Political Overview

Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a democratic republic with a presidential system of government. Its capital and largest city, Guatemala City, serves as the political and economic hub of the nation. The country is divided into 22 departments, each headed by a governor appointed by the president, while local municipalities elect their own mayors and councils. Since the end of its 36-year civil war in 1996, Guatemala has worked to strengthen its institutions and uphold the rule of law, though challenges such as corruption and social inequality persist.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Guatemala boasts a rich tapestry of cultural influences, blending its ancient Mayan roots with Spanish colonial heritage. The highland city of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country’s premier tourism areas, renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture set against a backdrop of volcanoes. Guatemala is internationally recognized for its vibrant traditional textiles each region produces unique weaving patterns and colors and for its continued celebration of Mayan festivals, such as the spectacular Semana Santa processions in Antigua.

Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate

Spanning an area of approximately 108,900 km², Guatemala’s terrain ranges from volcanic highlands to lowland rainforests and Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. The climate varies accordingly: temperate in the highlands, tropical along the coasts, and humid in the Petén region, home to the ancient Maya city of Tikal another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major draw for ecotourism. Internationally, Guatemala is celebrated for its biodiversity, including more bird species than the entirety of the United States, and for its high-quality coffee, which commands worldwide acclaim.