All About Guatemala

When Will We Cry? Inc. partners with Eleazar Siebenhor and his wife, Rosa, to spread the gospel in the San Marcos Department of Guatemala. Located along the border with Mexico, San Marcos is one of Guatemala's poorest regions and ranges from the Pacific Ocean in the south to the mountains in the north. Born and raised in this area, Pastor Eleazar clearly has a heart for these people and has helped start over 40 churches throughout this region.

When Will We Cry? Inc. is the only American mission organization working in San Marcos. We help supply many much-needed resources to this area, where 74% of the people live in extreme poverty. We provide for both physical and spiritual needs for these people, most of whom do not have adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, access to healthcare, or sufficient education.

All About Guatemala:

Guatemala is a republic in Central America with the largest population in the region. A rugged land of mountains and volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and lush vegetation, Guatemala is the third largest nation in Central America. Guatemala City is the capital and largest city.

Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of Native American ways and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala’s population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban areas and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. But unlike many Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, that has retained a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. The two cultures have made Guatemala a complex society that is deeply divided between rich and poor. This division has produced much of the tension and violence that have marked Guatemala’s history.

Guatemala’s economy traditionally has been based on exports of coffee, bananas, sugar, and other tropical crops. This focus on export agriculture has enriched the country’s small wealthy class, but a large segment of the population remains very poor, especially the native people who supply much of the agricultural labor. Since Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821, its politics have often been dominated by military dictatorships. Social and economic inequities, compounded by government repression, led to a civil war beginning in 1960. The late 1980s saw movement toward more democratic, civilian rule. In December 1996 a peace accord was signed to end the 36-year conflict, the longest civil war in the region.

Guatemala Facts + Figures:

Total Area 42,042 sq mi (slightly smaller than TN)

Total Population 13,909,384 (2003 estimate)

Languages Spanish (official)

(and more than 20 Native American languages, including Quich, Cakchiquel, and Kekch)

Religious affiliations

Roman Catholic 84 %

Protestant 13 %

Other 3 %

Life expectancy 65.2 years (2003 estimate)

Literacy rate 70.6 percent (2003 estimate)

Monetary unit 1 quetzal (Q), consisting of 100 centavos

Interesting Facts:

7.9 % of the people own a radio

6.5 % own a telephone

5.5 % own a television

.057 % have internet access

5.7 % own a motor vehicle

35 % of the total roads are paved roads

The national flag of the Republic of Guatemala