Guatemala
Republic of Guatemala
Central America and Caribbean Guatemala City
Population
18.26M
Area
108,889 km²
GDP
$113.20B
GDP Per Capita
$12,600
Pop. Density
168/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
QGuatemalan quetzal(GTQ)
Calling Code
+502
Timezone
UTC-06:00
Languages
Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Guatemalan
Background
The Maya 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 internal conflict.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑280.6% since 2006$30B (2006)$113B (2024)
Population
↑37.7% since 200613.4M (2006)18.4M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 72.6 years2006: 68.8 years2023: 72.6 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography18
Location
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize
Geographic coordinates
15 30 N, 90 15 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total : 108,889 sq km
land: 107,159 sq km
water: 1,730 sq km
land: 107,159 sq km
water: 1,730 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Land boundaries
total: 1,667 km
border countries: Belize 266 km; El Salvador 199 km; Honduras 244 km; Mexico 958 km
border countries: Belize 266 km; El Salvador 199 km; Honduras 244 km; Mexico 958 km
Coastline
400 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
Terrain
two east-west trending mountain chains divide the country into three regions: the mountainous highlands, the Pacific coast south of mountains, and the vast northern Peten lowlands
Elevation
highest point: Volcan Tajumulco (highest point in Central America) 4,220 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 759 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 759 m
Natural resources
petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
43% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 14.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 17.5% (2023 est.)
forest
33.2% (2023 est.)
other
23.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
3,375 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lago de Izabal - 590 sq km
Population distribution
the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions; more than half of the population lives in rural areas
Natural hazards
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
volcanism: significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (3,772 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (2,552 m) is one of the country's most active volcanoes, with frequent eruptions since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
volcanism: significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (3,772 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (2,552 m) is one of the country's most active volcanoes, with frequent eruptions since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: despite having both eastern and western coastlines (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean), there are no natural harbors on the west coast
note 2: Guatemala is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 2: Guatemala is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
People & Society36
Population
total: 18,255,216 (2024 est.)
male: 9,050,684
female: 9,204,532
male: 9,050,684
female: 9,204,532
Nationality
noun: Guatemalan(s)
adjective: Guatemalan
adjective: Guatemalan
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2% (2018 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna) (2018 est.)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Evangelical 45.7%, Roman Catholic 42.4%, none 11%, unspecified 0.9% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 31.5% (male 2,925,079/female 2,819,927)
15-64 years: 63.2% (male 5,688,500/female 5,839,958)
65 years and over: 5.4% (2024 est.) (male 437,105/female 544,647)
15-64 years: 63.2% (male 5,688,500/female 5,839,958)
65 years and over: 5.4% (2024 est.) (male 437,105/female 544,647)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 58.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 49.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 49.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 26.7 years (2025 est.)
male: 24.2 years
female: 25.4 years
male: 24.2 years
female: 25.4 years
Population growth rate
0.99% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
17.12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.99 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions; more than half of the population lives in rural areas
Urbanization
urban population: 53.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.095 million GUATEMALA CITY (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.6 years (2014/15 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
94 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 23.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 28.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 28.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 73.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 71.5 years
female: 75.6 years
male: 71.5 years
female: 75.6 years
Total fertility rate
1.97 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.96 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 91% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
0.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 68.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 80.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 31.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 19.2% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.2% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.63 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 11.8% (2025 est.)
male: 22.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 22.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
14.4% (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56.2% (2018 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 6.2% (2015)
women married by age 18: 29.5% (2015)
men married by age 18: 9.6% (2015)
women married by age 18: 29.5% (2015)
men married by age 18: 9.6% (2015)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 3.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 17.3% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 17.3% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 82.1% (2024 est.)
male: 86.9% (2024 est.)
female: 78.5% (2024 est.)
male: 86.9% (2024 est.)
female: 78.5% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 10 years (2023 est.)
female: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 10 years (2023 est.)
