Guatemala

Reforestation project, Cabrican [Marcella Haddad]

A long civil war finally ended in 1996, but neither peace nor prosperity has followed - more than one-third of the population live on less than $2 a day

Guatemalans live in one of the most unequal societies in the region, with 70 per cent of land owned by less than one per cent of the people.

Most people live in poverty, especially in rural areas. Illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition rates are high, life expectancy is low and, in common with many of its neighbours, the country is plagued by organised crime, drug-trafficking and street gangs.

Indigenous communities tend to be marginalised, with discrimination leading to repression of their culture, ethnic identity and economic opportunities.

Key challenges

Trade: Despite violent protests, the government signed the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in May 2004, leading to traditional exports of coffee, sugar and bananas being hit by low prices on the world market.

Human rights: It is estimated more than 200,000 people – 80 per cent of them Mayan – were killed or disappeared in the 1980s, and many more had to flee their homes during a repression officially recognised by the Catholic Church and the UN as genocide.

Some soldiers accused of atrocities during the country’s 36-year civil war have been granted amnesty; others had their prison sentences reduced. Lawsuits against the former military dictator, Efraín Ríos Montt are moving slowly.

Natural disasters: In October 2005, Hurricane Stan caused severe floods and landslides, killing at least 1,500 and affecting more than 400,000 - mostly poor indigenous communities living in the highlands.

section highlights

Radio breaking down barriers

In Guatemala, a powerful elite controls most media, but FGER runs many community radio stations communicating in indigenous languages and focusing on local and international issues

Stronger indigenous communities

The Central America Spirituality Institute (ICE), a Jesuit training centre, runs courses in personal and spiritual development, including a programme for indigenous people

Promoting health in Guatemala

Teresa Hernandez Oxlaj has been working for the Chiquimula Parish health team for one year training health promoters. Among other things she teaches cooking and nutrition

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Mining In poor parts of the world, extractive industries are often a cause of conflict, suffering, and dangerous pollution

A thread of hope Arturo Mendes teaches communities in Guatemala how to earn a living from weaving rather than cutting down trees

Seeing the wood from the trees Reforestation is vital to safeguard against future hurricanes - and one radio station in Guatemala teaches listeners how to protect their environment

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