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Guatemala Factsheet for Adoption Travel

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Related Resources
•Cross-Cultural Parenting
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What You Need to Know

Check Adoption Travel Resources for more information.

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Country name:

long form: Republic of Guatemala
short form: Guatemala
local short form: Guatemala
local long form: Republica de Guatemala

What the people are called:

noun, singular: Guatemalan
noun, plural: Guatemalans
adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic groups:

Mestizo (55%), Amerindian (43%), whites and others (2%).

U.S. Embassy

Embassy of the United States of America
Avenida de la Reforma 7-01
Zona 10
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Tel: (502) 331-1541
Fax: (502) 331-0564

Web site: http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy (street address)
13 Calle 8-44
Zona 10
Edyma Plaza, Piso 8
Guatemala City, C.A., 1010
Guatemala

Canadian Embassy (mailing address)
PO Box 400
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Tel: (502) 363-4348
Fax: (502) 365-1210

Web site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/guatemala/

Money:

Quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos
(currency conversion)

Time:

GMT -6 (What's GMT?)

Phone/Internet info:

Country Area Code: 502

There are several Internet cafes in Guatemala City and the main tourist areas.

Mobile phone coverage varies, but is available (GSM 900 and 1800 networks). International calling cards also provide a way to contact (calling to or from the U.S.). You may want to consider renting a compatible phone and service plan.

Major languages spoken:

Spanish (60%), Amerindian languages (40%)

There are 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca.

Alphabet:

The written language is similar to English but with a few nuances: See it here.

Major holidays:

Public holidays 2004

Jan 01 - New Year's Day
Apr 07-12 - Holy Week
May 01 - Labour Day
Jun 30 - Army Day
Aug 15 - Assumption (Guatemala City only)
Sep 15 - Independence Day
Oct 20 - Revolution Day
Nov 01 - All Saints' Day
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve (afternoon only)
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Dec 31 - New Year's Eve (afternoon only)

Common names:

• Behind the Name: Spanish Name.
• 20,000 Names From Around the World: Spanish Names
  Girls' Names
  Boys' Names

© Nancy S Ashe

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