female: 11 years (2023 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala
conventional short form: Guatemala
local long form: República de Guatemala
local short form: Guatemala
etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala"
conventional short form: Guatemala
local long form: República de Guatemala
local short form: Guatemala
etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Guatemala City
geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala"
geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala"
Administrative divisions
22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Sololá, Suchitepéquez, Totonicapán, Zacapa
Legal system
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended and reinstated in 1994
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by agreement of 10 or more deputies of Congress, by the Constitutional Court, or by public petition of at least 5,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Congress membership and approval by public referendum, referred to as "popular consultation"; constitutional articles such as national sovereignty, the republican form of government, limitations on those seeking the presidency, or presidential tenure cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by agreement of 10 or more deputies of Congress, by the Constitutional Court, or by public petition of at least 5,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Congress membership and approval by public referendum, referred to as "popular consultation"; constitutional articles such as national sovereignty, the republican form of government, limitations on those seeking the presidency, or presidential tenure cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years with no absences of six consecutive months or longer or absences totaling more than a year
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years with no absences of six consecutive months or longer or absences totaling more than a year
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024)
head of government
President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024)
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (not eligible for consecutive terms)
most recent election date
25 June 2023, with a runoff on 20 August 2023
election results
2023: Bernardo ARÉVALO de León elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 21%; Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (SEMILLA) 15.6%, Manuel CONDE Orellana (VAMOS) 10.4%; Armando CASTILLO Alvarado (VIVA) 9.6%, other 43.4%; percent of vote in second round - Bernardo ARÉVALO de León 60.9%, Sandra TORRES 39.1%
2019: Alejandro GIAMMATTEI elected president; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 25.5%, Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (VAMOS) 14%, Edmond MULET (PHG) 11.2%, Thelma CABRERA (MLP) 10.4%, Roberto ARZU (PAN-PODEMOS) 6.1%, other 32.8%; percent of vote in second round - Alejandro GIAMMATTEI 58%, Sandra TORRES 42%
expected date of next election
June 2027
Legislative branch
legislature name
Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la República)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
160 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
6/25/2023
parties elected and seats per party
Let’s Go for a Different Guatemala (Vamos) (39); National Unity of Hope Party (UNE) (28); Seed Movement (Semilla) (23); Cabal (18); Vision with Values (VIVA) (11); Other (41)
percentage of women in chamber
20%
expected date of next election
June 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 13 magistrates, including the court president and organized into 3 chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court magistrates elected by the Congress of the Republic from candidates proposed by the Postulation Committee, an independent body of deans of the country's university law schools, representatives of the country's law associations, and representatives of the Courts of Appeal; magistrates elected for concurrent, renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges - 1 elected by the Congress of the Republic, 1 by the Supreme Court, 1 by the president of the republic, 1 by the (public) University of San Carlos, and 1 by the Assembly of the College of Attorneys and Notaries; judges elected for renewable, consecutive 5-year terms; the presidency of the court rotates among the magistrates for a single 1-year term
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts of Accounts, Contentious Administrative Tribunal, courts of appeal, first instance courts, child and adolescence courts, minor or peace courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court magistrates elected by the Congress of the Republic from candidates proposed by the Postulation Committee, an independent body of deans of the country's university law schools, representatives of the country's law associations, and representatives of the Courts of Appeal; magistrates elected for concurrent, renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges - 1 elected by the Congress of the Republic, 1 by the Supreme Court, 1 by the president of the republic, 1 by the (public) University of San Carlos, and 1 by the Assembly of the College of Attorneys and Notaries; judges elected for renewable, consecutive 5-year terms; the presidency of the court rotates among the magistrates for a single 1-year term
subordinate courts: Appellate Courts of Accounts, Contentious Administrative Tribunal, courts of appeal, first instance courts, child and adolescence courts, minor or peace courts
Political parties
Bienestar Nacional or BIEN
Blue Party (Partido Azul) or Blue
CABAL
Cambio
Citizen Prosperity or PC
Commitment, Renewal, and Order or CREO
Elephant Community (Comunidad Elefante) or Elephant
Everyone Together for Guatemala or TODOS
Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG-MAIZ or URNG
Humanist Party of Guatemala or PHG
Movement for the Liberation of Peoples or MLP
Movimiento Semilla or SEMILLA
National Advancement Party or PAN
National Convergence Front or FCN-NACION
National Unity for Hope or UNE
