Guatemala Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Guatemala?
Overview
Guatemala is the most northern and populous of the five Central American countries. Guatemalan coastlines cover about 200 miles on the Pacific Ocean and 70 miles on the Caribbean. The country is roughly divided into four geographic regions: the central-western highlands, the low northern plateau which is largely jungle, the southern volcanic belt, and tropical coastal lowlands. The temperate mountain regions are the most densely populated. Guatemala has 33 volcanoes, 4 within view of the city. Although most are inactive, Pacaya, about 27 miles south of Guatemala City, erupts occasionally with lavaflows to nearby localities. Fuego, about 30 miles from the city, periodically produces displays visible from Guatemala City.
Geography - note
no natural harbors on west coast
Climate
Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°-85°F in April. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round.
Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches. Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture. During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings. During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.
Guatemala Use of Natural Resources
Guatemala Environment
Climate:
Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°-85°F in April. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round.
Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches. Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture. During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings. During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.
Terrain:
mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)
Natural Resources:
petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower
Natural Hazards:
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
Irrigated Land:
1,205 Square Miles3,121 Square Kilometers
Environmental Issues:
deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution
Environment - International Agreements:
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whalingsigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Guatemala Geography
| Geographic Location | Central America |
| Total Area |
42,042 Square Miles 108,889 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
41,374 Square Miles 107,159 Square Kilometers |
| Water Area |
668 Square Miles 1,730 Square Kilometers |
| Land Boundaries |
1,048 Miles 1,687 Kilometers |
| Irrigated Land |
1,205 Square Miles 3,121 Square Kilometers |
| Border Countries | Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km |
| Coastline |
249 Miles 400 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 15 30 N, 90 15 W |
| Terrain | mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten) |
| Highest Point | 4,211 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m |
| Lowest Point Location | Pacific Ocean 0 m |
| Natural Resources | petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower |
| Time Zone | UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |