History of Guatemala in Timeline
Guatemala, officially known as the Republic of Guatemala, is a Central American country. Mexico borders it to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast. The Pacific Ocean forms its southern hydrological border, and the Gulf of Honduras lies to its northeast.
1900: Guatemalan Population at 885,000
Guatemala's population in 1900 was 885,000, a number that would see substantial growth in the following century.
1904: Entry of the United Fruit Company
In 1904, Guatemalan President Estrada Cabrera, aiming to bolster the export economy, signed a controversial contract with the United Fruit Company, granting them significant concessions, including tax exemptions and control over railroads.
1906: Revolts Against Estrada Cabrera
President Estrada Cabrera faced significant uprisings against his rule in 1906. Despite being supported by neighboring countries, Estrada managed to suppress the rebellions.
1907: Assassination Attempt and Increased Despotism
Following a near-fatal assassination attempt in 1907, when a bomb detonated near his carriage, President Estrada Cabrera's regime became notably more authoritarian and oppressive.
1917: Devastating Earthquake
Guatemala City suffered substantial damage as a result of a powerful earthquake in 1917.
1919: Establishment of the National Football Federation of Guatemala
The National Football Federation of Guatemala was established in 1919 to oversee the national league and lower-level football competitions.
April 1920: Resignation of Estrada Cabrera
After facing renewed revolts and dwindling support, President Estrada Cabrera was compelled to step down from office in April 1920. He was succeeded by Carlos Herrera.
1920: Carlos Herrera Presidency Begins
Carlos Herrera assumed the presidency of Guatemala in 1920, succeeding the ousted leader, Estrada Cabrera.
September 1921: Formation of the Federation of Central America
Guatemala, along with El Salvador and Honduras, joined together to form the Federation of Central America in September 1921.
1921: Guatemalan Census Records Lost
Census records for 1921, along with those from 1778, 1880, and 1893, were lost, though statistical information was preserved.
1921: José María Orellana Becomes President
José María Orellana succeeded Carlos Herrera as the President of Guatemala in 1921.
January 1922: Dissolution of the Federation of Central America
The Federation of Central America, which included Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, dissolved in January 1922 after a short-lived existence.
1926: End of Orellana's Presidency
José María Orellana's term as the President of Guatemala came to an end in 1926.
1929: Onset of the Great Depression
The Great Depression, beginning in 1929, had a devastating impact on the Guatemalan economy, leading to unemployment and social unrest.
1931: Jorge Ubico Elected President
Amid economic turmoil and fears of a revolt, Jorge Ubico, known for his authoritarianism, was elected President of Guatemala in 1931. His rule was marked by repressive policies, including forced labor and the suppression of dissent.
1931: Lázaro Chacón González's Presidency Concludes
Lázaro Chacón González's tenure as the President of Guatemala ended in 1931.
1940: Guatemalan Census Data Destroyed
Data from the 1940 Guatemalan census was unfortunately destroyed in a fire.
1941: World War II and Alignment with the US
Following the United States' entry into World War II in 1941, Guatemalan President Jorge Ubico, an admirer of European fascism, aligned with the US and took actions such as arresting individuals of German descent.
July 1944: Resignation of Ubico
President Jorge Ubico was forced to resign in July 1944 in response to mounting protests and a general strike, driven by dissatisfaction with his repressive regime.
October 1944: Coup d'état and Military Junta
In October 1944, a coup led by Major Francisco Javier Arana and Captain Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán overthrew Ubico's successor, General Juan Federico Ponce Vaides, resulting in the establishment of a military junta.
1944: Overthrow of Jorge Ubico
Guatemalan leader Jorge Ubico was removed from power in 1944 following widespread protests and a general strike, triggered by harsh labor conditions faced by plantation workers.
1944: Peaceful Transition of Power
In a rare occurrence among Guatemalan presidents during this period, Manuel Barillas peacefully transferred power to his elected successor, General Reyna Barrios, in 1944.
1945: Institute Indigents ta National Founded
In 1945, Guatemala established the Institute Indigents ta National (NH) to promote literacy among Mayan children in their native languages.
