Guatemala
Guatemala is in Central America, between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Located just south of Mexico, Guatemala enjoys an agreeable climate. This, combined with its Mayan ruins and diverse landscape, makes Guatemala a popular destination for tourists. In fact, tourism is the most profitable of all the components in the country's service industry.
QUICK FACTS
Population: 15.1 million
Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish) and European (59.4%), K'iche (9.1%), Kaqchikel (8.4%), Mam (7.9%), Q'eqchi (6.3%), other Mayan (8.6%), Indigenous Non-Mayan (0.2%), Other (0.1%)
Languages: Spanish (Official) (60%), Amerindian Languages (40%)
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Indigenous Mayan beliefs
Capital: Guatemala City
CIA: The World Factbook - Last Updated July 11, 2017
Guatemalans in Toronto
Guatemalan Population:
In Canada: 26,270
In the GTA: 5,915
In Toronto: 3,110
Primary Areas of Settlement in the GTA (Social Atlas):
East Gwillimbury, King, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, York Centre (City of Toronto), Halton Hills, Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.
The government of Guatemala signed a peace treaty in 1996, which ended 36 years of guerrilla warfare. Although the peace agreement allowed the country to begin moving forward, it has been difficult for Guatemala to escape its troubled past. Poverty is still a serious issue that must be tackled. Guatemala has had separation of church and state for more than 100 years. The majority of Guatemalans are Catholics, but there is also a sizable Protestant minority. Many Amerindians have preserved indigenous Mayan beliefs, which involve gods that govern over various aspects of daily life.
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