Moving to Guatemala: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

18,255,216

Population Growth Rate

1.49%

Population Distribution

the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions

more than half of the population lives in rural areas

Urban Population

• population: 53.1% of total population rate of
• urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

3.095 million GUATEMALA CITY (capital)

Population: Male/Female

• male: 9,050,684
• female: 9,204,532

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Age Structure

• years: 31.5% (male 2,925,079/female 2,819,927) 15-64
• years: 63.2% (male 5,688,500/female 5,839,958) 65 years and
• over: 5.4% (male 437,105/female 544,647)

Median Age

• total: 24.8 years
• male: 24.2 years
• female: 25.4 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

21

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

4.9

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.52

Gross reproduction rate

1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

60.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

60.6%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

57.2%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

20.6

Mother's mean age at first birth

20.6

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.8 male(s)/female total
• population: 0.98 male(s)/female

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Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-1.6

Demographic profile

Guatemala is a predominantly poor country that struggles in several areas of health and development, including infant, child, and maternal mortality, malnutrition, literacy, and contraceptive awareness and use.

The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected.

Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and has the highest fertility rate in Latin America.

It also has the highest population growth rate in Latin America, which is likely to continue because of its large reproductive-age population and high birth rate.

Almost half of Guatemala's population is under age 19, making it the youngest population in Latin America.

Guatemala's total fertility rate has slowly declined during the last few decades due in part to limited government-funded health programs.

However, the birth rate is still more close to three children per woman and is markedly higher among its rural and indigenous populations.

Guatemalans have a history of emigrating legally and illegally to Mexico, the United States, and Canada because of a lack of economic opportunity, political instability, and natural disasters.

Emigration, primarily to the United States, escalated during the 1960 to 1996 civil war and accelerated after a peace agreement was signed.

Thousands of Guatemalans who fled to Mexico returned after the war, but labor migration to southern Mexico continues.

Ethnic Groups

Mestizo (mixed Indigenous-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2%

Language Note

Spanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna)

note - the 2003 Law of National Languages officially recognized 23 indigenous languages, including 21 Maya languages, Xinca, and Garifuna

Nationality Noun

• noun: Guatemalan(s)
• adjective: Guatemalan

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Literacy - total population

83.3%

Literacy - male

87.7%

Literacy - female

79.3%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.1%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 11 years
• male: 11 years
• female: 10 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 73.5 years
• male: 71.5 years
• female: 75.6 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• total: 25 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 28.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 25 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 28.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

96

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.24

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6.5%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

• risk: high food or waterborne
• diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne
• diseases: dengue fever and malaria

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

21.2%

Tobacco Use

• total: 10.9%
• male: 20.1%
• female: 1.6%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• total: 1.63 liters of pure alcohol
• beer: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol
• wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol
• spirits: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol other
• alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 97.9% of population
• rural: 92.2% of population
• total: 95% of population
• unimproved: urban: 2.1% of population
• rural: 8% of population
• total: 5% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 90.4% of population
• rural: 66.3% of population
• total: 78.8% of population
• unimproved: urban: 9.6% of population
• rural: 33.7% of population
• total: 21.2% of population

Underweight - percent of children under five years

14.4%

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Economic Overview

Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, has a diverse economy heavily reliant on agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

As of recent years, Guatemala has made significant strides in economic development, yet it continues to face challenges that hinder its growth potential.

This article explores the key aspects of Guatemala's economy, its primary sectors, and the challenges and opportunities it faces.

Agricultural Sector Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Guatemalan economy, contributing significantly to both employment and export earnings.

The country is a leading exporter of coffee, bananas, sugar, and vegetables.

Coffee, in particular, is a vital crop, with Guatemalan coffee known for its high quality and unique flavor profiles, making it highly sought after in international markets.

The banana industry also plays a critical role, with exports primarily destined for the United States and Europe.

Despite its importance, the agricultural sector faces several challenges, including vulnerability to climate change, which impacts crop yields and productivity.

Additionally, small-scale farmers often lack access to modern farming techniques and financial resources, limiting their ability to compete on a larger scale.

