Amatitlán

Amatitlán

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Barberena

Barberena

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Chicacao

Chicacao

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Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango

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Chimaltenango

Chimaltenango

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Chinautla

Chinautla

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Chiquimula

Chiquimula

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Cobán

Cobán

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Escuintla

Escuintla

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Flores

Flores

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Fraijanes

Fraijanes

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 Guatemala City

Guatemala City

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Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango

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Jalapa

Jalapa

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Jutiapa

Jutiapa

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Mazatenango

Mazatenango

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Mixco

Mixco

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Palencia.

Palencia.

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Palin

Palin

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Puerto Barrios

Puerto Barrios

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Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango

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Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu

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San José Pinula

San José Pinula

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San Juan Sacatepéquez

San Juan Sacatepéquez

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San Pedro Ayampuc

San Pedro Ayampuc

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Santa Catarina Pinula

Santa Catarina Pinula

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Santiago Atitlán

Santiago Atitlán

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Totonicapán

Totonicapán

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Villa Canales

Villa Canales

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Villa Nueva

Villa Nueva

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festivites

Here are some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Guatemala:

1. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) - November 1-2: This holiday is celebrated throughout Central America and Mexico to honor the deceased. In Guatemala, families gather in cemeteries and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings such as food, drinks, and personal items that the deceased enjoyed.

2. Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) - September 15: This is a national holiday celebrating Guatemala's independence from Spain in 1821. The day starts with a reenactment of the "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores), a speech made by Padre Miguel Hidalgo in Mexico that sparked the Mexican War of Independence. People dress in traditional clothing and decorate streets with blue and white, the colors of the Guatemalan flag.

3. Semana Santa (Holy Week) - varies: Celebrated during the week leading up to Easter, Semana Santa is an important religious holiday in Guatemala. Many towns have processions featuring large, ornate floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. In Antigua, the processions are particularly elaborate and draw large crowds.

4. Day of the Child (Día del Niño) - April 30: This holiday honors children and focuses on their education and well-being. Schools organize special activities and events for children, and many families spend time together doing fun activities.

5. All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos) - November 1: Similar to Day of the Dead, this holiday is dedicated to honoring deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries and bring flowers and offerings to the graves of their ancestors.

6. Christmas (Navidad) - December 25: Christmas is celebrated in Guatemala with traditional customs such as nativity scenes, caroling, and gift-giving. Families gather together to enjoy a special dinner on Christmas Eve, and many attend midnight Mass.

These holidays are celebrated throughout Guatemala with variations in customs and traditions depending on the region and local culture.

seasons

Guatemala has two main tourist seasons:

1. High Season: December to April
This is the dry season and the most popular time for tourists to visit Guatemala. The weather is sunny and warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It's also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

2. Low Season: May to November
This is the rainy season in Guatemala, with the heaviest rains falling between June and September. Travel during this time can be more challenging due to wet and muddy conditions, but it's a great time to see lush green landscapes and experience local festivals. Prices are generally lower during this time of year.

It's important to note that weather patterns can vary by region, so always check local forecasts before planning your trip. Additionally, some areas may have specific high or low seasons based on local events or attractions. When traveling to Guatemala, it's recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear for both rainy and sunny weather, as well as to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

visa

Here are some special visa rules for Guatemala:

1. Citizens of most Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and EU countries, do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for stays up to 90 days.

2. Citizens of a few countries, such as China and India, must obtain a visa in advance of travel.

3. Nationals from certain countries may be required to obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entering the country.

4. Visitors who plan to work or study in Guatemala must obtain the appropriate visa and work permit.

The cost of obtaining a visa for Guatemala varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. For example, a tourist visa for citizens of the United States costs $50 USD, while a business visa costs $150 USD. The cost of a work visa depends on the length of stay and can range from $100 to $400 USD. It is important to check the current fees and requirements with the Guatemalan consulate or embassy in your home country.

souvenirs

Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Guatemala, along with their average price range and where to buy them:

1. Guatemalan textiles (huipiles, scarves, shawls): Prices vary depending on the quality and intricacy of the design, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $100 or more. You can find textile markets in Chichicastenango, Panajachel, and Antigua.

