The agricultural sector accounts for about one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. Former President ARZU (1996-2000) worked to implement a program of economic liberalization and political modernization. President PORTILLO has continued the liberalization program but with more sporadic results. The 1996 signing of the peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, but numerous corruption scandals associated with the PORTILLO administration have dampened investor confidence. The distribution of income remains highly unequal, with perhaps 75% of the population below the poverty line. Ongoing challenges include increasing the government revenues, negotiating further assistance from international donors, upgrading both government and private financial operations, and narrowing the trade deficit. A free trade agreement between the US and Central American countries promises greater access to US and neighboring markets.

purchasing power parity - $53.2 billion (2002 est.)

2.2% (2002 est.)

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

agriculture: 23%
industry: 20%
services: 57% (2001 est.)

75% (2002 est.)

8.1% (2002 est.)

4.2 million (1999 est.)

agriculture 50%, industry 15%, services 35% (1999 est.)

7.5% (1999 est.)

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

4.1% (1999)