1. The Modern Country Guatemala

2. https://www.cia.gov/li brary/publications/the- world- factbook/geos/gt.html

3. Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico. The terrain of Guatemala is mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau. Capital and largest city Guatemala City

4. Tikal Lake Atitlan Quirigua Semuc Champey

5. Tikal Picture taken by Mr. Sherman

6. The Tikal National Park, in Guatemala contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya Civilization. Many mounds have been covered by a thick layer of jungle for over a thousand years and are well-preserved. The ceremonial center of the ruins contains temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. Tikal

7. Lake Atitlan Picture taken by Mr. Sherman

8. Lago de Atitlán, (English: Lake Atitlán), is a beautiful volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is ringed by small towns. The word Atitlan is a Mayan word that translates as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors". The main tourist center is Panajachel, an 800 year old pueblo of about 14000, mostly Cakchiquel Mayas and some foreigners from every corner of the globe, living inside that rainbow. Lake Atitlan

10. Quirigua Picture taken by Mr. Sherman

11. Quirigua is known for its many finely sculptured stone monuments. The site boasts the largest carved Maya stele, a 65-ton behemoth known as Monument 5, dating to A.D. 771. Monument 5 stands 35 feet tall, with fully eight feet underground. Its sculptors worked in the local sandstone, which has a close and even grain that allows for highly intricate carvings. The city’s prominence that lasted until at least 810, the city's last recorded date. Quirigua

12. Semuc Champey Picture taken by Mr. Sherman

13. Semuc Champey Semuc Champey is a collection of tiered pools atop a natural limestone bridge in the jungles of Guatemala. It’s known for its turquoise lakes and lush greenery. Semuc Champey means "where the river hides beneath the earth" in the Maya Qéqchi´ language. It contains a fragile and unique ecosystem, formed by an extraordinary fusion of geomorphology, topography, hydrology, and biodiversity. It stands on the Mountains of Chama, and it is made of a natural stone bridge 300 meters long.

14. Current government Constitutional Democratic Republic Current leaders Otto Pérez Molina (2012) Main industries sugar, coffee, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

15. Religion 50–60% Roman Catholic, 30-40% Protestant, 8% Orthodox and 1% follow the indigenous Mayan faith Language Spanish 60%, native languages 40% (23 officially recognized native languages) Sports Soccer is the most popular sport Also baseball, American football, boxing and basketball are all popular.