2. Jade jewelry: Prices for jade jewelry also vary widely depending on the size and quality of the stone. Small jade earrings might cost $20-$30, while larger pendants could be several hundred dollars. Look for reputable shops in Antigua and Guatemala City.

3. Coffee beans: You can find high-quality coffee beans starting at about $5 per pound. Look for coffee farms and markets in Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Cobán.

4. Traditional pottery: Hand-painted pottery pieces like plates, bowls, and vases can be found for around $10-$30. Look for ceramic workshops in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Antigua, and Panajachel.

5. Wooden animal carvings: These make great gifts for children and can be found for as little as $5-$10 each. Look for souvenir shops in Antigua and Chichicastenango.

6. Worry dolls: These tiny handmade dolls are said to take away your worries when placed under your pillow at night. They typically cost a few dollars for a set of six or so. Look for them in markets throughout the country.

Note that these prices are rough estimates and can vary widely based on location, quality, and other factors. It's always a good idea to negotiate prices and shop around to find the best deals.

If you have 1 week

Sounds like a fun challenge! Here's an itinerary for one week in Guatemala:

Day 1: Visit Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is a charming town known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful churches. Spend the day exploring the town's many historic buildings, museums, and markets. Don't forget to try some of the local cuisine!

Day 2: Hike to Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya is an active volcano that last erupted in 2014. Take a guided hike to the summit, where you can see stunning views of the surrounding landscape and even roast marshmallows over the hot lava.

Day 3: Explore Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a picturesque lake surrounded by three volcanoes and several indigenous Mayan villages. Take a boat tour of the lake and visit some of the villages, where you can experience traditional Mayan culture and crafts.

Day 4: Visit Tikal National Park
Tikal is one of the largest and most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in Central America. Explore the ancient ruins and climb to the top of some of the tallest pyramids for breathtaking views of the jungle canopy.

Day 5: Relax in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a natural wonder located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. The area features a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery.

Day 6: Discover the Market of Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is a small town known for having one of the largest and most colorful markets in Central America. Browse the stalls and shop for handmade textiles, pottery, and other crafts.

Day 7: Learn about Cocoa at the ChocoMuseo
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the ChocoMuseo, where you can learn about the history and production of cocoa in Guatemala. Take a workshop and make your own chocolate to take home as a souvenir.

These are just a few ideas for how to spend a week in Guatemala. Each location offers a unique experience and a chance to explore the country's rich culture and natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!

If you have 2 weeks

Great to hear that you are in Guatemala! Here's a two-week itinerary for you:

Week 1:
- Antigua: This colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful architecture, colorful markets, and delicious food. You can also hike to Cerro de La Cruz for stunning views of the city.
- Lake Atitlán: Located in the western highlands, this lake is surrounded by volcanoes and offers great opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and swimming. The indigenous villages around the lake are also worth visiting for their handicrafts and culture.
- Tikal National Park: One of the most famous Mayan ruins in the world, Tikal is located in the northern jungle region of Guatemala. The towering pyramids and temples amidst the jungle make for a breathtaking sight!
- Semuc Champey: A natural wonder consisting of turquoise pools and waterfalls, Semuc Champey is perfect for adventure seekers. You can hike, swim, cave tube, and explore the nearby K'anba Caves.

Week 2:
- Rio Dulce: This river flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea and offers beautiful scenery along the way. You can take a boat ride to Livingston, a Garifuna town famous for its music and cuisine.
- Flores: Another charming colonial town, Flores is located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá and makes for a great base to explore nearby Mayan sites such as Yaxhá and El Ceibal.
- Quetzaltenango: Also known as Xela, this highland city is famous for its hot springs, coffee plantations, and beautiful landscapes. You can also visit nearby Fuentes Georginas, a natural hot spring complex surrounded by lush forest.
- Chichicastenango: Known for its colorful market, this town is bustling with locals buying and selling textiles, pottery, and produce. The Santo Tomás Church is also worth a visit for its mix of Catholic and Mayan religious elements.

