News: Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day nationwide state of siege after gang violence killed seven police officers.
Key Facts about Guatemala
- Location: Guatemala is located in Central America.
- Bordered by: It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Gulf of Honduras to the northeast.
- Border countries: Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.
- Area: 109,000 km² (42,085 sq. mi.)
- Geography:
- Guatemala has four main geographic regions: the volcanic highlands (which contain about 27 volcanoes), the Pacific coastal plain, the mountain ranges (sierras), and the Petén lowlands.
- Volcán Tajumulco is the highest peak at 4,220 metres.
- Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito are active volcanoes.
- Major rivers: Motagua and Usumacinta
- Terrain: Fertile coastal plains, mountainous.
- Climate: Tropical on coasts, temperate in highlands.
- Ethnic Groups: Ladinos (mestizo) and Maya Indigenous peoples
- Language spoken: Spanish (official) and about twenty Mayan languages
