I just wanted to share some information about the nation of Guatemala and the city of San Pedro La Laguna.
The location and national flag of Guatemala
The information below about Guatemala is from CIA World Factbook.
History: Home to the Mayan civilization during the 1st millenium AD. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.
Economy: Most populous central american country but has 1/2 of average per capita GDP. Richest 20% account for 51% of consumption. More than half live below poverty line and 13% are extreme, jumps to 73% and 28% respectively among indigenous groups which make up 38% of overall population. Half of children are chronically malnourished.
Problems: Major transit country for cocaine and heroin. Proximity to Mexico makes it a staging area for drugs. Money laundering and corruption are major problems.
Capital: Guatemala City
Area: 108,889 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Tennessee
Ethnic Groups​: Mestizo (American Indian/European mix) – 60%, Mayan – 40%
Languages: Spanish, American Indian dialects
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Population: 14.1 million (July 2012 estimate), 65% below poverty line
Age Structure: 0-14 – 38%; 15-64 – 58%; > 65 – 4%
Median Age: 20
Urbanization: 49%
Growth Rate: 1.9% (2012 estimate)
Infant Mortality: 25 deaths/1,000 live births
Life Expectancy: 71 (male: 70, female: 72)
Literacy Rate: 69%
Unemployment rate: 4.1% (2011 estimate)
Governemt Type: Democratic Constuitutional Republic
Suffrage: at 18, universal except for armed forces
Gross Domestic Product Per Capita: $5,100 (2011 estimate)
Inflation: 6.2% (2011 estimate)
Currency: Quetzales (7.8/US$1)
The information below about San Pedro La Laguna is from Wikipedia.com
Located on southwest shore of Lake Atitlan at the base of Volcan San Pedro.
Population: about 13,000, 90% indigenous
Our host for the month is Pastor Antonio. He is graciously allowing us to stay at his house just outside of the town. We will be serving in the town of San Pedro La Laguna. Ministry will include meeting with kids in the local market square and thier schools as well as visiting with members of Pastor Antonio's church.
