Guatemala
Republic of Guatemala
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.33%
Guatemala is a Central America country of around 18.1 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 108,889 km², translating to a density of 166 people per km². Its capital is Guatemala City, and Spanish is the official language, while the Guatemalan quetzal serves as the national currency.
Population
18,079,810
Area
108,889 km²
Density
166/km²
World Rank
#72
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 20.8 per thousand against deaths at 4.8 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 31.6% of residents under 15 and 4.8% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Central America
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currencies
- Guatemalan quetzal (Q)
- Calling Code
- +502
- Top-Level Domain
- .gt
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 18,079,810
- Land Area
- 108,889 km²
- Population Density
- 166 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.33%
- Annual Growth
- +240,461 people
- Daily Growth
- +659 people
- World Population Share
- 0.22%
- Coordinates
- 15.50°, -90.25°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $6.2k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.6%—well below the world average. A Gini index of 45.2 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
72.6 years
GDP per Capita
$6,150
Birth Rate
20.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
56.0%
Fertility Rate
2.31 births/woman
Infant Mortality
17.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.6%
Literacy Rate
82.1%
Internet Users
56.0%
Under 15
31.6%
Over 65
4.8%
Health Spending
6.8% GDP
Gini Index
45.2
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.7M
15-64 years
11.5M
65+ years
877K
Urbanization
About 56% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Guatemala City, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 7959.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
10.1M
56.0%
8.0M
44.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 17.9 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 82.1% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Guatemala
Guatemala has 18 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Guatemala is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Guatemala participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 18,079,810 |
| 2030 | 19,032,006 |
| 2035 | 20,230,251 |
| 2040 | 21,439,702 |
| 2045 | 22,663,129 |
| 2050 | 23,903,522 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Guatemala.
Largest Cities in Guatemala
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Guatemala by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Guatemala?
The population of Guatemala is approximately 18.1 million as of 2026, making it #72 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Guatemala?
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala?
The main languages spoken in Guatemala are Spanish.
How big is Guatemala?
Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 km² with a population density of 166 people per km².
Is Guatemala growing or shrinking?
Guatemala is growing at a rate of 1.33% per year, adding approximately 240,461 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Guatemala?
The average life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Guatemala?
The GDP per capita of Guatemala is $6,150.