Overview
Guatemala's great natural beauty and strong indigenous culture have been overshadowed by decades of civil war, violence, and political corruption, which have led to widespread poverty and limited development.
The country is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters – there are a number of active volcanoes in Guatemala and the nation is positioned on three tectonic plates, causing frequent earthquakes which devastate vulnerable communities.
Social inequality is widespread, particularly in rural and indigenous communities which make up 45 per cent of the population. Indigenous groups are particularly vulnerable and tend to have a lower level of education, unequal access to land and assets, and fewer life opportunities in general.