1947: Establishment and Recognition of the Guatemalan Olympic Committee
The Guatemalan Olympic Committee was founded and granted recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 1947.
1950: Election of Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán
Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán, who had served as defense minister, won the 1950 presidential election in Guatemala, which was largely considered free and fair.
1950: Guatemala as a Leading Destination for Immigrants
Up to 1950, Guatemala was a leading Central American nation in receiving immigrants, second only to Costa Rica.
1952: Guatemala's Debut at the Summer Olympics
Guatemala participated in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1952.
1952: Operation PBFortune
In 1952, US President Harry Truman authorized Operation PBFortune, an attempt to overthrow Árbenz with support from Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza García. The operation was aborted due to leaks.
1952: Agrarian Reform Bill (Decree 900)
In 1952, the Árbenz administration implemented Decree 900, a significant land reform law that aimed to redistribute uncultivated land to landless peasants, impacting a small fraction of large landholdings.
1952: Collaboration with SIL for Mayan Literacy
The Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) partnered with Guatemala's Ministry of Education in 1952, significantly advancing literacy in Mayan languages.
August 1953: Authorization of Operation PBSuccess
In August 1953, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the CIA to carry out Operation PBSuccess, aimed at overthrowing the Guatemalan government led by Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán.
June 1954: Invasion of Guatemala
A CIA-backed force led by Carlos Castillo Armas invaded Guatemala in June 1954. Despite military struggles, the invasion's psychological warfare, including bombings and propaganda, pressured the Guatemalan army.
July 1954: Castillo Armas Presidency and Assassination
Following the 1954 coup, Carlos Castillo Armas assumed the presidency of Guatemala in July 1954. He reversed land reforms and ruled until his assassination in July 1957.
1954: US-Backed Coup Ends Revolution
In 1954, a military coup backed by the United States brought an end to the decade-long Guatemalan Revolution, leading to the installation of a dictatorship.
July 1957: Assassination of Castillo Armas
In July 1957, Carlos Castillo Armas, the president of Guatemala, was assassinated by a member of his personal guard, Romeo Vásquez.
November 1960: Failed Coup Attempt
A group of left-wing military officers, later forming MR-13, launched a failed coup against Ydígoras' government in November 1960.
1960: Start of Guatemalan Civil War
The Guatemalan Civil War, a brutal conflict between the US-backed government and leftist rebels, commenced in 1960, marked by violence and human rights abuses, including massacres of the Maya population.
1961: Support for Bay of Pigs Invasion
Guatemalan President Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes provided support for the training of anti-Castro Cubans and offered airstrips for the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961.
February 1962: Attack on United Fruit Company
MR-13 attacked United Fruit Company offices in February 1962, sparking strikes and protests throughout Guatemala. The government responded with a forceful crackdown.
March 1963: Arévalo's Return and Candidacy
In March 1963, former president Juan José Arévalo returned from exile to announce his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election.
March 31, 1963: Coup Led by Enrique Peralta Azurdia
In March 31, 1963, a coup led by Defense Minister Colonel Enrique Peralta Azurdia overthrew Ydígoras' government. The new regime escalated the counterinsurgency campaign against guerrilla groups.
1965: Spanish as Official Language
With Spanish declared Guatemala's official language in 1965, programs like the Bilingual Castellanizacion Program aimed to transition Mayan students to Spanish.
1966: Election of Julio César Méndez Montenegro
Julio César Méndez Montenegro, of the Revolutionary Party, won the 1966 presidential election in Guatemala. During this period, right-wing paramilitary groups emerged, and US Green Berets trained Guatemalan armed forces.
1967: Guatemala's Victory in CONCACAF Championship
Guatemala's national football team secured its first victory in the CONCACAF Championship in 1967.
1968: Guatemala's Continued Participation in the Summer Olympics
Guatemala has consistently participated in every edition of the Summer Olympics since 1968.
1970: Election of Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio
Colonel Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio was elected president of Guatemala in 1970.
1972: Guerrilla Infiltration
Members of the guerrilla movement entered Guatemala from Mexico in 1972 and established themselves in the Western Highlands.
