Peace accords signed at the end of 1996 have paved the way for a more peaceful, democratic and just society which recognises the basic rights of the majority of the population - the indigenous people, who are the poorest in the country.
In Guatemala, illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition are among the highest in the Americas. Life expectancy is among the lowest and the country is one of the most violent in Latin America.
ActionAid in Guatemala
ActionAid began operations in Guatemala in 1996. Our projects help indigenous people access essential services, such as health and education.
We lobby the government and other decision-makers for changes to the policies and practices that affect Mayan life. And we work through local organisations to ensure that change is appropriate and long lasting.
Key focus areas are health, education, water and livelihoods. An important element of every project is helping communities to organise groups and to plan and implement their own development projects.
"I learned some new farming methods and took out a small loan so I could buy improved maize seeds. Now I grow more than before and can sell the extra harvest. I use the money to buy different foods for my family and clothes for my children."
Rigoberto Pérez Ssagastume, San José El Tesoro
Essential Stats
| Guatemala | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14 million (2009) | 21.5 million (2009) |
| Area | 108,889 km2 | 7,703,581 km2 |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $49 billion (2009) | $970.6 billion (2009) |
| GDP per capita | $3501 (2009) | $44,598 (2009) |
| Human Development Index | 0.689 (2006) |
0.965 (2006) |
| Life Expectancy (male/female) | 67/74 (2005-2010) | 79/84 (2005-2010) |
| Adult Literacy % | 69.1 (1995-2005) | 99 (1995-2005) |
SOURCES: IMF, UN Data, HDI, UN Statistics