You should visit these places to experience the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of Guatemala. From colonial towns to Mayan ruins, from hot springs to turquoise pools, there's something for everyone in this diverse country. Plus, with delicious food and friendly people, you're sure to have a great time!

Culture



Guatemala City is home to many of the nation's libraries and museums, including the National Archives, the National Library, and the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, which has an extensive collection of Maya artifacts. It also boasts private museums such as the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing and the Museo Popol Vuh, which focuses on Maya archaeology. Both these museums are housed on the Universidad Francisco Marroquín campus. Most of the 329 municipalities in the country have at least a small museum.

Guatemala has produced many indigenous artists who follow centuries-old Pre-Columbian traditions. Reflecting Guatemala's colonial and post-colonial history, encounters with multiple global art movements also have produced a wealth of artists who have combined the traditional primitivist or naive aesthetic with European, North American, and other traditions.

The Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas "Rafael Rodríguez Padilla" is Guatemala's leading art school, and several leading indigenous artists, also graduates of that school, have work in the permanent collection of the Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno in the capital city. Contemporary Guatemalan artists who have gained reputations outside of Guatemala include Dagoberto Vásquez, Luis Rolando Ixquiac Xicara, Carlos Mérida, Aníbal López, Roberto González Goyri, and Elmar René Rojas.


* The Guatemala National Prize in Literature is a one-time-only award that recognizes an individual writer's body of work. It has been given annually since 1988 by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
* Miguel Ángel Asturias won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. Among his famous books is El Señor Presidente, a novel based on the government of Manuel Estrada Cabrera.
* Rigoberta Menchú, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting oppression of indigenous people in Guatemala, is famous for her books I, Rigoberta Menchú and Crossing Borders.

The Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante has gained an international audience with his films focused on Guatemalan contemporary society and politics : Ixcanul in 2015, and Temblores and La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) in 2019.

Major national newspapers in Guatemala include Prensa Libre, El Periodico and Siglo21. Guatemala also has a few major local channels and radio stations, such as one of Guatemala's major radio stations, Emisoras Unidas.



Guatemalan music comprises a number of styles and expressions. Guatemalan social change has been empowered by music such as nueva cancion, which blends together histories, present-day issues, and the political values and struggles of common people. The Maya had an intense musical practice, as documented by their iconography. Guatemala was also one of the first regions in the New World to be introduced to European music, from 1524 on. Many composers from the Renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary music styles have contributed works of all genres. The marimba, which is like a wooden xylophone, is the national instrument and its music is widely found in Guatemala. It has developed a large repertoire of very attractive pieces that have been popular for more than a century.

The Historia General de Guatemala has published a series of CDs compiling the historical music of Guatemala, in which every style is represented, from the Maya, colonial, independent and republican eras to the present. Many contemporary music groups in Guatemala play Caribbean music, salsa, Garifuna-influenced punta, Latin pop, Mexican regional, and mariachi.

Many traditional foods in Guatemalan cuisine are based on Mayan cuisine and prominently feature maize, chilies and black beans as key ingredients. Traditional dishes also include a variety of stews including Kak'ik (Kak-ik), which is a tomato-based stew with turkey, pepian, and cocido. Guatemala is also known for its antojitos, which include small tamales called chuchitos, fried plantains, and tostadas with tomato sauce, guacamole or black beans. Certain foods are also commonly eaten on certain days of the week; for example, a popular custom is to eat paches (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) on Thursday. Certain dishes are also associated with special occasions, such as fiambre for All Saints' Day on 1 November, or tamales and ponche (fruit punch), which are both very common around Christmas.



Football is the most popular sport in Guatemala and its national team has appeared in 18 editions of the CONCACAF Championship, winning it once, in 1967. However, the team has failed to qualify to a FIFA World Cup so far. Established in 1919, the National Football Federation of Guatemala organizes the country's national league and its lower-level competitions.