1974: Disputed Election
General Kjell Laugerud García won the disputed 1974 election, defeating General Efraín Ríos Montt, who alleged fraud.
February 1976: Devastating Earthquake
A major earthquake in February 1976 caused significant destruction and loss of life in Guatemala. The government's response to the disaster fueled public discontent.
February 1976: Devastating Earthquake Strikes Guatemala
On February 4, 1976, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Guatemala, resulting in the loss of over 25,000 lives.
1978: Election of Romeo Lucas García
General Romeo Lucas García assumed the presidency in 1978 following a fraudulent election in Guatemala.
1979: US Ban on Military Aid
In 1979, US President Jimmy Carter imposed a ban on military aid to Guatemala due to the Guatemalan Army's severe human rights violations. However, evidence suggests that clandestine aid continued.
January 1980: Spanish Embassy Incident
In January 1980, indigenous activists occupied the Spanish Embassy in Guatemala City to protest army massacres. The ensuing assault by Guatemalan forces resulted in a fire that killed most occupants. The incident led to a diplomatic break between Spain and Guatemala.
1980: Expansion of Bilingual Education
An experimental bilingual education program in 1980, teaching children in their native language until fluent in Spanish, showed success in improving academic performance.
July 1982: Plan de Sanchez Massacre
On July 18, 1982, the Guatemalan Army massacred 188 Achi-Maya people in Plan de Sanchez.
1982: Start of Rios Montt's Rule
Efrain Rios Montt's rule of Guatemala began in 1982.
1982: Formation of URNG Guerrilla Group
Influenced by other leftist movements in the region, four Guatemalan guerrilla groups merged to form the URNG (Guatemalan Revolutionary National Unity) in 1982. The army's brutal tactics led to a mass exodus of Guatemalan refugees to Mexico.
1982: Rise of Efraín Ríos Montt and Continued Violence
Following another coup in 1982, General Efraín Ríos Montt became president. He continued brutal counterinsurgency tactics, despite international condemnation. His regime received support from the Reagan administration.
1983: End of Rios Montt's Rule
Efrain Rios Montt's rule of Guatemala ended in 1983.
1984: Growth of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala
In 1984, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a membership of 40,000 in Guatemala.
1986: Election of Vinicio Cerezo Arévalo
After Ríos Montt's overthrow, General Óscar Humberto Mejía Victores oversaw a process leading to a free election in 1986. Vinicio Cerezo Arévalo, the Christian Democracy Party candidate, emerged victorious.
1987: Bilingual Education Formalized
Guatemala officially adopted bilingual education in 1987, following the success of pilot programs demonstrating its positive impact on student learning.
1988: Guatemala's Sole Appearance at the Winter Olympics
Guatemala made its only appearance at the Winter Olympics in 1988.
September 1991: Guatemala Recognizes Belize's Independence
Guatemala officially recognized Belize's independence on September 6, 1991, after a long-standing territorial dispute. However, the dispute remains unresolved, and negotiations facilitated by the Organization of American States are ongoing to reach a conclusion.
1992: Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Rigoberta Menchú
Rigoberta Menchú, an indigenous Guatemalan activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for raising international awareness about the genocide perpetrated against indigenous people in Guatemala.
1995: Recovery of Historical Memory Project Launched
The Recovery of Historical Memory (REMHI) project was started in 1995 by the Catholic Archdiocese of Guatemala. The intent of the project was to create a record of the events of Guatemala's long civil war.
1996: Peace Accords Boost Tourism
The 1996 peace accords, ending a long civil war, led to increased foreign investment and a significant boost in Guatemala's tourism industry.
1996: End of Guatemalan Civil War
The Guatemalan Civil War concluded in 1996 with the signing of a peace accord brokered by the United Nations. This paved the way for economic recovery and democratic elections in the country.
1996: End of the Guatemalan Civil War
The Guatemalan Civil War ended in 1996 when a peace accord was reached between the guerilla forces and the Guatemalan government. The agreement was mediated by the United Nations with support from nations like Norway and Spain. Both sides made concessions, with the guerillas agreeing to disarm in exchange for land.
1996: End of the Guatemalan Civil War
The Guatemalan Civil War ended in 1996, but killings and death squads have persisted, often linked to Clandestine Security Apparatuses (CIACS). These organizations, composed of current and former military members involved in organized crime, exerted significant influence, which has since diminished, but extrajudicial killings continue.
1997: Expansion of Healthcare Access in Post-War Guatemala
Following the conclusion of the Guatemalan Civil War in 1997, the Ministry of Health broadened healthcare access to encompass 54% of the rural population.
April 1998: "Guatemala: Nunca Más!" Report Released
In April 1998, The Recovery of Historical Memory (REMHI) project, initiated in 1995 by the Catholic Archdiocese of Guatemala, publicly released its findings in a report titled "Guatemala: Nunca Más!". The report detailed the testimonies of thousands of witnesses and victims of the repression that occured during Guatemala's civil war.
April 1998: Bishop Gerardi Murdered
Just two days after the April 1998 release of "Guatemala: Nunca Más!", a report on the victims of the Guatemalan Civil War, Bishop Juan José Gerardi Conedera, who worked on the report, was murdered in his garage.
1998: Hurricane Mitch devastates Guatemala
Hurricane Mitch, a powerful hurricane, caused widespread destruction in Guatemala in 1998.
1998: Continued Expansion of Latter-day Saints
By 1998, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala had grown significantly, reaching a membership of 164,000 and showing continued expansion.
1999: U.S. Acknowledges Wrongdoing in Guatemala
In 1999, US President Bill Clinton stated that the United States had been wrong to support the Guatemalan military forces who participated in the killings of Guatemalan civilians.
1999: Guatemalan State Actions Deemed Genocidal
The Historical Clarification Commission concluded in 1999 that the Guatemalan state's actions during the Civil War constituted genocide. The commission's report attributed more than 93% of all documented human rights violations to Guatemala's military government.
2000: Guatemala's Debut in FIFA Futsal World Cup
Guatemala marked its inaugural participation in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2000, hosting the tournament.
November 2001: Religious Landscape in Guatemala
In November 2001, Roman Catholicism was the dominant religion in Guatemala (55%), followed by a growing Protestant population (30%).
2001: Guatemalan Military Officers Convicted
In 2001, three Guatemalan Army officers were convicted of the murder of Bishop Gerardi. It was the first time in the history of Guatemala that members of the military were tried and convicted in a civilian court. The officers were sentenced to 30 years in prison, while a priest convicted as an accomplice was sentenced to 20 years.
2003: Recognition of Indigenous Languages
Guatemala's 2003 Language Law recognized 21 Mayan languages and two non-Mayan indigenous languages (Xinca and Garifuna) as national languages, promoting linguistic diversity.
July 2004: Inter-American Court Condemns 1982 Massacre
In July 2004, the Inter-American Court condemned the Guatemalan Army for the massacre of 188 Achi-Maya people in Plan de Sanchez on July 18, 1982. This marked the first time the court ruled against the Guatemalan state for any of the reported 626 massacres during its scorched-earth campaign in the 1980s.
October 2005: Hurricane Stan devastates Guatemala
In October 2005, Hurricane Stan caused significant devastation in Guatemala, leading to widespread flooding and mudslides. The hurricane resulted in over 1,500 deaths.
March 2006: Guatemala Ratifies DR-CAFTA
In March 2006, Guatemala's congress ratified the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States and other Central American nations.
2007: High Femicide Rates in Guatemala
From 2007 to 2012, Guatemala experienced alarmingly high femicide rates, with an estimated 9.1 murders per 100,000 women, making it the third-highest in the world after El Salvador and Jamaica.
2008: Guatemala's Futsal Triumph
Guatemala achieved a significant sporting victory in 2008 by winning the CONCACAF Futsal Championship on home soil.
2008: Guatemala Criminalizes Femicide
Guatemala became the first country to officially recognize femicide as a crime in 2008, defining it as the murder of a female because of her sex.
2008: Guatemala's Consistent Participation in FIFA Futsal World Cup
Since 2008, Guatemala has consistently participated in every edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup.
