Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-77) and index.

The land : topography, lakes and rivers, climate, flora and fauna, natural resources, cities -- History and government : the Maya, Spanish conquest, colonial life, independence, struggle for change, ten years of spring, years of terror, an uneasy peace, the pursuit of justice, government -- The people : Indians and Ladinos, standard of living, nutrition and health care, education -- Cultural life : clothing and food, religion, holidays and festivals, arts and crafts, music and dance, literature and film, sports and entertainment -- The economy : agriculture, fishing and forestry, mining and manufacturing, transportation and communication, tourism and additional money sources, the future.

Photographs and text survey the geography, history, government, people, culture, and economy of Guatemala. Includes a time line, as well as notes on the currency, flag, national anthem, and famous people of the Central American country.