Guatemala is a magnificent country nestled between Belize and Mexico, bordering Honduras and El Salvador. Roughly two-thirds of the total land is made up of mountains, many of which are volcanic.

As one of the chief centers of the Mayan culture, Guatemala abounds in archaeological ruins. People call Guatemala "Land of the Eternal Spring" because of the 75�F average annual temperature in Guatemala City.

Guatemala's 12 million population is growing by 2.5 percent each year. The extended family forms the basis of society and exerts significant influence on an individuals' life and decisions. Common-law marriages are accepted and often necessary if the groom cannot afford the responsibility to pay for the wedding, new clothes for the bride and any ceremonious celebrations.

When the society life traditions are broken down in these low economic conditions, there can be no family life. Many women must trek to large cities from rural villages in order to find work as a domestic and leave their children with their extended family to raise, sending money when she can. Many of the children relinquished for adoption here are the children that are born as "one mouth too many" to feed.

Very few Guatemalan families adopt, so children are frequently placed for adoption internationally. Seventy five percent of all people living in Guatemala live in poverty in the rural areas, and 2/3 Urban inhabitants live in poverty. More than � of Guatemala's primary school age children are not educated. More than � are undernourished, most children live in such poverty conditions rurally that they will never have hope of a future.

They need a Little Miracle of adoption to offer them a bright future and loving care in a forever family. Prepare yourself for a beautiful country and an easy adoption trip!