Country Information on Guatemala

Terrain Almost two thirds of Guatemala consist of mountainous regions, many of which are of volcanic origin. The Sierra Madre, which runs through the south of Guatemala in an east-westerly direction, divides the country into two drainage systems of different size. The relatively narrow coastal plain on the Pacific Ocean is sufficiently supplied with water and therefore very fertile in the central region, which is most densely populated. The northern lowlands, especially the extensive area around Lake Petén Itzá (near the town of Flores), are covered with pastureland as well as tropical rainforest and are only sparsely populated. Most of the volcanoes of Guatemala are extinct, only three are known to be active, among them the Santiaguito which is located in the south-east. The highest elevation of the country is the volcano Tajumulco (4,220 m) in the south-east. Climate Guatemala has a tropical climate which varies considerably depending on altitude. At an elevation between 900 and 2,400 m, where there is the highest population density, days are warm and nights cool throughout the year. The annual average temperature is around 20°C there. In the low-lying coastal regions the climate is warmer and wetter, annual average temperatures range between 25 and 30°C. The rainy season is from May to October. Fauna/Flora There are three generic types of forests in Guatemala. Rainforests in the low-lands of the Atlantic region and the south-west of the country are characterized by awesome gigantic trees and scarce vegetation on the ground. High-altitude regions of many mountains and volcanoes are covered by foggy forests, with tree trunks and branches coated by moss and small plants. The remains of dry tropical forests in the country's north-west show a huge diversity in species. All over the country numerous orchids and other colourful plants grow. Deer, primates, and peccaries are commonly found in the sparsely populated low-lying plains. There is a limited number of jaguars, tapirs, and pumas, and in some rivers crocodiles live. The number of bird species is amazing. The best-known specimens are the quetzal, a bird with colourful feathers and at the same time Guatemala's heraldic animal. History/Politics Guatemala was the centre of the ancient Mayan civilisation. Many excavation sites and finds from the classical Mayan period (3rd - 10th century AD) are evidence of it and are at the same time among the major tourist attractions. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish troops led by Pedro de Alvarado from 1523 to 1524, leading to the foundation of the General Captaincy of Guatemala. The country declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the confederation of United Provinces of Central America. In 1831, an indebted Guatemalan government ceded huge territories to Great Britain for timber exploitation. These territories became known as "British Honduras", today being a independent country called "Belize". After the dissolution of the confederation, a long era followed in which time and again dictators (so-called Caudillos) ruled Guatemala, often for a substantial period of time. These dictators were supported by the military and, as a rule, appointed themselves president. In 1931, General Jorge Ubico Castañeda was elected president. During his term Guatemala recovered from the economic crisis of the 1930s. However, it soon became obvious that Ubico was just another one in a long line of dictators who had ruled Guatemala for a century now. In 1944, after a period of ever-recurring armed struggle, Ubico was overthrown by a popular uprising and the Guatemalan teacher Juan José Arévalo was elected president. He introduced various democratic reforms, of which an essential part was the new constitution. It entered into effect in March of the same year. Although more than 20 attempts were made to overthrow Arévalo, he was able to finish his period of office. In 1992, Rigoberta Menchú, a Quiché Indian woman, who had had to flee to Mexico in 1981 to escape persecution, received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work and her commitment to the cause of the country's Indian population. In 1993, President Serrano, who was supported by the army, took over. In 1994, a reform of the constitution was implemented, which, among other provisions, shortened the president?s period of office to four years. In the general elections of November 1995, the PAN (National Advancement Party) became the leading party. Two months later, their candidate Alvaro Arzú Irigoyen was elected president of Guatemala and succeeded by Alfonso Antonio Portillo Cabrera in January 2000. Economy Since World War II the Guatemalan government has increasingly been supporting the development of mining and the production industry, in order to compensate for the excessive dependence on the cultivation of coffee and bananas. A five-year plan from the 1970s provided for an increase in exports as well as in taxes. Furthermore foreign loans were used to accelerate the annual economic growth rate. In 1985, economic measures were taken to decrease the number of imports and to increase domestic revenue. According to the government, almost 90% of the population live below the poverty line. Guatemala's workforce is more than 2.7 million; more than half of it engages in agriculture, 12% in manufacturing, and 38% in the services sector. Culture The colourful and dynamic art and culture of present-day Guatemala is characterized by the contrast between modern customs in the City of Guatemala, the centre of urban culture, and the very lively traditional way of life of the Indian rural population. One of the Indian centres is the small town of Quetzaltenango, when it comes to art and culture, and also as far as opposition against political oppression is concerned. The Spanish heritage is still alive in the official language as well as in the numerous art and architecture treasures. The traditionally multifarious craft industry of Guatemala includes the weaving of colourfully patterned cloths and the production of jewellery and ceramics. The famous woven cloths are not only used for decoration, but are still used by the indigenous population for making their everyday garments. Each of the numerous villages of the highlands disposes of its own pattern and specific costumes.