Guatemala is located in Central America, south of Mexico. It covers an area slightly smaller than Tennessee. It has a tropical climate; hot and humid in the lowlands and cooler in the highlands. Guatemala exhibits a terrain covered with mountains, narrow coastal plains and a rolling limestone plateau. There are 27 volcanoes in the country, 19 of which are live or active. Natural resources include petroleum, nickel, chicle, fish, and rare woods. Deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution are Guatemala's primary environmental concerns.

People
More than 12 million people inhabit Guatemala. Spanish is the predominant language, (spoken by 60% of inhabitants) while 23 Amerindian languages are prominent in many areas as well (spoken by 40% of inhabitantsBincluding Quiche, Cakchiquel, and Kekchi). Ethnically, the country is widely Mestizo (56%: mixed Amerindian-Spanish, locally called "Ladino") and Amerindian (44%). Roman Catholicism comprises the largest religion with Protestant and traditional Mayan minorities.

Government
The country is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Its capital, Guatemala City, is located in the southern region of the country. Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Its constitution was ratified on May 31, 1985, and took effect on January 14, 1986. Its legal system is based on English common law and certain aspects of Roman-Dutch law. The president is elected by popular vote to a four-year term. Some political parties active in the country include the National Centrist Union (UCN), the Christian Democratic Party (DCG), and the Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG). These parties and their supporters are spread throughout 22 administrative departments.

Economy
Agriculture, both family and corporate, accounts for 25% of Guatemala's GDP, 60% of the labor force, and 67% of all exports (primarily coffee, sugar and bananas). The remaining portions of the country's GDP lie in industry (20%), and services (55%). With an uneven distribution of land and income, the government faces large obstacles in trying to modernize its economy and reduce poverty. The signing of the Peace Accords in December 1996 removed a major obstacle to foreign investment. The government also increased tax revenues and created a new tax administration. Remaining challenges include completing a deal with the IMF and stabilizing the monetary policy.

For the church
Merciful God, we thank you for the Agustina Lutheran Church in Guatemala and the mission established there in the name of your Son where Christianity continues to grow. Bless the Lutherans in Guatemala and in our country as we work together to spread the Good News about your love and compassion.

For current needs
Gracious God, we pray for everyone in Guatemala as they embark further in the peace process and reconciliation of all sectors of their society. We pray for the respect of human rights in the country, especially we pray for the right to life. Strengthen them in their efforts and help them find ways to organize their economic and social systems in a way that will promote long-term unity and stability.

For those serving
Great and Loving God, we ask for your continuing support of the work done by missionaries in Guatemala as the church strives to spread the Good News of your everlasting love and forgiveness. Guide them as they communicate in different languages and help them embrace the blessings offered by Christians around the world so that we might understand and pass on the diverse ways in which your love comes to us.

For global relationships
God of compassion, we give thanks for your children all across the earth and for the opportunities to develop more personal relationships with our global Christian neighbors. We are grateful for the opportunity to reach out to our Guatemalan brothers and sisters through prayer and communication, that we might find new meaning in these global connections. Strengthen us in that ministry and help us reach out to them in a mission of peace.

For church leadership
God of Wisdom, your insight and guidance fill our lives. Show us new ways to understand your power and presence within us. Thank you for the church in Guatemala and for those who continue to share your message. Help those preaching and ministering to the members of the church, that they might understand and share the Holy Gospel in order to strengthen your ministry in Guatemala.

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