Guatemala

Guatemala is the largest country in Central America by area and lies between Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its capital, Guatemala City, stands in the country's central highlands, where mountains, valleys and volcanic peaks shape the landscape. Covering about 108,900 square kilometres, Guatemala has several distinct geographical regions, including the Pacific lowlands, the central highlands, the Caribbean lowlands and the northern lowlands of Petén.

This variety creates important differences in climate, vegetation and land use from one part of the country to another. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes, is one of its best-known lakes, while the Motagua and other rivers drain parts of the territory. Volcanic and tectonic activity have strongly influenced Guatemala's relief. The country lies along the Central American volcanic arc, and its southwestern highlands contain a chain of volcanoes, including several active ones.

Tajumulco, at about 4,220 metres, is the highest point in Central America. Earthquakes are also common because the region is affected by interactions between tectonic plates. Guatemala's climate is mainly tropical, but altitude creates major local differences: lowlands are generally warmer, while the highlands have cooler conditions. The northern Petén region contains extensive tropical forests, whereas the Pacific lowlands are widely used for agriculture.

Coffee, sugar cane, bananas, maize and other crops are important, while manufacturing, services and tourism also contribute to the economy. Guatemala's geography is therefore marked by strong contrasts between mountains, volcanic landscapes, forests and coastal plains.