2008: Tourism Boosts Guatemalan Economy
Tourism became a major economic driver in Guatemala, contributing an estimated $1.8 billion in 2008. The country attracted around two million tourists annually, drawn to its Mayan ruins, natural beauty, and historical sites.
2009: High Poverty Rate in Guatemala
In 2009, the CIA World Fact Book reported that 54.0% of Guatemala's population was living in poverty.
2009: Guatemala Impacted by Global Recession
In 2009, Guatemala's economy was severely affected by the global recession, leading to a decline in demand and foreign investment.
2009: Guatemala's Debut in Grand Prix de Futsal
Guatemala made its first appearance in the Grand Prix de Futsal in 2009.
2009: New York Grand Jury Indicts Portillo
A grand jury in New York indicted Alfonso Portillo in 2009 on charges of embezzlement.
January 2010: Ex-President Alfonso Portillo Arrested
Former Guatemalan president Alfonso Portillo was arrested in January 2010 while attempting to flee Guatemala.
May 2010: Portillo Acquitted
In May 2010, Alfonso Portillo was acquitted by a panel of judges who dismissed some evidence and determined several witnesses to be unreliable.
2010: Guatemala's Economic Recovery
Guatemala's economy experienced a 3% growth in 2010, gradually recovering from the 2009 crisis. The crisis was triggered by declining demand from the United States and other Central American markets, coupled with a slowdown in foreign investment amidst the global recession.
2010: Guatemala's Young Population
In 2010, Guatemala had a median age of 20 years, making it one of the youngest populations in the Western Hemisphere, with a large proportion under 15 years old.
2010: Guatemalan Economy in 2010
In 2010, Guatemala's GDP was estimated at $70.15 billion. The service sector dominated the economy, followed by industry and agriculture. Key exports included coffee, sugar, textiles, vegetables, and bananas. Inflation remained low at 3.9%.
2011: Otto Pérez Molina Elected President
Retired general Otto Pérez Molina was elected president of Guatemala in 2011.
January 2012: Otto Pérez Molina and Roxana Baldetti Assume Office
Otto Pérez Molina was elected president of Guatemala in 2011, with Roxana Baldetti elected as his vice president. The pair began their term on January 14, 2012. Notably, Baldetti is the first woman to ever be elected vice president in Guatemala.
January 2012: Efrain Rios Montt Appears in Court
Efrain Rios Montt, the former dictator of Guatemala, appeared in court in January of 2012 to face genocide charges.
September 2012: Shift in Religious Demographics
By September 2012, there was a notable shift in Guatemala's religious landscape. While Roman Catholicism remained the largest denomination, it decreased to 47.9%, while the Protestant population grew to 38.2%.
2012: Literacy Rates in Guatemala
In 2012, the literacy rate for individuals aged 15 and above in Guatemala was recorded at 74.5%.
2012: Guatemala Wins First Olympic Medal
Erick Barrondo won the men's 20 kilometer race walk at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The win earned Guatemala its first-ever Olympic medal.
2012: Low Per-Capita Healthcare Spending in Guatemala
In 2012, Guatemala's per-capita average annual healthcare expenditure was a mere $368.
2012: Guatemala's Second Place Finish in CONCACAF Futsal Championship
Guatemala's national futsal team secured the runner-up position in the 2012 CONCACAF Futsal Championship as hosts.
2012: High Femicide Rates in Guatemala
From 2007 to 2012, Guatemala experienced alarmingly high femicide rates, with an estimated 9.1 murders per 100,000 women, making it the third-highest in the world after El Salvador and Jamaica.
2012: Erick Barrondo Wins Guatemala's First Olympic Medal
Erick Barrondo made history in 2012 by becoming the first Guatemalan athlete to win an Olympic medal, securing a silver in race walking at the Summer Olympics.
May 2013: Rios Montt Found Guilty of Genocide
On May 10, 2013, Efrain Rios Montt was found guilty of genocide and sentenced to 80 years in prison. This marked the first time a former head of state had been found guilty of genocide in a national court. The conviction was later overturned.
