Guatemala Introduction 2001

Background: Guatemala was freed of Spanish colonial rule in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had led to the death of more than 100,000 people and had created some 1 million refugees.

NOTE: The information regarding Guatemala on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Guatemala Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Guatemala Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.