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Guatemala Facts & Figures

Facts About Guatemala

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Facts About Guatemala

Key Takeaways: Guatemala Facts And Figures in 2026

Sales tax is 12%, with no restrictions on foreign property ownership.
Income tax rates for residents range from 15% to 31%.
Retirees benefit from a specific retirement program.
Guatemala is a major global producer of jade.

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

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Population	18,406,359 (2024 est.)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)	$105.62 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita	$4,757 (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	3.07% (2024 est.)
Currency	Quetzal
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar	7.73 quetzales (GTQ) to 1 US dollar
Language	Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% note note: there are 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca
Capital	Guatemala City
Population of Capital City	3.160 million (2024)
Time Zone	GMT -6 hours
Seasons	Summer (march-april) and Rainy season (may-oct), Winter (Nov-feb), The weather in Guatemala City is also very windy; this may decrease the apparent temperature even more. Hottest month is April.
International Dialing Code	502
Electricity	110/220 V
System of Government	constitutional democratic republic
Name and Party Affiliation of Current Leader	President Bernardo Arévalo (Since January 2024)
Income Tax Rate for Residents	15%-31%
Property Tax	Progressive rates up to 0.9%
Capital Gains Tax	Capital gains earned by nonresidents are subject to a flat 31%
Inheritance Tax	Inheritance and gift taxes are levied at progressive rates, from 1% to 25%.
Rental Income Tax	Rental income earned by nonresidents is taxed at 25%. Taxable income is computed by deducting income-generating expenses from the gross rent.
Transfer Tax	12% (IVA) of the value of the property
Sales Tax	12%
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property	No
Local Chamber of Commerce	Guatemala’s Chamber of Commerce
American Chamber of Commerce	Amcham Guatemala
Primary Exports	coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom
Residency and Visa Requirements	Not all foreigners need visas to enter the country North American and European citizens need only their valid passport, and will be granted 90 days permission in the country.
Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees	Retirement program
National Airline	Avianca

Did You Know These Facts About Guatemala?

The name ‘Guatemala’ comes from a word which means ‘a place of many trees’.

As well as Spanish, there are over 20 other Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala.

The Quetzal is also the name of the national bird of Guatemala. In Mayan times the feathers of the Quetzal were used as currency.

Both blue Denim and the chocolate bar were both invented in Guatemala.

Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala.

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Guatemala and also in Central America. Its depth goes to 340 meters.

Guatemala has 37 volcanos and 3 of them are currently active. The tallest is Tajumulco Volcano which is the highest point in Central America. It is 4203 meters above sea level.

Guatemala has been continuously inhabited for over 20,000 years making it one of the longest continuously-inhabited regions in the world.

Another interesting fact about Guatemala is that the country is famous for its jade, and produces more jade than any other country in the world.

Firing guns into the sky to celebrate Christmas is a Guatemalan tradition. Sadly, the falling bullets kill people every year.

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Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026.

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Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Guatemala Facts & Figures- FAQs

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Where Is Portugal?

Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula, in the southwest corner of Europe. Portugal shares that peninsula Spain, its larger neighbor.

What Is Portugal Known For?

Portugal is known for Fado music and also for being the largest cork producer in the world.

When Are The Best Months To Travel To Portugal?

Portugal’s high season is during July and August, especially to coastal areas. Expect to pay at least a 30% premium on accommodation and encounter warm weather across the country.

Is Portugal A Good Place For Retirement

Yes, Portugal is a sought after retirement destination. In fact, it’s one the world’s top retirement havens.