Guatemala: An Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Sept. 18, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12340 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Karla I. Rios |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America,
has strived to consolidate its democracy since the 1990s. It
has faced many political and social challenges, as well as
human rights abuses and widespread impunity.
Traditionally, the United States and Guatemala have had
close relations, with friction at times over certain issues,
such as corruption and migration. During the 118th
Congress, Members have debated how to prioritize the
sometimes-competing objectives of strengthening
democracy in Guatemala and partnering with the
Guatemalan government on other challenges.
Guatemala has a long history of internal conflict and
violence, including a 36-year civil war (1960-1996). For
most of that period, the Guatemalan military held power
and repressed citizens’ human rights. An estimated 200,000
people were killed or disappeared during the civil conflict;
83% of the victims were Indigenous. In 1986, Guatemala
established a civilian democratic government, but military
repression continued. In 1996, then-President Álvaro Arzú
(1996-2000) and Guatemala’s main insurgent group, the
Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit (URNG), signed
United Nations-mediated peace accords to end the conflict.
