The Mayan ruins of Tikal are just one of Guatemala's many charms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, it's a country lavishly supplied with colonial grandeur, ancient glories, jungles, volcanoes, and cheery folks.

• TOTAL AREA: 108,890 sq km

• LAND AREA: 108,430 sq km

• WATER AREA: 460 sq km

• POPULATION: 12,293,545

• RELIGIONS: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

• LANGUAGES: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

• GOVERNMENT TYPE: Constitutional Democratic Republic

• CAPITAL CITY: Guatemala

• OFFICIAL CURRENCY: quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

• TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC -6