is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. Its area is 108,890 km2 (42,043 mi2) with an estimated population of 13,276,517. A representative democracy, its capital is Guatemala de la Asunción, also known as Guatemala City. Guatemala's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contributes to Mesoamerica's designation as a biodiversity hotspot. The former Mayan civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization, which continued throughout the Post-Classic period until the arrival of the Spanish. The Mayas live in Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, the southern part of Mexico and northern parts of El Salvador. Guatemala became independent from Spain in 1821, joining the Mexican Empire. After it became an independent country in its own right, it was ruled by a series of dictators, assisted by the United Fruit Company. The late 20th century saw Guatemala embroiled in a 36-year-long civil war. Following the war, Guatemala has witnessed both economic growth and successful democratic elections. In the most recent election, held in 2011, Otto Pérez Molina of the Patriotic Party, won the presidency.
| Capital |
Città del GUATEMALA |
| Currency |
Quetzal |
| Country code |
00502 |
| Spoken languages |
spanish |
| Passport |
Passport: needed. For any changes to this rule you should inquire in advance at the Embassy or Consulate of the country present in Italy or at your travel agent. |
| Health |
The health situation is one of the most precarious of Latin America. The biggest problems are related to malnutrition and the spread of serious diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, dengue and malaria. The increase of childhood vaccination has led to a slight reduction of the infant mortality index. The minimum medical assistance is guaranteed only in the capital. In some residential areas are healthcare facilities, mostly with private physicians, mainly in the USA. Taking into account the health situation overall unreliable, we recommend, in the event of serious illness or medical procedures that require particular attention, in specialized clinics in the USA (Houston, New Orleans, Miami). We recommend also to conclude, before embarking on your trip, health insurance to include, in addition to the coverage of medical costs, including any return air health or transfer in any other country. In some areas of Guatemala have spread malaria, dengue fever, conjunctivitis, pneumonia and various parasitosis. Areas with increased risk of malaria are the northern part of the country and especially Petèn, El Quiché, Ixcan, Alta Verapaz, Hehuetenango, Esquintla. WARNINGS You should, after consulting a doctor, the vaccine against hepatitis A and B and prophylaxis for those who travels in the North of the country. During your stay we recommend: -drink bottled water without the addition of ice (water is not potable); -avoid raw foods; -thoroughly wash fruit and vegetables using disinfectant products (amuchina, etc.); -carry a stock of medicines sufficient common to its requirements; -avoid food purchases that are not properly packed. The dengue affects all of Central America and can also be of type of bleeding with fatal consequences if not treated promptly. Therefore in case of fever you should consult a physician before taking aspirin or its derivatives (contraindicated in Pathology). Some preventive measures should be taken to the dengue and malaria: staying in locations protected by mosquito nets; avoid stagnant water (where proliferate mosquitoes, whose sting is the carrier of such diseases); wear clothing that cover the arms and legs. |
| Climate |
The rainy season, which lasts from June to November, follow the six summer months. Seasonal features: Guatemala City's climate is almost always spring. December and January are the coldest months with temperatures that oscillate from 8 to 15° C in March and April are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30° c. In nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing. The coasts have a tropical climate, rainy, hot and humid, and temperatures range from 32 to 38° c. During the rainy season, from July to November, strong tropical storms occur that affect mainly the Atlantic coast of the country and in some cases can turn into hurricanes. |
| Viability |
Licence Italiana. Insurance Compulsory + casko Rc. Transportation: there are no direct connections with Italy. The Spanish company "Iberia" ensures a direct flight Guatemala-Madrid (with a stopover in Panama only for round trip flights). There are other European companies which make stopover in Europe, the United States and in Mexico. Road network: Carretera Panamericana ordinary Ports: Puerto Barrios, San José, on the Pacific Coast Champerico, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla on the Caribbean coast. |
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