Manufacturing and Industry The manufacturing sector in Guatemala has seen steady growth, driven by the production of textiles, clothing, and food processing.

The country benefits from its participation in trade agreements such as the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which facilitates access to the US market.

Textile and apparel manufacturing are particularly prominent, with many factories operating in free trade zones, benefiting from tax incentives and favorable trade conditions.

However, the sector has been criticized for labor conditions and the need for improvements in workers' rights and wages.

Services and Tourism The services sector is increasingly becoming a significant contributor to Guatemala's GDP.

Banking, finance, and telecommunications have seen substantial growth, supported by advancements in technology and infrastructure.

Tourism is another vital area, with Guatemala's rich cultural heritage, including Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world.

Popular destinations such as Antigua Guatemala, Tikal National Park, and Lake Atitlán are key drivers of tourism revenue.

The government has recognized the potential of this sector and is working on enhancing tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts to boost international arrivals.

Economic Challenges Despite its diverse economy, Guatemala faces several structural challenges that impede its growth.

Poverty and inequality remain pervasive, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

Income distribution is highly skewed, and rural areas, in particular, suffer from lack of access to basic services and economic opportunities.

Corruption and political instability have also been longstanding issues that affect investor confidence and economic performance.

Efforts to address these challenges have been ongoing, but progress has been slow and inconsistent.

Additionally, the informal economy is substantial, with many Guatemalans working in unregulated sectors without social security or labor protections.

This situation complicates efforts to enforce labor laws and collect taxes, further limiting government revenue.

Opportunities for Growth Despite these challenges, there are several opportunities for economic growth in Guatemala.

Investment in education and vocational training can help build a more skilled workforce, capable of contributing to higher value-added industries.

Expanding infrastructure, particularly in transportation and energy, can also improve productivity and attract foreign investment.

The agricultural sector holds potential for modernization and increased productivity through the adoption of new technologies and sustainable farming practices.

Moreover, expanding market access through trade agreements can further integrate Guatemala into the global economy.

Industries

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$7,900.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$141,500,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$7,900.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$63,220,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 85.9% government
• consumption: 10.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 13.9% investment in
• inventories: 0.6% exports of goods and
• services: 22.8% imports of goods and
• services: -33.9%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

13.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

23.8%

GDP by Sector- services

62.7%

Industrial Growth Rate

2.6%

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Inflation Rate

3.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

Currency Name and Code

Quetzal (GTQ)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

13.4%

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Labor Force

4,260,000

Unemployment Rate

3.2%

Major Industries

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Agriculture Products

sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Population Below Poverty Line

56.2%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

929,852

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

21%

Child Labor - note

note: data represents children ages 5-17

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

38%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

14%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

48%

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Annual Budget

$4,897,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

26.9%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.7%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

11.9%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Guatemala

Country Name

Guatemala

Local - Long

República de Guatemala

Local - Short

Guatemala

Etymology- history of name

• the Spanish conquistadors used many native Americans as allies in their conquest of Guatemala
• the site of their first capital (established in 1524), a former Maya settlement, was called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of trees" or "forested land", but which the Spanish pronounced "Guatemala"
• the Spanish applied that name to a re-founded capital city three years later and eventually it became the name of the country

Independence

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended and reinstated in 1994
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by agreement of 10 or more deputies of Congress, by the Constitutional Court, or by public petition of at least 5,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Congress membership and approval by public referendum, referred to as "popular consultation"; constitutional articles such as national sovereignty, the republican form of government, limitations on those seeking the presidency, or presidential tenure cannot be amended; amended 1993

