Guatemala Population 2026: 17.6M People, Density & Key Facts
Guatemala is a country with a moderate, fairly even population spread: 17.6M people across 108,889 km², giving a density of 162/km².
GDP per capita stands at $5,267: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Guatemala City, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Guatemala's Population
With a population of 17.6M, Guatemala is home to a significant number of people within its 108,889 km² of territory. The population density of 162/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a moderate density typical of many countries in the region.
The capital city, Guatemala City, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Guatemala. Guatemala has a coastline of 400 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Guatemala has a total GDP of $92.7B, translating to $5,267 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).
Guatemala gained independence in 1821 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central America region, Guatemala sits alongside Belize (441K), Costa Rica (5.2M), El Salvador (6.5M). This regional context helps illustrate how Guatemala's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guatemala's Population
What is the population of Guatemala in 2026?
The population of Guatemala is approximately 17.6M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Guatemala?
The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Guatemala?
Guatemala has a population density of 162/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of Guatemala?
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $5,267, with a total GDP of $92.7B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Guatemala?
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish.
How big is Guatemala?
Guatemala covers a total area of 108,889 km². With a population of 17.6M, that gives a density of 162/km².
When did Guatemala gain independence?
Guatemala gained independence in 1821.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).
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