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About Guatemala

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. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast.

History

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 colonized the area. Alta Verapaz 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 as as a part of the United Provinces of Central America. This 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, that lead to a 36 year war between the guerilla and the Guatemalan Army that ended in 1996 with the signing of a peace treaty. 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 campaign that resulted in over 100,000 Maya people (including children) dead, countless others missing, and thousands more fleeing to Canada and the United States or moving to the south of Mexico. Guatemalan state-sponsored violence ended in 1983, leading to successive successful democratic elections from 1985 to date. The most recent democratic election was in 2003. Guatemala still have not addressed the inequity of an agriculturally based economy where 1% of the population controls over 60% of the land and wealth.

Politics

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. The President of Guatemala acts as the head of state and head of government. In his executive tasks, he is assisted by a cabinet of ministers, which he appoints.

Geography

Except for the coastal areas, Guatemala is mostly mountainous, with a hot tropical climate - more temperate in the highlands. Most of the major cities are situated in the southern half of the country; the major cities are the capital Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and Escuintla. The large lake Lago de Izabal is situated close to the Caribbean coast.

In Mormon culture, Guatemala is the most popular traditional location of the Book of Mormon land of Lehi-Nephi, though this is not official doctrine of the LDS Church. Many LDS tour services have package tours that include various spots in Guatemala.

Economy

The agricultural sector accounts for one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. Manufacturing and construction account for one-fifth of GDP. After 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. In 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. Growth should remain at the same level in 2000 provided world agricultural prices do not plunge.

Demographics

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. Most of Guatemala's population is rural, though urbanization is accelerating. The 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.

Culture

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.

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