Americas/Central America
Guatemala
Guatemala City
18.1 Mio
108 889 km²
Guatemalan quetzal
Coastal
Spanish
Historical Events
1524 - Spanish Conquest
The Spanish conquest of the Maya territory begins, leading to establishment of colonial rule.
1821 - Independence from Spain
Guatemala gains independence from Spanish and Mexican rule.
1823 - Part of Federal Republic
Guatemala becomes a member of the Federal Republic of Central America.
1944 - Revolution Begins
Dictator Jorge Ubico is overthrown, initiating a democratic revolution.
1954 - Military Coup
A U.S.-backed military coup ends the democratic revolution, restoring dictatorship.
1960 - Civil War Begins
A bloody civil war erupts between U.S.-backed government and leftist rebels.
1996 - Peace Accord
A United Nations-negotiated peace accord ends the civil war and promotes democracy.