Futsal is probably the most successful team sport in Guatemala. Its national team won the 2008 CONCACAF Futsal Championship as hosts. It was also the runner-up in 2012 as hosts and won the bronze medal in 2016.

Guatemala participated for the first time in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2000, as hosts, and has played in every competition from 2008 onwards. It has never passed the first round. It has also participated in every Grand Prix de Futsal since 2009, reaching the semifinals in 2014.

The Guatemalan Olympic Committee was founded in 1947 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee that same year. Guatemala participated in the 1952 Summer Olympics, and in every edition since the 1968 Summer Olympics. It has also appeared in a single Winter Olympics edition, in 1988.

Erick Barrondo won the only Olympic medal for Guatemala so far, silver in race walking at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Guatemala also keeps national sports teams in several disciplines such as basketball or beach volleyball.

Religion



Christianity is very influential in nearly all of Guatemalan society, both in cosmology and social-politic composition. The country, once dominated by Roman Catholicism (introduced by the Spanish during the colonial era), is now influenced by a diversity of Christian denominations. The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest Church denomination, passing from 55% in 2001 to 47.9% (CID Gallup November 2001, September 2012). During 2001–2012, the already numerous Protestant population, grew from thirthy percent of the population to 38.2%. Those claiming no religious affiliation were down from 12.7% to 11.6%. The remainder, including Mormons and adherents of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, continued to register at more than 2 percent of the population.

Since the 1960s, and particularly during the 1980s, Guatemala has experienced the rapid growth of Protestantism, especially evangelical varieties. Guatemala has been described as the most heavily evangelical nation in Latin America, with multitudes of unregistered churches, although Brazil or Honduras may be as heavily evangelical as Guatemala.

Over the past two decades, particularly since the end of the civil war, Guatemala has seen heightened missionary activity. Protestant denominations have grown markedly in recent decades, chiefly Evangelical and Pentecostal varieties; growth is particularly strong among the ethnic Maya population, with the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala maintaining 11 indigenous-language presbyteries. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown from 40,000 members in 1984 to 164,000 in 1998, and continues to expand.

The growth of Eastern Orthodox Church in Guatemala has been especially strong, with hundreds of thousands of converts in the last five years, giving the country the highest proportion of Orthodox adherents in the Western Hemisphere.

Traditional Maya religion persists through the process of inculturation, in which certain practices are incorporated into Catholic ceremonies and worship when they are sympathetic to the meaning of Catholic belief. Indigenous religious practices are increasing as a result of the cultural protections established under the peace accords. The government has instituted a policy of providing altars at every Maya ruin to facilitate traditional ceremonies.

Demographics

Guatemala has a population of ( est). With only 885,000 in 1900, this constitutes the fastest population growth in the Western Hemisphere during the 20th century. The Republic of Guatemala's first census was taken in 1778. The census records for 1778, 1880, 1893 and 1921 were used as scrap paper and no longer exist, although their statistical information was preserved. Censuses have not been taken at regular intervals. Note that the 1837 census was discredited at the time; statistician Don Jose de la Valle made a calculation that in 1837 the population of Guatemala was 600,000. The 1940 census was burned. Data from the remaining censuses is in the Historical Population table below. Guatemala is heavily centralized: transportation, communications, business, politics, and the most relevant urban activity takes place in the capital of Guatemala City, whose urban area has a population of almost 3 million.

The estimated median age in Guatemala is 20 years old, 19.4 for males and 20.7 years for females. Guatemala is demographically one of the youngest countries in the Western Hemisphere, comparable to most of central Africa and Iraq. The proportion of the population below the age of 15 in 2010 was 41.5%, 54.1% were aged between 15 and 65 years of age, and 4.4% were aged 65 years or older.



A significant number of Guatemalans live outside of their country. The majority of the Guatemalan diaspora is located in the United States of America, with estimates ranging from 480,665 to 1,489,426. Emigration to the United States has led to the growth of Guatemalan communities in California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Rhode Island and elsewhere since the 1970s. However, as of July 2019, the United States and Guatemala signed a deal to restrict migration and asylum seekers from Guatemala.

