General Information |
| Official name: | Spanish: República de Guatemala |
| English: Republic of Guatemala |
| Capital: | Guatemala City |
| Major cities: | Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla, Coban, Zacapa |
| Major tourist destinations: | Antigua Guatemala, Tikal, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Rio Dulce |
| Population: | 12.5 million (2006) |
| Languages: | Spanish, 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages |
| Independence: | 15 September 1821 from Spain |
Geography |
| Location: | Central America |
| Neighbors: | Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador |
| Land area: | 108,430 sq km (41,865 square miles) |
| Highest mountain: | Volcan Tajumulco, 4,211 m (13,816 ft) |
| Largest lake: | Lake Izabal, 590 sq km (228 square miles) |
| Longest river: | Rio Motagua, 402 km (250 miles) |
| Climate: | Hot and humid in the lowlands, temperate in the highlands |
Economy |
| Currency: | Quetzal (GTQ) - Current exchange rates |
| Banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Quetzals |
| Coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and 1 Quetzal |
| Industries: | Agriculture, tourism, textiles, furniture |
| Exports: | Coffee, sugar, petroleum, textiles, fruits and vegetables |
| Imports: | Fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, fertilizers, electricity |
Information for Travelers |
| Time zone: | Central Time (GMT -6 hours) year round |
| International phone code: | 502 |
| Electricity: | 110V, 60Hz |
| International Airports: | Guatemala City (GUA), Flores (FRS) |
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