Guatemala: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Guatemala — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Guatemala has a population of 17,247,807 spread across 108,889 km², giving it an average density of 158.4 people per km². This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.
Population Density Map
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Guatemala is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 42% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 2.4% of Guatemala's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Guatemala has 1.28 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Guatemala, 56% of the population uses the internet — WiFi is available in cities and tourist areas, but coverage may be patchy in rural regions. There are 114 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.
Source: World Bank Open Data