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Guatemala 2010

Guatemala

 

 

Guatemala / Republica de Guatemala
In Central America; mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau; 108,890 km2 (slightly < TN), 13% arable.

Capital Guatemala (pop. 1,1M)

Population 13M (119.4/km2)

Life expectancy 70 years

HIV/AIDS 1.1%

Literacy 69%

Lang(s) Spanish (60%), Amerindian languages (40% - 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Religions Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Ethnic Groups Mestizo, or Ladino (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian and European) (59%), K’iche (9%), Kaqchikel (8%), Mam (8%), Q’eqchi (6%), other Mayan (9%)

Gov’t Constitutional democratic republic

GDP/cap $5,400

PCVs 1963-present; agriculture, environment, health and business development (Volunteers in country: 184; TTD: 4,366)

Nat’l holiday Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Adult Books

The River of Lost Voices: Stories from Guatemala
by Mark Brazaitis

Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: University Of Iowa Press; 1 edition (September 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0877456421

Book Description
Fictional chronicles of a life in an impoverished Guatemalan town. Pervading each tale is ex-Peace Corps volunteer Brazaitis's understanding of the intricate social stratifications of his characters' rural community.

Kids' Books

The Honey Jar
by Menchu, Rigoberta

Format: Hardcover, 56 pages
ISBN: 978-0888996701
Age Range: 8–12 years
Publisher: Groundwood Books; Translation edition, 2006

Films

Film: What Sebastian Dreamt
Director: Rodrigo Rey Rosa

Music

Ricardo Arjona (Norte): Adentro

Focus Word

Focus Word for 2010 - "Justice"

K’iche: suk’umalil (sook-oo-ma-leel)

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