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About Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful country decorated with mountain peaks, rivers, valleys, volcanoes, beaches and jungles but the majority of people live in abject poverty. The country and its people have survived decades of turmoil, of civil war and natural disasters. However, with the help of organizations like Shalom and people like you, the future for the children and people of Guatemala are given hope.
Why Guatemala:
- Half of the population is under 18 years old. It is a country of children.
- 75% of the people live below the poverty line -- hundreds of thousands in extreme poverty
- Due to chronic malnutrition, disease and severe lack of medical services, Guatemala holds the third highest stunting rate in the world.
- 59% of the population lack access to any healthcare services.
- Guatemala has the highest child mortality rate in Central America.
Location: Guatemala is located in Central America. Its borders are shared by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The country is approximately the size of Tennessee. It is located in the Central Time Zone. A number of airlines including Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines fly from the United States into a newly modernized airport in Guatemala City.
People: Guatemala’s population is 14.2 million, with approximately 4-5 million living in Guatemala City. An amazing majority of the country’s population is under the age of 18. A great number of these young adults and children struggle in extreme poverty with few government-provided services. The primary language is Spanish, with up to 44 indigenous languages spoken in the remote and rural areas of the country.
Culture: Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of ancient tribal influence and strong Spanish colonial heritage. Guatemala still has a large indigenous population. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. The two cultures have made a complex society that is deeply divided between rich and poor. This division has produced much of the tension that has marked history.
Weather: Guatemala maintains a tropical climate. Year-round temperatures average 75 degrees during the day and 50-60 at night. The rainy season is June through October while November through May sees drier conditions.
Government: The political system is operated under a democratic constitutional government. President Alvaro Colom, elected by the people, began his presidency January 15, 2008 and will serve as president for 4 years. The vice president, Rafael Espada, is a well known heart surgeon who practiced medicine in the United States for many years.
Currency: Guatemala’s currency is the quetzal.
Educational System: Public schools are available, but severely lack resources. The school year begins January 15 and ends October 15. School encompasses pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. Graduation occurs each year in November.
