Guatemala Highlights GUATEMALA GUATEMALA VIDEO COMPILATION PART 1 & 2 Video Compilation. GUATEMALA GENERAL INFORMATION PHOTO GALLERY (Under Construction) 1. GUATEMALA PART 1, GUATEMALA PART 2, 2. General Information Guatemala is a country in Central America that endured a brutal civil war from 1960 to 1996. The conflict claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and left lasting social and economic challenges. Since the end of the war, Guatemala has experienced steady economic growth, but it continues to struggle with widespread poverty, crime, corruption, drug trafficking, and political instability. Despite recent progress, it remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Guatemala is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters. The country is regularly affected by hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, mudslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. One of the most recent major disasters was Hurricane Eta in November 2020, a powerful Category 4 storm that caused widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive damage across the country. Earthquakes are also common because Guatemala lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The devastating 1976 earthquake killed more than 25,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. The country is home to 37 volcanoes, four of which are active: Tacaná, Santiaguito, Pacaya, and Fuego. Eruptions from Volcán de Fuego occur regularly and can disrupt nearby communities and tourism. Income distribution in Guatemala is highly unequal, with around 54% of the population living below the national poverty line. Many rural and Indigenous communities experience even higher levels of poverty and have limited access to education and healthcare. An interesting fact is that money sent home by Guatemalans living in the United States is the country’s largest single source of foreign income, making remittances a vital part of the national economy. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing around half of the labour force. Guatemala’s main exports include coffee, bananas, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Mining is also an important industry, producing gold, silver, zinc, cobalt, and nickel. In recent years, tourism has become an increasingly important source of revenue. Located between Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, Guatemala is a favourite destination for overlanders and adventure travellers. Although the country is relatively small, travel can be slow because of narrow, winding mountain roads and the constant changes in elevation between the lowlands and the highlands. Guatemala welcomes around two million international visitors each year. Its most famous attractions include the ancient Maya city of Tikal, the beautiful Lake Atitlán, the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, the limestone pools of Semuc Champey, and several active volcanoes that can be climbed. The country’s dense tropical rainforests hide many lesser-known Maya archaeological sites and are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, and many other exotic bird species. Guatemala is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Colourful religious festivals and traditional celebrations take place throughout the year, blending Indigenous Maya customs with Spanish colonial influences. These vibrant festivals, along with bustling local markets, traditional textiles, and welcoming communities, make Guatemala one of the most culturally fascinating destinations in Central America. 3. PHOTO GALLERY (Under Construction)