About Guatemala

With over 12 million people, Guatemala is the most densely populated country in Central America.More than 50% of the population are “Indigenous”, direct descendants of the Mayan and other Indian cultures.Extreme poverty and the world’s third highest illiteracy rate (50%) stand in the way of improved living conditions.The Indigenous men struggle to feed their families by growing corn and beans on small plots of land. Since this does not suffice, the women supplement the meager family earnings by weaving and selling textiles.Children are enlisted to help their families at a very young age, often already at the age of four. As a result, the rate of child labor is very high in Guatemala and many of these working children do not go to school.

Back to Home Page