Information on Guatemala

Map of Guatemala Guatemala is the largest and the most populous country in Central America. It shares borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It has a population of about 14. 2 million and a per capita income of about $4,100.

Like most Central American countries, Guatemala has a wide range of ethnic and cultural diversity. Ethnic groups in Guatemala include Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish), approximately 55%, Amerindian 43%, whites and others 2%. Guatemala has diverse religious groupings including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and indigenous Mayan beliefs.

It has numerous breathtaking mountains, plateaus and narrow coastal plains with 400 km of beautiful coastline. Situated in the tropics, Guatemala has a tropical climate that is hot and humid in the lowlands and cooler in the highlands.

Guatemala City

This largest and most cosmopolitan city in Central America has a population of about 2 million. It is the

present-day capital of Guatemala founded in 1753 after Antigua was abandoned following earthquake destruction. Major attractions include, the Relief Map (Mapa En Releve) in Minerva Park. Created in 1905 the huge map provides visitors with a wonderful snapshot of the country and its rugged landscapes. Guatemala City is also home to two wonderful museums, the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnography and the Ixchel Museum on the campus of Marroquin University. Both museums offer wonderful insights into classical Maya civilization and contemporary Maya life in Guatemala. Visitors interested in handicraft will find them in the Central Market, located a block away from the Cathedral. At the Central Market you will find unique Guatemalan handicrafts, colorful variety of local flowers, fruits and vegetables. The "Torre el Reformador", a scale replica of the Paris Eiffel Tower is also an important attraction.

Xela City

Located in the spectacularly beautiful Western Highlands of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela (pronounced "SHAY-la"), is the second largest city in Guatemala and is where most of our projects are located. Xela is 4 hours by bus from Guatemala City the country?s capital and host to the international airport though which you are likely to enter Guatemala.

In addition to being one of the oldest cities in Guatemala, founded in 1524, Xela is proud to be one of the principal Historic Centers in Central America with many examples of historic architecture that dates back to the 18th century.

Guatemala is an excellent place to spend time as a volunteer or intern. The people are friendly, nature is superb and the culture is laid back. The atmosphere encourages you to sit back, relax and simply enjoy life as you serve the community.