Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Its capital and largest city is Guatemala City, which is the most populous urban center in Central America. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, active volcanoes, and rich Mayan heritage, including archaeological sites and numerous indigenous communities.

Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821 and has a history of political upheaval, civil conflict, and shifts between authoritarian and democratic rule; the civil war lasted from 1960 to 1996. Today, it is recognized for its cultural diversity, with a large Indigenous population, and agriculture remains a mainstay of the economy, Guatemala is a leading exporter of cardamom, coffee, and sugar.