Where is Guatemala located? Guatemala is a country located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It is one of the major countries in the Central American region.
Guatemala is situated to the north of the Central American isthmus, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It shares borders with several neighboring countries. To the north, it is bordered by Mexico. To the northeast, it shares a border with Belize. To the east, it is bounded by Honduras. To the southeast, it shares a border with El Salvador.
Where is Guatemala located: Central America.
Location of Guatemala on the World Map
Guatemala World
Map of Guatemala.
Guatemala Profile – Where is Guatemala located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Guatemala:
- Official Name: Republic of Guatemala
- Capital City: Guatemala City
- Population: Approximately 17.9 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
- Major Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic with a significant number of Protestants)
- Government: Representative democracy
- Area: Approximately 108,889 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $76.71 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Coffee, bananas, vegetables, apparel, gold, silver, and tobacco.
Borders of Guatemala
Guatemala shares land borders with four countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 958 km |
| Belize | 266 km |
| Honduras | 256 km |
| El Salvador | 203 km |
Guatemala Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover the Guatemala map location.
Guatemala
Most Extreme Points of Guatemala
Guatemala has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Near the border with Mexico, in the department of Petén.
- Southernmost Point: Near the border with El Salvador, in the department of Jutiapa.
- Easternmost Point: The point on the border with Honduras, near the town of Esquipulas.
- Westernmost Point: Near the border with Mexico, in the department of San Marcos.
Highest Points of Guatemala
The highest point in Guatemala is Volcán Tajumulco, reaching an elevation of approximately 4,220 meters above sea level. It is part of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volcán Tajumulco | 4,220 |
| 2 | Volcán Tacaná | 4,060 |
| 3 | Acatenango | 3,976 |
| 4 | Volcán Santa María | 3,772 |
| 5 | Volcán Atitlán | 3,537 |
How big is Guatemala?
Guatemala covers an area of approximately 108,889 square kilometers, making it the 105th largest country in the world.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Guatemala with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Guatemala’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Guatemala’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize | 22,966 | 419,199 million | 5.14 times bigger | 37.22 times bigger |
| El Salvador | 21,041 | 6.5 million | 5.61 times bigger | 2.40 times bigger |
| Honduras | 112,492 | 9.9 million | 1.05 times bigger | 1.58 times bigger |
| Mexico | 1,964,375 | 126 million | 0.06 times smaller | 1.26 times bigger |
What to Visit in Guatemala?
Guatemala is a treasure trove of ancient history, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. Here are the top tourist attractions:
- Tikal: A majestic ancient Mayan city located in the Petén region, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering pyramids and dense jungle surroundings, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Mayan civilization.
- Antigua: A beautifully preserved colonial city, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and vibrant cultural events make this place a must-visit.
- Lake Atitlán: Surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, this lake is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Quetzaltenango (Xela): Guatemala’s second-largest city, known for its neoclassical architecture, Mayan traditions, and being a hub for learning Spanish.
- Chichicastenango Market: The most famous market in Guatemala, it’s the perfect spot to buy traditional textiles, and crafts, and to immerse oneself in the local culture.
- Semuc Champey: A natural limestone bridge with cascading turquoise pools, it’s an idyllic spot for swimming and relaxation.
- Livingston: A unique coastal town on the Caribbean side, influenced by the Garifuna culture, it’s known for its rhythms, culinary delights, and laid-back atmosphere.
- Pacaya Volcano: One of the country’s most active volcanoes, visitors can hike up and see lava flows, making it an adventure-filled experience.
- Cobán: Located in the Verapaz region, Cobán is known for its lush green landscapes, the Lanquín Caves, and the nearby Biotopo del Quetzal, where one might spot the national bird.
- Monterrico: A beach town on the Pacific coast, famous for its volcanic black sand beaches, sea turtle conservation projects, and serene sunsets.
These Guatemala destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient Mayan ruins and understanding the deep cultural significance to enjoy modern city life and experiencing the natural beauty of Guatemala’s landscapes. Please note that some places may have specific restrictions or entry requirements, especially sacred sites like Tikal and Iximché, so it’s essential to check before planning your visit.
