Pacific Ocean
Puerto Quetzal
A principal commercial port and an important gateway for maritime trade on the Pacific side.
GuatemalaA Central American nation
A Central American nation
connected to two seas
Guatemala’s geography connects the country to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, supporting trade, connectivity and maritime activity.
Lago de Atitlán and Guatemala’s volcanic highlandsGuatemala · Maritime administration
Volcanic highlands · Lago de AtitlánGeographic overviewTwo maritime fronts.
Two maritime fronts.
One connected nation.
Located in Central America, Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Its maritime access extends to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea through the Gulf of Honduras.
These two maritime fronts support commercial shipping, fishing, recreational navigation and other maritime activity. The national port system plays an important role in the country’s international connectivity.
CapitalGuatemala City
Official languageSpanish
CurrencyQuetzal (GTQ)
Area108,889 km²
Pacific Ocean · Pacific coast Caribbean Sea · Gulf of Honduras
Ports & connectivity
Guatemala’s principal commercial ports
Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomás de Castilla and Puerto Barrios connect the country with regional and international maritime trade routes.
Gulf of Honduras
Santo Tomás de Castilla
A principal commercial port on Guatemala’s Caribbean side.
Caribbean Sea
Puerto Barrios
A principal port facility within the national Atlantic and Caribbean port system.
Pacific CoastGulf of HondurasCaribbean Coast
República de Guatemala · National identity
Symbols of a nation
The flag has three vertical bands—light blue, white and light blue—with the national coat of arms centered on the white band. The Quetzal symbolizes freedom. A scroll commemorates independence, accompanied by crossed rifles, crossed swords and laurel branches.
Historical context
Heritage and international participation
A rich historical foundation
Guatemala is home to a major part of the historical Maya world.
Independence
Following the Spanish colonial period, Guatemala became independent from Spain.
A maritime nation
Guatemala’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines connect the country to international shipping routes and regional trade.