Below are estimates of the number of Guatemalans living abroad for certain countries:

Guatemala is populated by a variety of ethnic, cultural, racial, and linguistic groups. According to the 2018 Census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), 56% of the population is Ladino reflecting mixed indigenous and European heritage. Indigenous Guatemalans are 43.6% of the national population, which is one of the largest percentages in Latin America, behind only Peru and Bolivia. Most indigenous Guatemalans (41.7% of the national population) are of the Maya people, namely K'iche' (11.0% of the total population), Q'eqchi (8.3%), Kaqchikel (7.8%), Mam (5.2%), and "other Maya" (7.6%). 2% of the national population is indigenous non-Maya. 1.8% of the population is Xinca (mesoamerican), and 0.1% of the population is Garifuna (African/Carib mix). "However, indigenous rights activists put the indigenous figure closer to 61 per cent."

White Guatemalans of European descent, also called Criollo, are not differentiated from Ladinos (mixed-race) individuals in the Guatemalan census. Most are descendants of German and Spanish settlers, and others derive from Italians, British, French, Swiss, Belgians, Dutch, Russians and Danes. German settlers are credited with bringing the tradition of Christmas trees to Guatemala.

The population includes about 110,000 Salvadorans. The Garífuna, descended primarily from Black Africans who lived and intermarried with indigenous peoples from St. Vincent, live mainly in Livingston and Puerto Barrios. Afro-Guatemalans and mulattos are descended primarily from banana plantation workers. There are also Asians, mostly of Chinese descent but also Arabs of Lebanese and Syrian descent.

Guatemala's sole official language is Spanish, spoken by 93 percent of the population as either the first or second language.

Twenty-one Mayan languages are spoken, especially in rural areas, as well as two non-Mayan Indigenous languages: Xinca, which is indigenous to the country, and Garifuna, an Arawakan language spoken on the Caribbean coast. According to the Language Law of 2003, these languages are recognized as national languages.

Throughout the 20th century there have been many developments in the integration of Mayan languages into the Guatemalan society and educational system. Originating from political reasons, these processes have aided the revival of some Mayan languages and advanced bilingual education in the country.

In 1945, in order to overcome "the Indian problem", the Guatemalan government founded The Institute Indigents ta National (NH), the purpose of which was to teach literacy to Mayan children in their mother tongue instead of Spanish, to prepare the ground for later assimilation of the latter. The teaching of literacy in the first language, which received support from the UN, significantly advanced in 1952, when the SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics), located in Dallas, Texas, partnered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Education; within 2 years, numerous written works in Mayan languages had been printed and published, and vast advancement was done in the translation of the New Testament. Further efforts to integrate the indigenous into the Ladino society were made in the following years, including the invention of a special alphabet to assist Mayan students transition to Spanish, and bilingual education in the Q'eqchi' area. When Spanish became the official language of Guatemala in 1965, the government started several programs, such as the Bilingual Castellanizacion Program and the Radiophonic Schools, to accelerate the move of Mayan students to Spanish. Unintentionally, the efforts to integrate the indigenous using language, especially the new alphabet, gave institutions tools to use Mayan tongues in schools, and while improving Mayan children's learning, they left them unequipped to learn in a solely Spanish environment. So, an additional expansion of bilingual education took place in 1980, when an experimental program in which children were to be instructed in their mother tongue until they are fluent enough in Spanish was created. The program proved successful when the students of the pilot showed higher academic achievements than the ones in the Spanish-only control schools. In 1987, when the pilot was to finish, bilingual education was made official in Guatemala.



Christianity is very influential in nearly all of Guatemalan society, both in cosmology and social-politic composition. The country, once dominated by Roman Catholicism (introduced by the Spanish during the colonial era), is now influenced by a diversity of Christian denominations. The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest Church denomination, passing from 55% in 2001 to 47.9% (CID Gallup November 2001, September 2012). During 2001–2012, the already numerous Protestant population, grew from thirthy percent of the population to 38.2%. Those claiming no religious affiliation were down from 12.7% to 11.6%. The remainder, including Mormons and adherents of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, continued to register at more than 2 percent of the population.

