Guatemala, with its capital Guatemala, is slightly smaller than
Tennessee and encompasses a total area of 108,890 sq. km. The climate is
tropical, hot and humid in the lowlands and cooler in highlands. It is mostly
mountainous with narrow coastal plains and a rolling limestone plateau. The
natural resources include: petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, and
hydropower.
The estimated population of this predominately Spanish speaking country is 12,974,361. Spanish is spoken by 60% of the population while Amerindian languages are spoken by the remaining 40%. There are more than 20 Amerindian languages including: Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca. The main industries are: sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, and tourism. Agricultural products are also an important source of income and include sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom, cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Guatemala's current environmental issues are deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and Hurricane Mitch damage.
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