Capital: Guatemala City

Official language: Spanish 
Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi)

Area: 42,042 sq. mi. (108,889 sq. km) Greatest distances --north-south, 283 mi. (455 km); east-west, 261 mi. (420 km). Coastlines --Pacific, 152 mi. (245 km); Caribbean, 53 mi. (85 km).

Elevation: Highest --Volcan Tajumulco, 13,845 ft. (4,220 m) above sea level. Lowest --sea level along the coasts.  Guatemala City: 4,800 ft. (1,458 m)

Population: Estimated 2007 population --12,728,111; density, 291 persons per sq. mi. (112 per sq. km); distribution, 62 percent rural, 38 percent urban. 1994 census --8,322,051

Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 69.1%
Male: 75.4%
Female: 63.3%

Chief products: Agriculture --bananas, beans, beef cattle, cardamom, coffee, corn, cotton, sugar cane. Manufacturing --clothing and textiles, handicrafts, processed foods and beverages

Money:
Basic unit--Quetzal (Q.)
Exchange rate:  $1.00 = Q.7.60 
(January 2008)        

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Traditional Mayan

Roman Catholic:  The most recent demographic survey (2006) shows that about 52% of Guatemalans are Catholics. The Charismatic Catholics are becoming more and more predominant.

Protestant:  The same survey says that 30% of Guatemalans claim to be Protestant/Evangelicals. The vast majority of these are Pentecostal.  Central American Mission (conservative Bible churches) are also strong.

Traditional Mayan:  Many still practice ancient and traditional Mayan religions while mixing Catholic practices.

Baptist:  Convention Baptist claim approximately 17,000 members and 60,000 affiliated.  Among independent Baptist there are a total of 50-60 churches and missions with an estimated membership of 4,000.  There are 12 independent Baptist missionaries in Guatemala including those from mission agencies as well as unaffiliated.