Since the 1960s, and particularly during the 1980s, Guatemala has experienced the rapid growth of Protestantism, especially evangelical varieties. Guatemala has been described as the most heavily evangelical nation in Latin America, with multitudes of unregistered churches, although Brazil or Honduras may be as heavily evangelical as Guatemala.

Over the past two decades, particularly since the end of the civil war, Guatemala has seen heightened missionary activity. Protestant denominations have grown markedly in recent decades, chiefly Evangelical and Pentecostal varieties; growth is particularly strong among the ethnic Maya population, with the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala maintaining 11 indigenous-language presbyteries. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown from 40,000 members in 1984 to 164,000 in 1998, and continues to expand.

The growth of Eastern Orthodox Church in Guatemala has been especially strong, with hundreds of thousands of converts in the last five years, giving the country the highest proportion of Orthodox adherents in the Western Hemisphere.

Traditional Maya religion persists through the process of inculturation, in which certain practices are incorporated into Catholic ceremonies and worship when they are sympathetic to the meaning of Catholic belief. Indigenous religious practices are increasing as a result of the cultural protections established under the peace accords. The government has instituted a policy of providing altars at every Maya ruin to facilitate traditional ceremonies.



During the colonial era Guatemala received immigrants (settlers) only from Spain. Subsequently, Guatemala received waves of immigration from Europe in the mid 19th century and early 20th century. Primarily from Germany, these immigrants installed coffee and cardamom fincas in Alta Verapaz, Zacapa, Quetzaltenango, Baja Verapaz and Izabal. To a lesser extent people also arrived from Spain, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Sweden, etc.

Many European immigrants to Guatemala were politicians, refugees, and entrepreneurs as well as families looking to settle. Up to 1950 Guatemala was the Central American country that received the most immigrants, behind Costa Rica, and large numbers of immigrants are still received today. Since the 1890s, there has been immigration from East Asia. Also, beginning with the First World War, the immigrant population is being strengthened by Jewish immigration.

During the second half of the twentieth century, Latin American immigration increased in Guatemala, particularly from other Central American countries, Mexico, Cuba, and Argentina, although most of these immigrants stayed only temporarily before going to their final destinations in the United States.

Guatemala has among the worst health outcomes in Latin America with some of the highest infant mortality rates, and one of the lowest life expectancies at birth in the region. With about 16,000 doctors for its 16 million people, Guatemala has about half the doctor-citizen ratio recommended by the WHO. Since the end of the Guatemalan Civil War in 1997, the Ministry of Health has extended healthcare access to 54% of the rural population.

Healthcare has received different levels of support from different political administrations who disagree on how best to manage distribution of services – via a private or a public entity – and the scale of financing that should be made available. , the Ministry of Health lacked the financial means to monitor or evaluate its programs.

Total healthcare spending, both public and private, has remained constant at between 6.4 and 7.3% of the GDP. Per-capita average annual healthcare spending was only $368 in 2012. Guatemalan patients choose between indigenous treatments or Western medicine when they engage with the health system.

74.5% of the population aged 15 and over is literate, the lowest literacy rate in Central America. Guatemala has a plan to increase literacy over the next 20 years.

The government runs a number of public elementary and secondary-level schools, as youth in Guatemala do not fully participate in education. These schools are free, though the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, and transportation makes them less accessible to the poorer segments of society and significant numbers of poor children do not attend school. Many middle and upper-class children go to private schools. Guatemala has one public university (USAC or Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala), and fourteen private ones (see List of universities in Guatemala). USAC was the first university in Guatemala and one of the first Universities of America.

Organizations such as Child Aid, Pueblo a Pueblo, and Common Hope, which train teachers in villages throughout the Central Highlands region, are working to improve educational outcomes for children. Lack of training for rural teachers is one of the key contributors to Guatemala's low literacy rates.

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