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GUATEMALA

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Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder

Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder
Area	108,889 sq km (42,042 sq miles).
Population	11,237,196 (2002).
Capital	Guatemala City- population 1,022,000 (2001).
Climate	Guatemala's climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes, near the centre of the country, the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterised by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.
Language	The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major hotels and restaurants. 23 indigenous languages are also spoken.
Religion	The constitution guarantees freedom of worship, but Catholicism is the most widespread religion with a 10 per cent Protestant minority. Some indigenous communities hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites.
Time	GMT - 6
Highlights	Guatemala offers visitors an unparalleled wealth of culture and interest in Central America. Traditional Mayan communities (a huge percentage of the population is indigenous) with their colourful weavings, old colonial towns, weekly markets, volcanoes, lush jungles and fascinating Mayan ruins make it one of the world's most interesting and diverse countries. Lake Atitlan, ringed by volcanoes, to the west of Guatemala City is definitely one of the earth's most beautiful lakes; a cluster of villages hug the lake side with the tall green mountains behind - a perfect place to unwind. Antigua is Guatemala's most interesting old colonial town and the cultural capital. Indeed until 1773, when a massive earthquake destroyed the city, Antigua used to be the capital of Central America. The surrounding volcanoes of Volcan de Agua, Volcan de Acatenango and Volcan de Fuego all offer superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. Tikal, one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites is magnificently located in the heart of Northern Guatemala's Peten rain forest. Chichicastenango is located in stunning surroundings and houses arguably the largest and most exciting Indian Market in Guatemala's Western Highlands. On the Caribbean coast lies Livingston, a small town of brightly painted wooden houses, accessible only by boat. The Highlands offer the visitor a chance to experience stunning countryside and the many indigenous villages each with their unique, embroidered clothes and weekly markets. For such a tiny country the variety is outstanding.
Country Facts	Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador with its Caribbean coast in the north and the Pacific coast in the south. The country is heavily forested and predominantly mountainous with a stunning string of volcanoes rising above the southern highlands three of which remain active today.

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