Guatemala is located in Central America, and its capital is Guatemala City. It has a population of approximately 18,406,359 and covers an area of about 108,890 km². Its official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
What stands out
People & place
169 /km² across 108,890 km²
Guatemala has a recorded population of 18,406,359 and a reported surface area of 108,890 km².
Economic snapshot
$113.20 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $113.20 billion and GDP per capita at $6,150 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Guatemala, nestled between Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, blends highland mystique with lush lowland tropics, making it a focal point of Central American culture and history.
The nation straddles the Sierra Madre mountain range, boasting an impressive 19 active volcanoes—more than any other Central American country—and the crater lake of Atitlán, while its northern lowlands flood with tropical jungles and the Zapote and Motagua rivers carve the landscape.
A vibrant tapestry of Maya traditions, colonial Spanish influence, and indigenous artistry defines Guatemala; its colorful textiles, ritual music, and cuisine—especially chocolate-cored tamales and pepian stew—celebrate the legacy of its 21 Mayan languages.
The same lands that cradle the ancient ruins of Tikal and Quiriguá witnessed the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, culminating in Guatemala’s independence in 1821 and the founding of its first university, the University of San Carlos, in 1676.
Key facts
Guatemala recognizes 22 official languages, including 21 indigenous Mayan tongues.
The country is home to 19 active volcanoes, the most of any Central American nation.
It is the largest coffee producer in Central America, supplying about one‑third of the region’s harvest.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Guatemala has a recorded population of approximately 18,406,359 people.
How big is Guatemala?
Guatemala covers an area of about 108,890 km².
What is the population density of Guatemala?
Guatemala has a population density of roughly 169 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Guatemala?
Guatemala has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $113.20 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Guatemala?
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,150.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), with the symbol Q.
Where is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is located in Central America, Americas.
What are people from Guatemala called?
People from Guatemala are referred to as Guatemalan.
What is the phone calling code for Guatemala?
The international dialing code for Guatemala is +502.
What is the internet domain for Guatemala?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Guatemala is .gt.
What time zone is Guatemala in?
Guatemala uses the America/Guatemala time zone.
What is Guatemala known for?
Guatemala, nestled between Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, blends highland mystique with lush lowland tropics, making it a focal point of Central American culture and history.
Central America