Guatemala is a country in Central America, bordering Mexico to the north-west, Belize to the north-east, Honduras to the south-east, El Salvador to the south, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country possesses astonishing natural beauty and diversity with mountain ranges, volcanoes, hot springs and rainforests. Its rich cultural heritage is evident with both Spanish and strong indigenous Mayan influences.

Population estimate (2019): 17,521,484

Capital City: Guatemala City

Currency used: Guatemala Quetzal

Gross National Income per capita (2013) (PPP international $): 7,130

Time zone: GMT – 6

Population growth rate (2019): 1.80%

Total fertility rate per woman: 2.77

Languages: The official language is Spanish. Additionally, 21 Mayan languages are spoken, as well as two other Amerindian languages.

Key ethnic groups: 41% Mestizo, 39% Amerindian, 18.5% European descent, and several other smaller groups.

Religion: 47.6% Roman Catholic, 31.7% Christian Protestant, 18.3% atheist, agnostic or no no religious affiliation, 2.4% other beliefs.

Literacy: 81.5%

Climate: The climate in Guatemala is mostly tropical due to its location, however, the mountains significantly alter the weather in some areas, so there are actually two additional climate zones; a temperate and a cool zone. The tropical zones are along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and the lowlands, where it is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures can range from 37ºc during the day to 21ºc at night. The cool zone in Guatemala is in the mountainous regions, where night temperatures may fall below freezing, and daytime average is around 21ºc. The temperate zones include some of the popular destinations such as Guatemala City and Antigua. Temperatures can reach 29ºc during the day, while nights are cooler but not below freezing. There is a rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April.

Health statistics:

Life expectancy at birth (2016): 70/76 (male/female)

Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years: 208/119 (per 1000 population, 2016)

Total expenditure on health per capita (2014): $473

Number of doctors per 1000 population (2009): 0.897

Nursing and midwifery personnel density (per 1000 population, 2009): 0.864

Neonatal mortality rate (per 1000 live births, 2016): 14 [11.2-17.5]

Maternal mortality ratio (per 100.000 live births, 2015): 88 [77-100]

Births attended by skilled health personnel (2014): 65.5%

Top 10 causes of death:

Coronary heart disease: 8,290 people / 10.75% of total

Influenza & pneumonia: 8,091 / 10.49%

Diabetes mellitus: 6,940 / 9%

Violence: 5,917 / 7.67%

Stroke: 4,118 / 5.34%

Other injuries: 3,881 / 5.03%

Kidney disease: 3,637 / 4.71%

Liver disease: 3,347 / 4.34%

Road traffic accidents: 3,253 / 4.22%

Diarrhoeal diseases: 2,470 / 3.20%