Living in Guatemala

Guatemala lies in Central America between Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, stretching from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast; around 17.2 million people live there. Volcanoes, highlands, tropical forests, lakes, and coastlines shape the country. Temperatures are often mild in the highlands, while the coasts are hot and humid; during the rainy season, particularly heavy rainfall occurs in the south and east. In Guatemala City and other urban areas, many people live in densely built neighborhoods, travel by bus or car, and work in trade, services, and industry. In rural areas, agriculture, markets, and longer distances shape daily life. Maya communities preserve their own languages and regional traditions, while ways of life vary considerably from one area to another.