Guatemala is one of the leading countries in Central America. Its capital, Guatemala City, is among the region's most populous cities, second only to Mexico City. Once a thriving center of the Mayan civilization, Guatemala today remains a multi-ethnic society, with more than 40% of its people maintaining their indigenous identity and over 20 Mayan languages being used in daily life. Spain's conquest of Guatemala in the early 16th century kicked off around three centuries of colonial rule before Guatemala finally achieved independence in 1821. The newly independent Guatemala, however, had to endure a long period of political turmoil, which culminated in a 36-year civil war from 1960 to 1996 that left deep scars on the nation. After the signing of peace accords, Guatemala transitioned to democracy and began tackling the socio-economic disparities between rural and urban areas. Since 2010, the country's economy has grown steadily at 3-4%, yet more than half of the population still lives in poverty, subsisting on less than $5 a day. Limited access to education and medical services remains a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas where these basic services are lacking. Consequently, over 10% of the population - more than 2 million Guatemalans - have migrated to the United States, their remittances becoming a lifeline for impoverished families back home. Economically, agriculture is one of Guatemala's major industries, with farmers producing crops such as coffee, bananas, sugarcane, and cardamom spice. The country has also developed a strong textile industry, now a major export sector that has created a significant number of jobs. Despite its challenges, Guatemala is attracting many tourists thanks to its rich culture, history, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Coffee was introduced to Guatemala in the 1700s, reportedly by Jesuit missionaries who initially brought it as an ornamental plant. At the time, Guatemala's primary industries were indigo and cochineal dyes (derived from scale insects). However, with the invention of synthetic dyes causing a sharp decline in demand for these natural colorants, coffee quickly rose to prominence in the country's economy. By the 1880s, coffee accounted for a remarkable 90% of Guatemala's exports.