Legal System:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024); Vice President Karin HERRERA (since 15 January 2024); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024); Vice President Karin HERRERA (since 15 January 2024)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
• elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (not eligible for consecutive terms); election last held on 25 June 2023 with a runoff on 20 August 2023 (next to be held in June 2027)
• election results: 2023: Bernardo ARÉVALO de León elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 21%; Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (SEMILLA) 15.6%, Manuel CONDE Orellana (VAMOS) 10.4%; Armando CASTILLO Alvarado (VIVA) 9.6%, other 43.4%; percent of vote in second round - Bernardo ARÉVALO de León 60.9%, Sandra TORRES 39.1% 2019: Alejandro GIAMMATTEI elected president; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 25.5%, Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (VAMOS) 14%, Edmond MULET (PHG) 11.2%, Thelma CABRERA (MLP) 10.4%, Roberto ARZU (PAN-PODEMOS) 6.1%, other 32.8%; percent of vote in second round - Alejandro GIAMMATTEI 58%, Sandra TORRES 42%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica (160 seats; 128 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies in the country's 22 departments and 32 directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed party-list proportional representation vote, using the D'Hondt method; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 25 June 2023 (next to be held in June 2027)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VAMOS 39, UNE 28, SEMILLA 23, CABAL 18, Valor-Unionist 12, VIVA 11, TODOS 6, VOS 4, BIEN 4, CREO 3, PPN 3, Victoria 3, Blue 2, Elephant 2, Change 1, Winaq-URNG 1;
• Composition: men 128, women 32, percent of women 20%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court magistrates elected by the Congress of the Republic from candidates proposed by the Postulation Committee, an independent body of deans of the country's university law schools, representatives of the country's law associations, and representatives of the Courts of Appeal; magistrates elected for concurrent, renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges - 1 elected by the Congress of the Republic, 1 by the Supreme Court, 1 by the president of the republic, 1 by the (public) University of San Carlos, and 1 by the Assembly of the College of Attorneys and Notaries; judges elected for renewable, consecutive 5-year terms; the presidency of the court rotates among the magistrates for a single 1-year term
• subordinate courts: Appellate Courts of Accounts, Contentious Administrative Tribunal, courts of appeal, first instance courts, child and adolescence courts, minor or peace courts

Regions or States:

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Bienestar Nacional or BIEN [Fidel REYES LEE]
• Blue Party (Partido Azul) or Blue [Jorge VILLAGRÁN]
• CABAL [Edmond MULET]
• Cambio [Manuel BALDIZÓN]
• Citizen Prosperity or PC [Hernan MEJIA and Jorge GARCIA SILVA]
• Commitment, Renewal, and Order or CREO [Rodolfo NEUTZE]
• Elephant Community (Comunidad Elefante) or Elephant [Hugo PEÑA Medina]
• Everyone Together for Guatemala or TODOS [Felipe ALEJOS]
• Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG-MAIZ or URNG [Walter FELIX]
• Humanist Party of Guatemala or PHG [Rudio MERIDA]
• Movement for the Liberation of Peoples or MLP [Thelma CABRERA and Vincenta JERONIMO]
• Movimiento Semilla or SEMILLA [Bernardo ARÉVALO de León]
• National Advancement Party or PAN [Manuel CONDE]
• National Convergence Front or FCN-NACION [Javier HERNANDEZ]
• National Unity for Hope or UNE [Adim MALDONADO]
• Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Carlos ROJAS and Sofia HERNANDEZ] (dissolved 16 December 2021)
• Nosotros or PPN [Rudy GUZMAN and Nadia de LEÓN Torres]
• PODEMOS [Jose LEON]
• Political Movement Winaq or Winaq [Sonia GUTIERREZ Raguay]
• TODOS [Felipe ALEJOS]
• Value or VALOR [Zury RIOS and Lucrecia MARROQUIN]
• Vamos por una Guatemala Diferente or VAMOS [Alejandro GIAMMATTEI]
• Victory or VICTORIA [Juan Carlos RIVERA]
• Vision with Values or VIVA [Armando Damian CASTILLO Alvarado]
• Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (Voluntad, Oportunidad y Solidaridad) or VOS [Orlando BLANCO]

Suffrage:

• 18 years of age
• universal
• note - active duty members of the armed forces and police by law cannot vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: yes citizenship by descent
• only: yes dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years with no absences of six consecutive months or longer or absences totaling more than a year

