Feliz Dia de Independencia

Guatemala. A country of striking features and a strong indigenous culture, Guatemala's natural beauty and powerful identity stand in stark contrast to its past and troubled present.

Mountainous, heavily forested and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes, orchids and exotic birds, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.

Its indigenous population, the Maya, make up about half of the population. Mayan languages are spoken alongside Spanish, the official tongue. Many Guatemalans are of mixed Amerindian-Hispanic origin.

• Full name: Republic of Guatemala
• Population: 13.4 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Major languages: Spanish, more than 20 indigenous languages
• Major religion: Christianity, indigenous Mayan beliefs
• Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)  
• Main exports: Coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, meat, petroleum, cardamon

                           President: Alvaro Colom

On September 15, 1821, the Captaincy-general of Guatemala (formed by Chiapas Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras) officially proclaimed its independence from Spain and its incorporation into the Mexican Empire, which was dissolved two years later.

Happy 189th Birthday Guatemala!!