While Guatemala is the largest Central American country in terms of population (13 million) and economic activity, its largely rural, Mayan population live in extremely difficult conditions. Distribution of land, income and other wealth is controlled by a small percentage of Guatemala's Spanish-speaking population. An estimated 75% of Guatemalans live in poverty, and the roughly five million Mayans are isolated socially, economically and politically due to geographic and language barriers, as well as the lack of educational and economic opportunity.

The country's social indicators are among the worst in the hemisphere. Overall adult literacy is estimated at 65%, but literacy among Mayan women is estimated as low as 30%. Less than half of rural Guatemalans have access to running water, only a quarter have access to electricity and less than one in ten have access to modern sanitation facilities. Infant, child and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in Latin America.

Agriculture is a key factor in the Guatemalan economy, as in most of the countries in Central America. Small farms and corporate agriculture contribute about 60% of the labor force. Mixed Amerindians make up a high percentage of the population. Although in 1998 Hurricane Mitch caused relatively little damage compared to its Central American neighbors, it did destroy the homes of tens of thousands of families. In 2001, a drought caused critical damage to most of its crops, consisting of coffee, sugar and bananas. Because of this, malnutrition and hunger have become more prevalent in Guatemala.

Facts at a Glance

AREA: 67,512 sq. miles (slightly larger than Florida)

BOUNDARIES:
Mexico (N, NW)
Honduras (SE)
Pacific Ocean (SW)
Belize (E)
El Salvador (S, SE)
Caribbean Sea (E)

POPULATION: 13. million (August 2002)

CAPITAL: Guatemala City

GOVERNMENT: Democratic Republic

LANGUAGES: Spanish (60%), Amerindian dialects (40%)

MAIN RELIGIONS:
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Traditional Mayan

CURRENCY: Quetzal 8 Quetzals = $1 US (July 2004)

AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME per capita: $3,700 GDP per capita in the U.S. is $36,200

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 7.5%

Statistics from The World FACTBOOK