Capital Name

Guatemala City

Capital - geographic coordinate

14 37 N, 90 31 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• BCIE
• CACM
• CD
• CELAC
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-24
• G-77
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt (signatory)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAES
• LAIA (observer)
• MIGA
• MINUSTAH
• MONUSCO
• NAM
• OAS
• OPANAL
• OPCW
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• PCA
• Petrocaribe
• SICA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• Union Latina
• UNISFA
• UNITAR
• UNMISS
• UNOCI
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Tobin BRADLEY (since 12 February 2024)
• Embassy: Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10, Guatemala City
• Mailing Address: 3190 Guatemala Place, Washington DC 20521-3190
• Telephone: [502] 2326-4000
• FAX: [502] 2326-4654
• Email: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov
• Website: https://gt.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Viviana Raquel ARENAS AGUILAR (since 30 January 2024)
• Chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 745-4953
• FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908
• Email: infoembaguateeuu@minex.gob.gt
• Website: https://estadosunidos.minex.gob.gt/home/home.aspx
• Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, Chicago, Del Rio (TX), Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), Miami, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Providence (RI), Raleigh (NC), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Seattle consulate(s): Lake Worth (FL), Silver Spring (MD), Tucson (AZ)

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Geographic Location

Central America

Geographic Coordinates

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Total Area

42,042 Square Miles 108,889 Square Kilometers

Land Area

41,374 Square Miles 107,159 Square Kilometers

Water Area

668 Square Miles 1,730 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,048 Miles 1,687 Kilometers

Border Countries

Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline

249 Miles 400 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)

Highest Point

4,211 Meters

Highest Point Location

Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Irrigated Land

1,205 Square Miles 3,121 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April.

Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°-85°F in April.

Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round.

Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches.

Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture.

During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings.

During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.

Terrain

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)

Location

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

Total Area

42,042 Square Miles 108,889 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Environment - Current Issues

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$8,470,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$12,650,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom, meat, apparel, petroleum, electricity

Major Imports

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Top Export Partners

US 59%, El Salvador 9.4%, Nicaragua 3.2%

Top Import Partners

US 34.3%, Mexico 8.6%, South Korea 8.4%, El Salvador 5.9%, China 4.1%

Export Partners

US 59%, El Salvador 9.4%, Nicaragua 3.2%

Import Partners

US 34.3%, Mexico 8.6%, South Korea 8.4%, El Salvador 5.9%, China 4.1%

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Country Description

Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities.

Violent crime is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and weak law enforcement and judicial systems.

Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language.

Safety & Security

• HOMICIDES: The Government of Guatemala’s official release on crime statistics for the period January through June of 2013 showed a total of 2,736 murders, compared to a total of 2,449 over the same period in 2012, for an increase of 11%. This comes to a projected total of 5,472 murders for 2013 and makes Guatemala one of the more dangerous countries in the world. While the vast majority of murders do not involve foreigners, the sheer volume of activity means that local officials find it difficult to cope with the problem. Since December 2008, 31 murders of U.S. citizens have been reported in Guatemala, including six in 2011. In 2012, six U.S. citizens were the victims of murder or attempted murder, three of which occurred in November and December. MISSING
• PERSONS: At the same time the murder rate has decreased, the number of reported missing persons’ cases increased 156 percent from 2009 to 2012. In separate incidents in October and November of 2012, the families of two U.S. citizen males reported them missing. To date, their whereabouts have not been determined.
• KIDNAPPING: During the first six months of 2013, there were a total of 24 reported kidnappings, compared to a total of 44 during the same period in 2012. Gang members are often well armed with sophisticated weaponry and have been known to use massive amounts of force to extort, kidnap and kill. Such events have occurred in Guatemala City and rural Guatemala. There have been “express” kidnappings in recent years, primarily in Guatemala City, in which kidnappers demand a relatively small ransom that they believe can be quickly gathered. U.S. citizens, although not specifically targeted, have been kidnap victims. Some kidnapping gangs are known to kill their victims whether or not the ransom is paid. In January 2012, a U.S. citizen was kidnapped in Santa Rosa and was reportedly killed when kidnappers did not get the demanded ransom. In August 2012, kidnappers seized a 17-year-old in Chiquimula; the child was eventually returned. In September 2013, a U.S. citizen was kidnapped while visiting family and was held for ransom for approximately two weeks before she was able to escape. In February, 2013, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Guatemalan citizen female was kidnapped in a suburb of Guatemala City; she was released after 5 days in captivity. In total, six U.S.

