Guatemala's many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural attributes. One of the most intriguing cultural aspects is the infinite and exotic variety of the handmade, traditional clothing of Guatemala's Maya population. A free trade agreement between the US and Central American countries promises greater access to US and neighboring markets. Guatemala is Central America's westernmost country, bordering Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast and Honduras and El Salvador to the east.

Area: 109,000 sq km

Population: 11.7 million

Capital: Guatemala

People: 56% mestizo/ladino descent, 44% Mayan descent

Language: Spanish; Castilian

Religion: Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Mayan-Catholic fusion

Government: Constitutional Democratic Republic

GDP: US$47.9 billion

Major Industries: Coffee, sugar, bananas, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, natural rubber, flowers, cardamom, and tourism.

Major Trading Partners: USA, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Germany, Mexico, Venezuela, and Japan