2013: Financial Constraints Hinder Healthcare Monitoring in Guatemala
By 2013, Guatemala's Ministry of Health faced financial limitations, hindering its ability to effectively monitor or assess its healthcare programs.
2014: Guatemala's Semifinal Run in Grand Prix de Futsal
In 2014, Guatemala's futsal team achieved a notable feat by reaching the semifinals of the Grand Prix de Futsal.
2014: Biofuel Production and Drug Legalization Debate
In 2014, Guatemala saw a rise in biofuel production, leading to concerns about higher food prices. The government considered legalizing poppy and marijuana production to fund social programs.
January 2015: Rios Montt's Trial Resumes
Efrain Rios Montt's trial for genocide resumed in January 2015, following the overturning of his previous conviction.
April 2015: United Nations Anti-Corruption Report Implicates Politicians
In April 2015, a report published by a United Nations (UN) anti-corruption agency implicated several high-profile politicians.
August 2015: Rios Montt Deemed Unfit for Sentencing
In August 2015, a Guatemalan court ruled that while Efrain Rios Montt could stand trial for genocide and crimes against humanity, he was not eligible for sentencing due to his advanced age and declining health.
August 2015: President and Former Vice President Implicated in "La Línea" Scam
On August 21, 2015, the CICIG and Attorney General Thelma Aldana presented evidence that convinced the Guatemalan public that both President Otto Pérez Molina and former Vice President Roxana Baldetti were the leaders of the "La Línea" scam. Baldetti was arrested that same day and impeachment proceedings were initiated against the president.
September 2015: Otto Pérez Molina Resigns, Alejandro Maldonado and Alfonso Fuentes Soria Assume Roles
In September 2015, Otto Pérez Molina resigned as President of Guatemala due to a corruption scandal. Alejandro Maldonado assumed the presidency until January 2016. Congress appointed Alfonso Fuentes Soria, former Universidad de San Carlos President, as the new vice president, replacing Maldonado.
September 2015: Resignation of Otto Pérez Molina
In September 2015, amidst a corruption scandal and following his impeachment by Congress, Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina resigned.
September 2015: Manuel Baldizón's Popularity Declines
Manuel Baldizón, the presidential candidate for the Libertad Democrática Renovada party (LIDER), was expected to become the next Guatemalan president. However, after CICIG investigations implicated Baldizón and other LIDER members in bribery, his popularity plummeted.
October 2015: Jimmy Morales Elected President
Following widespread anti-corruption protests, former TV comedian Jimmy Morales was elected as Guatemala's new president in October 2015.
2015: Ixcanul: A Guatemalan Film by Jayro Bustamante
Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante released his film "Ixcanul" in 2015, focusing on contemporary Guatemalan society and politics.
January 2016: Alejandro Maldonado's Term as President Ends
Alejandro Maldonado's tenure as the interim President of Guatemala concluded in January 2016.
January 2016: Jimmy Morales Takes Office
Jimmy Morales assumed the presidency of Guatemala in January 2016.
January 2016: Jimmy Morales Assumes Office
Jimmy Morales took office as the President of Guatemala on January 14, 2016.
June 2016: U.N. describes Pérez Molina's Administration as a Crime Syndicate
In June 2016, a United Nations-backed prosecutor characterized the administration of former Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina as a criminal syndicate, revealing a corruption case known as "Cooperacha" ("Kick-in"), where ministers pooled funds to purchase luxurious gifts for Molina.
2016: Bronze Medal for Guatemala in CONCACAF Futsal Championship
The Guatemalan national futsal team achieved a bronze medal victory in the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship.
December 2017: Guatemala to Move Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
In December 2017, President Jimmy Morales announced Guatemala's decision to relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, becoming the first nation to follow the United States in this move.
2017: Guatemala Signs Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Guatemala signed the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017.
2018: Ethnic Composition of Guatemala
The 2018 Census revealed Guatemala's diverse population: 56% Ladino, 43.6% Indigenous (primarily Mayan), and smaller percentages of Xinca and Garifuna. Indigenous rights activists estimate a higher indigenous population.
