Guatemala

Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of Native American ways and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala’s population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban areas, and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. But unlike many Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, that has retained a distinct identity and speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. Mission Personnel Paul Pitcher Paul Pitcher concluded his term as communication and youth worker for the Christian Action of Guatemala (ACG) on December 31, 2005 and has returned to the United States to commence his itineration. Paul has, however, returned to Guatemala for March, April 2006 on special assignment with ACG. Partners Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG) Associacion Accion Cultural Guatemalteca Conferencia de Iglesias Evangelicas de Guatemala (CIEDEG) Sinodo Luterano Guatemalteco National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala, Coordinadora Nacional de Viudas de Guatemala (CONAVIGUA) Coordinadora Nacional de Viudas de Guatemala (CONAVIGUA) en espa├▒ol El Foro Ecumenico por la Paz y la Reconciliation (FEPAZ)

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of Native American ways and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala’s population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban areas, and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. But unlike many Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, that has retained a distinct identity and speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts.

Population (2014 est) – 14,647,083

Area – 67,670mi

Capital – Guatemala City

Ethnic Background 

     European & Mestizo – 59%

     K’iche – 9%

     Kaqchikel – 8%

     Mam – 8%

     Q’eqchi – 6%

     Other Mayan – 9%

     Indigenous non-Mayan – <1%

     Other – <1%

Exports – coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom

Imports – fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity, mineral products, chemical products, plastic materials and products

Life Expectancy (2014 est) – M 70 years     F 74 years

Infant Mortality (2014 est) – 23.51 deaths/1,000 live births

Adult Illiteracy Rate – 24.1%