Guatemala Real Estate and Property - Realty Executives International

Realty Executives International - Central America - Where the Experts Are™

Land area: 41,865 sq mi (108,430 sq km); total area: 42,042 sq mi (108,890 sq km)

Population (2008 est.): 13,002,206 (growth rate: 2.1%); birth rate: 28.5/1000; infant mortality rate: 28.7/1000; life expectancy: 69.9; density per sq mi: 119

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Guatemala City, 2,655,900 (metro. area), 1,128,800 (city proper)

Other large cities: Mixco, 287,600; Villa Nueva, 138,900

Monetary unit: Quetzal

Languages: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Geography: The northernmost of the Central American nations, Guatemala is the size of Tennessee. Its neighbors are Mexico on the north and west, and Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador on the east. The country consists of three main regions—the cool highlands with the heaviest population, the tropical area along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the tropical jungle in the northern lowlands (known as the Petén).

Expert Tips for Buyers and Investors in Guatemala

Guatemala has long been a favorite area for European travelers and now Americans and Canadians are showing interest. The hot spots for foreign buyers and investors is the Colonial City of Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Other mountain regions, rich in Mayan history and culture are also gaining in popularity. Residential and commercial choices abound in and around Guatemala City which remains a heavily visited business center for the region. Coastal areas such as Puerto Barrios and towns near the Belize border on the Gulf of Honduras are also good choices for investors.