Nationalist Change Union or UCN (dissolved 16 December 2021)
Nosotros or PPN
PODEMOS
Political Movement Winaq or Winaq
TODOS
Value or VALOR
Vamos por una Guatemala Diferente or VAMOS
Victory or VICTORIA
Vision with Values or VIVA
Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (Voluntad, Oportunidad y Solidaridad) or VOS
Blue Party (Partido Azul) or Blue
CABAL
Cambio
Citizen Prosperity or PC
Commitment, Renewal, and Order or CREO
Elephant Community (Comunidad Elefante) or Elephant
Everyone Together for Guatemala or TODOS
Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG-MAIZ or URNG
Humanist Party of Guatemala or PHG
Movement for the Liberation of Peoples or MLP
Movimiento Semilla or SEMILLA
National Advancement Party or PAN
National Convergence Front or FCN-NACION
National Unity for Hope or UNE
Nationalist Change Union or UCN (dissolved 16 December 2021)
Nosotros or PPN
PODEMOS
Political Movement Winaq or Winaq
TODOS
Value or VALOR
Vamos por una Guatemala Diferente or VAMOS
Victory or VICTORIA
Vision with Values or VIVA
Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (Voluntad, Oportunidad y Solidaridad) or VOS
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Hugo Eduardo BETETA (since 17 June 2024)
chancery
2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 745-4953
FAX
[1] (202) 745-1908
email address and website
embestadosunidos@minex.gob.gt
https://estadosunidos.minex.gob.gt/home/home.aspx
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus (OH), Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville (TN), New York, Oklahoma City, Omaha (NE), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Providence (RI), Raleigh (NC), Rockville (MD), San Francisco, Seattle
consulate(s)
Dallas, Del Rio (TX), Lake Worth (FL), McAllen (TX), Riverhead (NY), San Bernardino (CA), Tucson (AZ)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Tobin BRADLEY (since 12 February 2024)
embassy
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16, Guatemala City
mailing address
3190 Guatemala Place, Washington DC 20521-3190
telephone
[502] 2354-0000
FAX
[502] 2326-4654
email address and website
AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov
https://gt.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of light blue (left side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green-and-red quetzal (the national bird), a scroll with the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain), a pair of crossed rifles, and a pair of crossed swords; a laurel wreath frames the objects
meaning: the rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself, the swords for honor, and the laurel wreath for victory; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and white for peace and purity
meaning: the rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself, the swords for honor, and the laurel wreath for victory; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and white for peace and purity
National symbol(s)
quetzal (bird)
National color(s)
blue, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (National Anthem of Guatemala)
lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE
history: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem and it was not discovered until 1911; anthem has four verses with four separate choruses at the end of each verse -- all are official, and the anthem is sung in its entirety when performed in Guatemala
lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE
history: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem and it was not discovered until 1911; anthem has four verses with four separate choruses at the end of each verse -- all are official, and the anthem is sung in its entirety when performed in Guatemala
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Guatemala (c); Tikal National Park (m); Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua (c); National Archaeological Park Tak'alik Ab'aj (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Guatemala (c); Tikal National Park (m); Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua (c); National Archaeological Park Tak'alik Ab'aj (c)
Economy32
Economic overview
developing Central American economy; steady economic growth fueled by remittances; high poverty and income inequality; limited government services, lack of employment opportunities, and frequent natural disasters impede human development efforts and drive emigration
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $232.673 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $224.475 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $216.815 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $224.475 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $216.815 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 3.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $12,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $12,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $12,100 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $12,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $12,100 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$113.2 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 2.9% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 6.2% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 6.9% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 6.2% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 6.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 21.7% (2024 est.)
services: 61.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 21.7% (2024 est.)
services: 61.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
88% (2024 est.)
government consumption
10.9% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
16.1% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
15.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-31.5% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, bananas, oil palm fruit, maize, cantaloupes/melons, potatoes, milk, tomatoes, chicken, pineapples (2023)
Industries
sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
Industrial production growth rate
2% (2024 est.)
