Guatemala Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; departments, department capitals, lakes, and major cities in Guatemala.

Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras and El Salvador to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Gulf of Honduras to the northeast.

Guatemala City (Ciudad de Guatemala) serves as the capital and largest city, with a metropolitan population exceeding 3 million people. It is the most populous urban center in Central America. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level in a mountain valley.

The official language is Spanish, though 22 Mayan languages are also recognized, including K'iche', Kaqchikel, Mam, and Q'eqchi'. Indigenous peoples make up roughly 41% of the population, one of the highest proportions in Latin America. The majority of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, with a significant and growing Protestant minority.

Guatemala's currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), named after the resplendent quetzal bird, which is also the national symbol.

The territory of modern Guatemala was the core of the ancient Maya civilization, which flourished between approximately 2000 BCE and 900 CE. Major Maya sites include Tikal, Quiriguá, and El Mirador. Spanish colonization began in 1524 under conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Guatemala declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, a date still celebrated as the national Independence Day. After a brief period as part of the First Mexican Empire and then the Federal Republic of Central America, Guatemala became a fully independent republic in 1847.

The country experienced a prolonged internal armed conflict from 1960 to 1996.

Guatemala has a mixed economy based primarily on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It is the largest economy in Central America by GDP. Coffee, bananas, sugar, and palm oil are among the leading export products. Remittances from Guatemalans living abroad — primarily in the United States — constitute one of the most significant sources of national income, accounting for over 18% of GDP in recent years.

The country is divided into 22 departments (departamentos).

Guatemala is located within the Ring of Fire and contains more than 30 volcanoes, several of which remain active. Volcán Tajumulco, at 4,220 meters, is the highest peak in all of Central America. Frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions are characteristic features of the country's geography. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by three volcanoes, is considered one of the most scenic lakes in the world and a major tourist destination.