genocide of the Mayan population by the Guatemalan government. Guatemala has witnessed both economic growth and successful democratic elections, though it continues to struggle with high rates of poverty, crime, and instability. In the most recent election, held in 2011, Otto Perez Molina of the Patriotic Party won the presidency.
Guatemala's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems, many of which are endemic, contribute to Mesoamerica's designation as a biodiversity hotspot. The country is also known for its rich culture, characterized by a fusion of Spanish and Indigenous influences.
What is today Guatemala was for centuries part of the Mayan civilization that extended across Mesoamerica. Guatemala attained its independence in 1821. From 1960 to 1996, Guatemala underwent a bloody civil war fought between the U.S.-backed government and leftist rebels, which included genocide of the Mayan population by the Guatemalan government. Guatemala has witnessed both economic growth and successful democratic elections, though it continues to struggle with high rates of poverty, crime, and instability. In the most recent election, held in 2011, Otto Perez Molina of the Patriotic Party won the presidency.
Guatemala's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems, many of which are endemic, contribute to Mesoamerica's designation as a biodiversity hotspot. The country is also known for its rich culture, characterized by a fusion of Spanish and Indigenous influences.