Land: Guatemala is mountainous, except for the south coastal area and the vast northern lowlands of Peten department. Two mountain chains enter Guatemala from west to east, dividing the country into three major regions: the highlands, where the mountains are located; the Pacific coast, south of the mountains; and the Petén region, north of the mountains. All major cities are located in the highlands and Pacific coast regions; by comparison, Petén is sparsely populated. These three regions vary in climate, elevation, and landscape, providing dramatic contrasts between hot and humid tropical lowlands and colder and drier highland peaks. Volcán Tajumulco, at 4,220 meters, is the highest point in the Central American states.

 

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Land: The rivers are short and shallow in the Pacific drainage basin, larger and deeper in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico drainage basins, which include the Polochic and Dulce Rivers, which drain into Lake Izabal, the Motagua River, the Sarstún that forms the boundary with Belize, and the Usumacinta River, which forms the boundary between Petén and Chiapas, Mexico.

Administrative Divisions: Guatemala is divided into 22 departments (departamentos) and sub-divided into about 332 municipalities (municipios).

Independence: 15 September 1821 

Legal System:a democracy Presidential republic

Population: 13,000,001 people

Ethnic Groups: 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%

Religion: 50-60% Catholic, 40% Protestant, 1% Mayan faith

Language: Spanish and Mayan dialects

Time Zone: UTC- 6

Telephone Code: 502

Internet codes: gt

Climate: Guatemala's climate is lovely year round and makes travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally from May to November. Climate variations are due to altitude, but it is generally hot throughout the country. The north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September. The coastal regions and north east are hot, with a dry (November to April) and rainy season, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C). The highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, have a pleasant climate with less rainfall than the coast, and cold temperatures at night.

Customs/ Visas: Not required visa for a Citizen of the US up to 90 days of visit. Citizen from other countries need to contact the embassy or the nearest consulate.

Location: The country has 14 eco regions ranging from Mangrove forests, to both ocean littorals with 5 different ecosystems. Guatemala has 252 listed wetlands, including 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers, and 3 swamps. Tikal National Park, was the first mixed Unesco World Heritage Site. Guatemala is a country of distinct fauna. It has some 1246 known species. Of these, 6.7% are endemic and 8.1% are threatened. Guatemala is home to at least 8681 species of vascular plants, of which 13.5% are endemic.

Exchange: 1 US Dollar = 8.06987 Guatemalan Quetzal 
1 Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

Health/ Water: There are both public and private medical facilities in Guatemala City, but insurance is strongly advised. Some hotels offer doctors services to their guests. It s highly recommended to drink bottle water.

Electricity: 12V or 60HZ

Popular Beers: Gallo, Moza, and Victoria

Food Specialties: tamales colorados, kakik de turkey, garnachas, churrascos are some of the favorites. 

Most Popular Tourist Attraction: The tourist attractions in Guatemala range from picturesque Mayan ruins and steaming volcanoes, to lush jungles and undercrowded beaches. 

Most Important Cities: Coban, Izabal, Lake Atitlan, Peten, Tikal, Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, and Archeological Sites.

Activities: Mountaineerning, Volcanoe escursions, Water sports ,and Golf .

Currency: Quetzal