Guatemala was freed of Spanish colonial rule in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had led to the death of more than 100,000 people and had created some 1 million refugees.

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

arable land: 12.54%
permanent crops: 5.03%
other: 82.43% (1998 est.)

13,909,384 (July 2003 est.)

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian - in local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2%

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 70.6%
male: 78%
female: 63.3% (2003 est.)

Guatemala

constitutional democratic republic

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)