Guatemala
Category:Central American countries
- For the city, see Guatemala City.
The
Republic of Guatemala is a country in
Central America, in the south of the continent of
North America, bordering both the
Pacific Ocean and the
Caribbean Sea. \nIt is bordered by
Mexico to the north,
Belize to the northeast, and
Honduras and
El Salvador to the southeast.
History
\nMain article: History of Guatemala
From the 4th to the 11th century, the lowlands area of the Peten region of Guatemala was the heart of the flourishing Maya civilization.
After the collapse of the lowland states, the Maya states of the central highlands continued until conquered by the Spanish, who first arrived in 1523 and colonised the area. Alta Vera Paz is known for the fact that after failing to conquer it by the sword the Spanish entered by the cross, with missionaries. Almost all pre-colombian Maya books were lost due to the policy of Spaniards during the colonial period of burning them. The Popol Vuh, a pre-colombian Maya creation story, is one that survived.
Guatemala became independent of Spain in 1821, first briefly as part of Mexico, later as a part of the United Provinces of Central America. \nThis confederation fell apart in a war from 1838 to 1840, and Guatemala became an independent nation.
Guatemalan history has since been marked by revolutions, coups and non-democratic governments, mainly due to United States intervention around agrarian land reform issues. Guatemalan state-sponsored violence ended in 1996, leading to successive successful democratic elections in 1999 and 2003, that still have not addressed the impact of an agriculturally based economy where 1% of the wealthy own over 60% of the land and wealth. U.S. President Bill Clinton publicly apologized to the people of Guatemala in the late 1990s recognizing for the first time the US role in the state sponsored violence, a military campagin that resulted in over 100,000 Maya people including children dead, and countless others missing and thousands more fleeing to Canada and the United States.
Politics
\nMain article: Politics of Guatemala
Guatemala's unicameral parliament, the Congreso de la República (Congress of the Republic) with 113 seats, is elected every four years, concurrently with the presidential elections. \nThe President of Guatemala acts as the head of state and head of government. \nIn his executive tasks, he is assisted by a cabinet of ministers, which he appoints.
See also: Guatemala election, 2003
Departments
\nMain article: Departments of Guatemala
Guatemala is divided into 22 departments (departamentos):
Geography
\nMain article: Geography of Guatemala
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Map\n
Economy
\nMain article: Economy of Guatemala
The agricultural sector accounts for one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. \nCoffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. \nManufacturing and construction account for one-fifth of GDP. \nAfter assuming office in January 1996, former President Álvaro Arzú worked to implement a program of economic liberalization and political modernization.
The signing of the peace accords in December 1996, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment. \nIn 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused relatively little damage to Guatemala compared to its neighbors.
Remaining challenges include beefing up government revenues, negotiating further assistance from international donors, and increasing the efficiency and openness of both government and private financial operations. \nGrowth should remain at the same level in 2000 provided world agricultural prices do not plunge.
Demographics
\nMain article: Demographics of Guatemala
More than half of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Maya people. Westernized Maya and mestizos (mixed European and indigenous ancestry) are known as Ladinos. African descendants also exist in Guatemala, especially along the Caribbean coast, notably the Garifuna people.\nMost of Guatemala's population is rural, though urbanization is accelerating. \nThe predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, into which many indigenous Guatemalans have incorporated traditional forms of worship. Protestantism and traditional Maya religions are practiced by an estimated 40% and 1% of the population, respectively.
Though the official language is Spanish, it is not universally understood among the indigenous population; various Maya languages are still spoken, especially in rural areas.
The Peace Accords signed in December 1996 provide for the translation of some official documents and voting materials into several indigenous languages (see summary of main substantive accords).
Culture
\nMain article: Culture of Guatemala
Main influences of the Maya and Spanish colonists can still be seen throughout Guatemala. Much of the clothing and food is still made in the traditional Maya way, and many Maya ruins can be found. Along the Caribbean cost, influences of the African culture can be seen, heard and tasted in the religious ceremonial songs, the dances and food.
\nMiscellaneous topics
\n*List of places in Guatemala\n*List of famous Guatemalans\n*Communications in Guatemala\n*Transportation in Guatemala\n*Military of Guatemala\n*Foreign relations of Guatemala\n*List of national parks of Guatemala
External links
\n*Maya Spirit\n*Guatemala Travel\n*Guatemala Website Directory\n*World Factbook entry for Guatemala
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