The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.
Location: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize
Area: total: 108,890 sq km land: 108,430 sq km water: 460 sq km
Area - Comparative: slightly smaller than Tennessee
Climate: tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
Military Branches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force
Military Service and Obligations: all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to 24 months; women can serve as officers (2007)
Manpower Available for Military Service: males age 18-49: 2,429,033 females age 18-49: 2,503,482 (2005 est.)
Military Expenditures - Percent of GDP: 0.4% (2006)