Labor force
7.575 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 2.3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 2.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 2.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.1% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 4.2% (2024 est.)
male: 4% (2024 est.)
female: 4.7% (2024 est.)
male: 4% (2024 est.)
female: 4.7% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
56% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 45.2 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 35.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.6% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 34.1% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 34.1% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 19.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 19.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 19% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 19.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 19% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $16.603 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $17.349 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $17.349 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 31.56% of GDP (2020 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
11.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $3.333 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $3.212 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $1.116 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $3.212 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $1.116 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $17.997 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $17.342 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $18.141 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $17.342 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $18.141 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 33%, El Salvador 11%, Honduras 9%, Nicaragua 6%, Mexico 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
garments, bananas, coffee, palm oil, raw sugar (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $35.576 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $33.056 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.943 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $33.056 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.943 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 30%, China 19%, Mexico 11%, El Salvador 4%, Costa Rica 3% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, video displays, cars, trucks, packaged medicine (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $24.412 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $21.311 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $20.415 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $21.311 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $20.415 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $11.862 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
7.759 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
7.832 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
7.748 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
7.734 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
7.722 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 99.1% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 97.7%
electrification - rural areas: 98.2%
electrification - urban areas: 97.7%
electrification - rural areas: 98.2%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 4.995 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.222 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.104 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.573 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.716 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.222 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.104 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.573 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.716 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels
25.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind
2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
42% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal
2.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
25.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 1.012 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 808,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 808,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 117,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 86.11 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 117,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 86.11 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 2.016 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 17.096 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.94 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 20.6 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
4 privately owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately owned radio stations (2019)
Internet country code
.gt
Internet users
percent of population: 56% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 921,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TG
Airports
58 (2025)
Heliports
2 (2025)
Railways
total: 800 km (2018)
narrow gauge: 800 km (2018) 0.914-m gauge
narrow gauge: 800 km (2018) 0.914-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 9 (2023)
by type: oil tanker 1, other 8
by type: oil tanker 1, other 8
Ports
total ports
3 (2024)
large
0
medium
0
small
2
very small
1
ports with oil terminals
2
key ports
Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Army of Guatemala (Ejercito de Guatemala; aka Armed Forces of Guatemala or Fuerzas Armadas de Guatemala): Land Forces (Fuerzas de Tierra), Naval Forces (Fuerzas de Mar), and Air Force (Fuerza de Aire) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 20,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military is lightly armed with an inventory mostly comprised of ageing US equipment; in recent years, the US has provided additional secondhand equipment (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 for voluntary service for men and women (17-21 for military schools); all Guatemalan men 18-49 are subject to selective compulsory service; service obligation is 12-24 months (2025)
Military deployments
180 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2025)
Military - note
the military is responsible for maintaining the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the honor of Guatemala, but has long focused on internal security; since the 2000s, the Guatemalan Government has used the military to support the National Civil Police in internal security operations (as permitted by the constitution) to combat organized crime, gang violence, and narco-trafficking; other responsibilities include border security, cybersecurity, and providing humanitarian assistance; it also participates in UN missions on a small scale and has a peacekeeping operations training command that offers training to regional countries; the military has security ties with regional partners such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Honduras; cooperation with El Salvador and Honduras has included a combined police-military anti-gang task force to patrol border areas; it also has ties with the US, including joint training exercises and material assistance
the military held power during most of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and conducted a campaign of widespread violence and repression, particularly against the country’s majority indigenous population; more than 200,000 people were estimated to have been killed or disappeared during the conflict (2025)
the military held power during most of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and conducted a campaign of widespread violence and repression, particularly against the country’s majority indigenous population; more than 200,000 people were estimated to have been killed or disappeared during the conflict (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,676 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 572,813 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 572,813 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)