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Guatemala
According
to the CIA World Factbook, Guatemala's GDP per capita is US$4,700; however,
this developing country still faces many social problems and is the one
of the poorest countries in Latin America.
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Remittances from Guatemalans who fled to the United States during the civil war, now constitute the largest single source of foreign income (more than the combined value of exports and tourism).
Guatemala is a beautiful country in Central America that borders both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. Native inhabitants were Mayan and it was colonized in the 1400s by Spanish settlers The country gained its independence in the late 1700s from Spain. It has recently experienced a long and brutal civil war--from the 1960s until a peace treaty was signed in 1996. The country is increasingly western, however the divide between the Mayan population and those of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent remains marked. Typically, Mayan populations are rural, poor and highly concerned with upholding their culture and way of life. Those of Spanish or mixed descent tend to live in the cities and are increasingly embracing Western culture.
Antigua, Guatemala was the original capital of the country until an earthquake destroyed much of the city in the 1700s. Surrounded by volcanoes and filled with Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, Antigua is an intriguing mix of new and old and is located about an hour's drive from Guatemala City.
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