The population of Guatemala is divided into indigenous, mixed indigenous and Spanish, and white. "Indigena" meaning indigenous make up around 40 percent of the people in Guatemala. According to the CIA World Factbook, of the "Indigena," K'iche make up 9.1 percent, Kaqchikel 8.4 percent, Mam 7.9 percent, Q'eqchi 6.3 percent, and other Mayan 8.6 percent. "Ladino" or people of mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage also make up 40 percent of the population, with Europeans and Arabs from Lebanon and Syria making up a further 16 percent. Guatemala is also home to a small group of African-Americans who are called Garifuna. They live on the Caribbean coast and have their own Caribbean-influenced culture.
Guatemalans eat a lot of carbohydrates, in the form of corn tortillas (like thin pancakes), rice, pasta and bread. Black beans are also eaten at most meals and these are normally mashed, refried or eaten as they are. Protein comes in the form of chicken, turkey and beef, normally cooked in stews or in spicy chili sauces. Seafood is also a popular choice for Guatemalans living near the coast. Typical Guatemalan dishes include bistec, which is grilled or fried beef, and guacamole, a dish made from avocados that accompanies many meals. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also widely eaten including pineapple, mangoes, guavas, broccoli, radishes, yucca, carrots and plantains. Guatemalans also have a sweet tooth and doughnuts are consumed widely.
Like in most cultures, food in Guatemala plays a central role in religious festivals and ceremonies. About 60 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, while the rest is made up of Protestants. Many mix traditional Mayan beliefs with their Christian faith, performing rituals for things like successful childbirth and recovery from illness. Two of the biggest celebrations of the year are Easter Week, or Semana Santa, and the Day of the Dead, where deceased relatives are remembered. During Easter typical foods eaten include fish, chickpeas and French toast-style pastries called torrejas. Candied fruits and spicy vegetables in vinegar are also eaten at this time. On the Day of the Dead, families meet in cemeteries and have picnics on top of the graves of dead relatives. A vegetable and meat salad called fiambre is normally eaten during this time.
Agriculture has always played an important role in the Guatemalan economy. In 2009 this sector provided the country with 13.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). Key agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, bananas, cotton, flowers and vegetables. Industry sectors in 2009 accounted for 25 percent of GDP, while the service sector contributed to more than 60 percent. According to the CIA World Factbook there is still a high level of poverty in Guatemala with more than half of the population living below the poverty line. Guatemala also has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world, with 43 percent of children under the age of five being chronically malnourished.
The language of the government in Guatemala is Spanish and it is the first language of the majority of Guatemalans. However, there are 22 recognized indigenous languages spoken today, all of which belong to the Mayan family of languages. These languages include Ki'che, Kaqchikel, Kekchi and Mam. There are indigenous villages in the remotest parts of the country where Spanish is not spoken. However, with the increasing importance of a knowledge of Spanish with regard to jobs, non-Spanish speaking indigenous families are making sure their children learn the language to the detriment of their own languages.
