Local name: Guatemala Capital: Guatemala Government: constitutional democratic republic Currency: quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed Official language: Spanish Other languages spoken: Amerindian languages (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Brief History. Heart of the Mayan empire, the region that would become Guatemala, was taken by the Spanish in 1524. Guatemala also became the center of the United Provinces of Central America after 1821, when Spanish rule was overthrown. In 1838, Guatemala became independent, following the dissolution of the United Provinces. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict.
