Guatemala
15 30 N, 90 15 W
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m
total: 1,687 km
border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower
arable land: 13.22%
permanent crops: 5.6%
other: 81.18% (2005)
deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution
Guatemala’s climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes, near the center of the country, the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterized by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.\nRequired clothing\nLightweight tropical clothing. Jacket or light woolens for the evening.
time difference: UTC-6
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2007-2009
