Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the few countries in South America with a large group of Indians, which guarantee colourful markets and very friendly faces. It is also of interest to nature lovers, and old ruins can be seen around Flores.
Basic information
Capital: Guatemala
Population: 15 mln.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Languages: Spanish and local languages
Climate: Guatemalas climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes, near the centre of the country, the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterised by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.
Currency: Quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed
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Exact population: 12,293,545 (July 2006 est.)
Literacy: Total population: 70.6%; male: 78%; female: 63.3%
Ethnicities: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (2001 census)
Area: Total: 108,890 sq km; land: 108,430 sq km; water: 460 sq km
Land boundaries: Total: 1,687 km; border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km
Terrain: Mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)
Extremes: Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m; highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m
Imports: US 34%, Mexico 8.1%, South Korea 6.8%, China 6.6%, Japan 4.4% (2004)
Exports: US 53%, El Salvador 11.4%, Honduras 7.1%, Mexico 4.1% (2004)
Industries: Sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
Source: CIA World Factbook
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