Guatemala Key Facts

Official name: República de Guatemala (Republic of Guatemala)

Head of State: President Oscar Berger Perdomo (GANA) (since Jan. 2004)

Head of government: President Oscar Berger Perdomo

Ruling party: Gran Alianza Nacional (GANA) (National Great Alliance)

Area: 108,890 square km

Population: 13.6 million (2004)

Capital: Guatemala City

Official language: Spanish

Currency: Quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos

Exchange rate: Q7.60 per US$ (Mar 2006)

Language: The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major hotels and restaurants. Over 21 indigenous languages are also spoken in distinct areas of the country.

Religion: The constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Catholicism is the most widespread religion with a 40 percent Protestant minority. Some indigenous communities hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites.

Time: GMT - 6 hours

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. There are some regional variations.

Communications: Direct dial service to most countries is available; telex, fax, cable, radio, television and Internet are all easily accessible.

Press: Daily publications include Prensa Libre, Siglo Veintiuno, El Periodico, Diario Centroamerica and La Hora. Monthly English publication: Revue.

Credit cards: Most major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops in Guatemala City and most of the tourist areas. Travelers checks (must be in US currency) can be exchanged at most banks and are accepted in the larger establishments.

Security Tax: Air passengers pay US$ 3.00, for any international flight; land Q. 20.00 for national flight (ex. Flores)

Taxes: Most goods and services already include 12% sales taxes. Airlines fares bought in Guatemala and Hotels also have an additional 10% taxes.

Climate: Guatemala's climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes near the center of the country the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterized by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.

Required clothing: Lightweight tropical. Jacket or light woolens for the evening.