Guatemala CityAsking the Sky...
18.1M#71
108.9K km²#105
Central America
Guatemalan quetzal
$113.2B USD#112
Upper middle income
Coastal
Spanish
HISTORIC TIMELINE
1524Spanish Conquest
The Spanish conquest of the Maya territory begins, leading to establishment of colonial rule.
1821Independence from Spain
Guatemala gains independence from Spanish and Mexican rule.
1823Part of Federal Republic
Guatemala becomes a member of the Federal Republic of Central America.
1944Revolution Begins
Dictator Jorge Ubico is overthrown, initiating a democratic revolution.
1954Military Coup
A U.S.-backed military coup ends the democratic revolution, restoring dictatorship.
1960Civil War Begins
A bloody civil war erupts between U.S.-backed government and leftist rebels.
1996Peace Accord
A United Nations-negotiated peace accord ends the civil war and promotes democracy.