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

Guatemala Use of Natural Resources

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)

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