The country Guatemala, formally designated Republic of Guatemala (República de Guatemala), is in Central America bounded by the countries of Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast, and bathed by the Pacific Ocean in the south and the Caribbean Sea in northeast. Once the centre of Maya civilisation, Guatemala has many archaeological sites, namely Tikal, one of the most notable ruined cities of the Classic Period of the Maya.
One of the most visited cities in the country is Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring superb historical landmarks. The capital, Guatemala City, is set on a mountain valley from where four volcanoes are visible. This lively capital shows iconic buildings such as the National Palace of Culture and the Metropolitan Cathedral, grand plazas, pleasant parks and a popular market.
As you will see on the live webcams, Guatemala has a great diversity of natural wonders from lava formations such as in Chimaltenango, beautiful Caribbean coastal plains, lakes, rainforests, highland pine forests to wetlands. Also, Guatemala is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world!
Population: estimated 17,9 million people
Capital: Guatemala City
Other major cities: Mixco, Villa Nueva, Cobán, Quetzaltenango
Religion: Christianity (88%)
Climate: tropical (lowlands), equatorial (near the Gulf of Honduras)
Main attractions: Archaeological sites: Mayan ruins of Tikal, Iximche, Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Ceibal Cultural Monument
Landscapes: Volcán de Fuego, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlán, Natural Monument Semuc Champey
Landmarks: Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church, National Palace of Culture, Castle of San Felipe de Lara, National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Cities and Towns: Antigua Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Livingston, Guatemala City
