Guatemala, meaning land of trees, is a heavily forested and mountainous nation—and the most populous in Central America. The Pacific coast lowlands in the south rise to the volcanic Sierra Madre and other highlands, then the land descends to the forested northern lowlands, including the narrow Caribbean coast. The highlands, where most Guatemalans live, are temperate in climate compared to the tropical lowlands.
Fast Facts
Population: 12,701,000
Capital: Guatemala City; 951,000
Area: 108,889 square kilometres (42,042 square miles)
Language: Spanish, Amerindian languages
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Currency: Quetzal, U.S. dollar, others allowed
Life Expectancy: 66
GDP per Capita: U.S. $3,900
Literacy Percent: 71
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