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Crime

To decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim, do not display items of value such as laptops, iPods, tablet computers, cameras, or jewelry and refrain from using a cell phone on the street.

Carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about to avoid losing it during a robbery.

The Embassy discourages its employees from carrying large sums of money.

Do not resist if you are being robbed.

Victims have been killed when they resisted attack or refused to give up their money or other valuables.

Assailants are often armed with guns and do not hesitate to use them if you resist.

Emboldened armed robbers have attacked vehicles on main roads in broad daylight.

Travel on rural roads increases the risk of being stopped by a criminal roadblock or ambush.

Widespread narcotics and alien-smuggling activities make remote areas especially dangerous.

There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, although an appearance of wealth could increase the chances that you might become a focus of attention for criminal gangs.

Criminals look for any opportunity to strike, so all travelers should remain constantly vigilant.

A number of travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies after just having arrived on international flights, most frequently in the evening.

In the most common scenario, tourists or business travelers who land at the airport after dark are held up by armed men as their vehicle departs the airport, but similar incidents have occurred at other times of the day.

Private vehicles, taxis and shuttle buses have all been targeted.

Typically, the assailants steal money, passports, and luggage, and in some but not all cases, the assailants steal the vehicle as well.

In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating that some elements of the police might be involved.

Armed robberies have occurred within minutes of a tourist’s vehicle having been stopped by the police.

Recently, many of these attacks have taken place far from the airport, just as travelers were arriving at their homes, or in less busy areas of the city.

Victims who did not resist the attackers were not physically injured.

Security escorts for tourist groups and security information are available from the Tourist Assistance Office (PROATUR) of INGUAT (the Guatemalan Tourism Institute) at 7a Avenida 1-17.

Zona 4, Centro Civico, Guatemala City.

INGUAT’s PROATUR division has 24-hour/seven days per week direct telephone numbers for tourist assistance and emergencies.

You may call them at (502) 2421-2810, fax them at (502) 2421-2891, or simply dial 1500 in Guatemala to reach INGUAT Tourist Assistance.

You can also contact INGUAT by e-mail.

PROATUR also maintains regional offices in all major tourist destinations in Guatemala, and the regional delegates provide rapid and appropriate assistance to crime and accident victims.

Travelers may also wish to visit INGUAT’s web site (Spanish only).

Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts from INGUAT.

There have been no incidents of armed robbery of groups escorted through the Tourist Protection Program.

The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail and should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel.

Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the National Tourist Assistance Program, and should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling.

Travelers should be aware that INGUAT might not be able to accommodate all requests.

Taxis: Hailing taxis on the street in Guatemala City is discouraged.

Taxi Seguro can be reached at 2312-4243, but may not always be available, especially late at night.

Taxi Amarillo Express is a radio-dispatch taxi service, and can be reached by dialing 1766.

The Guatemalan tourist assistance agency, PROATUR, may be able to provide additional inform

Criminal Penalties

While in a foreign country, you are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.

Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Guatemala, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Guatemalan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guatemala are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Pseudoephedrine is banned in Guatemala since it can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

Possession or distribution of drugs containing pseudoephedrine is illegal and can result in arrest of violators.

Arrest notifications in Guatemala: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S.

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Medical Facilities

The full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside the city is limited.

Guatemala's public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of basic medicines and equipment.

Care in private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries, and many of the medical specialists working in them are U.S.-trained and -certified.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Guatemala is provided for general reference only, and may not apply to all locations or circumstances.

Driving in Guatemala requires one's full attention, and all drivers must take extraordinary efforts to drive defensively to avoid dangerous situations.

Traffic rules are only casually observed.

Many drivers do not use their turn signals to alert other drivers.

Instead, a common custom is for a driver or passenger to stick a hand out the window and wave it to indicate that they will be taking an unspecified action.

