A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Geography:
-Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
-Borders Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico
-Highest point is Volcan Tajumulco (13,815 ft)
-Capital is Guatemala City
People/Society:
-Spanish is the official language with 60% of the population speaking it, however 40% of the population speaks 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages
-Roman Catholic, Protestant, and indigenous Mayan beliefs
-Population is 14,647,083
-Median age is 21 years old
-13% of children under 5 years old are underweight
-21% (929,852) of children 5-17 years old are in labor situations
Government:
-Constitutional democratic republic, President Otto Fernando Perez Molina
-Gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821
-National symbol is quetzal
-The coat of arms and quetzal bird represent liberty, the scroll has the date of Guatemala’s independence, the rifles signify Guatemala’s willingness to defend itself, the swords represent honor, the laurel wreath symbolizes victory, the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea as well as the sea and sky, and the white denotes peace and purity.
Economy:
-Agriculture: sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens
-4.1% unemployment rate (2011 est)
-54% live below the poverty line
-Exchange rate: 7.883 quetzales to USD
