Guatemala is located in the Southeast of Mexico, and the Northeast of Central America countries. Its location, in a narrow strip joins the continental masses of America and separate the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, as well as its topography, gives to the country a huge diversity of weather conditions. The majority of Guatemalan citizens live in the valleys of hilly regions, in the central area of the country, where the climate is warm. The lakes and volcanoes distinguish Guatemala around the world.
In this small country of only 108,890 km2, the ancient Mayan civilization had its apogee in the first millennium of our times. In 1821 Guatemala and Central America declared their independence of Spain. Since 1985 Guatemala has begun a new process in its history leaded to the search of peace and democracy.
Most of Guatemalan population its form by 21 native Mayan groups besides Xinca, Kaqchiquel, Mam, Keqchí and Kiche. “Mestizos or ladinos”, a product of biological and cultural miscegenation between European (most often Spaniards) and local natives conform less than half the population, added to the Garifunas, Afro-Antillean natives and some Europeans. Even though the official language is Spanish, each ethnical group speak their own idiom.
Free education and cult is guaranteed in Guatemala Constitution. Most of Guatemalan people is catholic, although there are lots of protestant groups. The rituals and Mayan cults are preserved, mostly in the rural communities.