Speed limits, lane markings, and stop signs are frequently ignored.

Passing blindly on winding and/or steep mountain roads, poorly designed surfaces, and unmarked hazards, including frequent landslides and precarious temporary highway repairs, all present additional risks to motorists.

Lethal head-on collisions are common.

All drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury may be detained and held in protective custody pending investigation.

In several instances, police officers have been posted outside hospital rooms of drivers who were injured and they were not allowed to depart the country without judicial intervention.

Such cases require the assistance of private local attorneys.

Common public transportation is by local brightly-painted recycled school buses, which serve almost every town in the country.

Criminal activity and frequent fatal accidents, however, make the low-priced inter-city buses particularly dangerous.

Modern inter-city buses offer some security from highway violence, but armed attacks are increasing, indicating that all buses are vulnerable.

(See additional information in the CRIME section.) Although city streets are lit, secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination.

Driving outside of urban areas at night is dangerous and not recommended.

The Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9) are especially dangerous due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers.

There are no roadside assistance clubs; however, a roadside assistance force (PROVIAL) patrols most of the major highways in the country.

PROVIAL can be contacted by calling 2419-2121.

Their vehicles are equipped with basic tools and first aid supplies, and their services are free.

Police patrol the major roadways and may assist travelers, but the patrols are sporadic and may be suspended due to budget constraints.

For roadside assistance, travelers may call the police by dialing 110 or 120 or the fire department by dialing 122 or 123.

Cellular telephone service covers most areas frequented by tourists.

Cars and trucks are often stalled or parked in the middle of the road.

Tree branches are sometimes placed in the road a hundred meters or so before the stalled vehicle to warn approaching traffic of the hazard.

While driving in or near large cities, be vigilant of pedestrians who unexpectedly dart across roads, even in heavy traffic due to the lack of cross walks.

Valid U.S. driver's licenses are accepted for the first 30 days of a visit, and international driving permits are accepted in Guatemala for extended stays.

Guatemala's road safety authorities are the Department of Transit and the Joint Operations Center of the National Police.

Drivers use the right-hand side of the road in Guatemala, and speed limits are posted (in kilometers) depending on the condition of the road.

Speed limits are rarely enforced, and drivers often drive at the absolute maximum speed their vehicle can handle at that particular time.

These drivers share the road with slow vehicles, some barely able to manage 20 miles per hour, creating a hazardous mix of velocities.

Turning right on red is not permitted unless otherwise posted, and drivers must yield when entering a traffic circle.

Seat belts must be worn in Guatemala, but there

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Airports - total

291

Airports with Paved Runways

16

Heliports

1

Railways

206 Miles 332 Kilometers

Roadways- total

7,146 Miles 11,501 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

4,223 Miles 6,797 Kilometers

Waterways

615 Miles 990 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose, Santo Tomas de Castilla

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Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

298 Miles 480 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,413,000

Cell Phones

10,150,000

Internet Users

1,320,000

Internet Country Code

.gt

Internet Hosts

196,870

Broadcast Media

• 4 privately owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting
• multi-channel satellite and cable services are available
• 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately owned radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: fairly modern network centered in the city of Guatemala
• domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 140 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 502; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that, together, provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

7,115,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

131,900,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,110,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,425,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,960,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

80,810

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

10,960

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

22,300

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

83,070,000

Anthem Lyrics

Guatemala Feliz ¡Guatemala feliz! que tus aras No profane jamás el verdugo; Ni haya esclavos que laman el yugo Ni tiranos que escupan tu faz.

Si mañana tu suelo sagrado Lo amenaza invasión extranjera, Libre al viento tu hermosa bandera A vencer o a morir llamará.

Libre al viento tu hermosa bandera A vencer o a morir llamará; Que tu pueblo con ánima fiera Antes meurto q'esclavo será.

Anthem Lyrics English

• you: Conquer or die. Your fair flag, flying freely in the wind, Will call to
• you: Conquer or die. For your people, with heart and soul, Would prefer death to slavery.