July 2019: US-Guatemala Migration Agreement
In July 2019, the United States and Guatemala signed an agreement to restrict migration and asylum seekers from Guatemala, impacting the large Guatemalan diaspora in the US.
August 2019: Alejandro Giammattei Elected President
Alejandro Giammattei secured victory in Guatemala's presidential election in August 2019, campaigning on a "tough-on-crime" agenda.
2019: Guatemala's Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score
In 2019, Guatemala's Forest Landscape Integrity Index had a mean score of 3.85 out of 10, placing it 138th globally among 172 countries.
2019: Temblores and La Llorona: Films by Jayro Bustamante
Jayro Bustamante, a Guatemalan director, released two films in 2019: "Temblores" and "La Llorona (The Weeping Woman)", both exploring themes within Guatemalan society and politics.
2019: Alejandro Giammattei Elected President of Guatemala
In 2019, Alejandro Giammattei won the Guatemalan presidential election.
January 2020: Alejandro Giammattei Succeeds Jimmy Morales
Alejandro Giammattei succeeded Jimmy Morales as the President of Guatemala in January 2020.
January 2020: Alejandro Giammattei Assumes Presidency
Alejandro Giammattei succeeded Jimmy Morales as the president of Guatemala in January 2020, following his election win in August 2019 on a "tough-on-crime" platform.
January 2020: Alejandro Giammattei Assumes Presidency
Alejandro Giammattei, who won the 2019 Guatemalan presidential election, assumed office in January 2020.
November 2020: Hurricane Eta impacts Guatemala
Hurricane Eta struck Guatemala in November 2020, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. Over 100 people were reported missing or dead, with the final count remaining uncertain.
November 2020: Protests Erupt Against President Giammattei
November 2020 witnessed large-scale protests and demonstrations in Guatemala targeting President Alejandro Giammattei and the legislature over cuts to education and healthcare spending.
2021: Improved Literacy Rates in Guatemala
Guatemala witnessed a notable increase in literacy rates, reaching 83.3% among the population aged 15 and above in 2021.
2021: Guatemalan Population Reaches 17.6 Million
As of 2021, Guatemala's population reached 17,608,483, a significant increase from 885,000 in 1900, marking rapid population growth.
August 2023: Bernardo Arévalo Wins Presidential Election
Bernardo Arévalo, the candidate representing the center-left Semilla (Seed) Movement, achieved a landslide victory in Guatemala's presidential election in August 2023.
2023: Guatemala's Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2023, Guatemala was ranked 122nd in the Global Innovation Index.
February 2024: Special Group Against Extortion (GECE) Established
On February 8, 2024, President Arévalo and Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez announced the formation of the Special Group Against Extortion (GECE), a specialized unit within the National Civil Police (PNC) tasked with combating violent crime and extortion. The GECE, comprising 400 motorized officers, will conduct patrols across various regions of the country in phases. The United States government, at Arévalo's request, provided equipment to support the new task force.
April 2024: President Arévalo Reduces Presidential Salary
In a significant move on April 23, 2024, during a public event commemorating his first 100 days in office, President Arévalo fulfilled a campaign promise by reducing the presidential salary by 25%. This reduction makes the Guatemalan head of state no longer the highest-paid president in Latin America. Vice President Herrera also announced a 25% reduction in her salary.
2024: Arévalo's Inauguration Delayed
Bernardo Arévalo, son of former President Juan José Arévalo, was scheduled to be inaugurated as Guatemala's 52nd president on January 14, 2024. However, the event faced delays due to the congressional delegation's failure to approve the event's commission.
2024: Guatemala's Historic Olympic Medals in 2024
Guatemala celebrated two historic Olympic medal wins at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics: Jean Pierre Brol earned bronze in shooting, while Adriana Ruano secured Guatemala's first-ever gold medal, also in shooting.
2024: Guatemala's Projected GDP Per Capita
Guatemala's GDP per capita (PPP) is estimated to be US$10,998 in 2024, making it the largest economy in Central America.
2024: Guatemala's Futsal Success Continues
Guatemala's national futsal team continued their winning streak by securing another bronze medal in the 2024 CONCACAF Futsal Championship.