PEOPLE & POPULATION

The difference between Ladinos and the indigenous people is rooted in culture much more than it stems from a biological difference. Native people who speak Spanish rather than an idigenous language, and exchange their traditional dress and culture for Hispanic customs will generally be regarded as ladino irrelevant of their biological background. Traditionally these mestizo ladinos were not accepted into White Spanish Society, nor where they accepted by the indigenous descendants.

The indigenous Maya themselves are comprised of numerous disparate groups that have autonomous cultural traditions, speak distinct languages, and can often be identified by their differing traje. Although there are numerous ideas about what constitutes an autonomous cultural group, there are between twenty-two and twenty-eight Maya groups in Guatemala. For a list of the languages of Guatemala go to the Summer Institute of Linguistics. The largest of these is Quiche in the central highlands, followed by Kakchiquel around Lago de Atitlan, Mam in the northwestern part of the country and Kekchi along the Belizian border.** Although these groups have traditions which bind them, within each of these cultural groups there are different dialects, costumes, and customs.

Another part of the cultural mosaic found within Guatemala's borders, the east coast is flavored by Garifuna culture. The Garifuna are descendants of African Slaves who were brought to the New World by European settlers. Often British ships filled with Africans destined for slavery would shipwreck on the shallow banks of the Caribbean islands. The strong African traditions of the Garifuna culture emerged from those who made it to shore, and the presence of a rich African heritage is evident in their rhythms, colors, holidays and religious festivals.

Most male Guatemalans speak some Spanish. A large percentage of indigenous women, however, have had fewer educational opportunities and less contact with ladinos than have indigenous men. Therefore, despite its status as Guatemala's official language there are still many places in Guatemala where Spanish is foreign. In all Twenty-eight Maya languages are spoken in Guatemala, and though all belong to a Mayan language family these languages are mutually unintelligible.

Although there is technically "freedom of religion" guaranteed under the Guatemalan Constitution, Guatemala is mostly Catholic. Since the time of the conquistadors Roman Catholicism has been the most predominant cultural element of culture that is shared throughout all parts of Guatemalan society. Most of the indigenous people are devout Catholics, though their belief system is often different than more traditional Catholicism. This is, however, changing as evangelical Protestantism begins to sweep though the highlands.

The extended family forms the basis of society and directly influences the lives and decisions of many Guatemalans. Rural families often share a single home, and in the poorer communities it is not uncommon for large families to share a single bedroom. Children seldom have rooms that are separated from their parents. Urban families generally live in nuclear family settings though grandparents are often present. Adults generally live with their parents unless they must travel elsewhere for work. Increasingly more often children in rural areas will attend an urban boarding school, living away from home for the week and returning for the weekend.

In general however, the education system in Guatemala caters to the wealthy, who usually reside in urban locations. Although there are several thousands primary schools in Guatemala more than half of primary aged children do not attend and the adult literacy rate is at 56%. Part of the problem stems from the fact that many people do not speak Spanish, and few schools teach utilizing the region's native language. Family's also often the need for their children to be employed or to be around the household and cannot afford to send them to school.

Demographic Data: Information taken from the US Census Bureau

IDB Summary Demographic Data for Guatemala Year 2000

Births per 1000 population 35

Deaths per 1000 population 7

Rate of natural increase (percent) 2.8

Annual rate of growth (percent) 2.6

Life Expectancy at birth (years) 66.2

Infant deaths per 1000 live births 47

Total fertility rate (per woman) 4.7

On www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsum?cty= GT there's an age distribution chart.