Political and Cultural aspects

Political Guatemalan Aspects

Political System

Guatemala has a constitutional democratic republic. Constitutional democracy is a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. It's current president is the retired army general, Otto Perez Molina. He started his service on January 14th, 2012 and will be serving for 4 years as president.

Religion

Over half of the Guatemalan population identify themselves as Roman Catholics. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in the country. There is an archbishopric at Guatemala City and bishoprics at Quezaltenango, Verapaz, and Huehuetenango. There are also a lot of protestant, and people with indigionous mayan beliefs. The constitution separates the church from the governement. Freedom of religion is important in Guatemala. Religion is sacred for most guatemalans. There is still a high Mayan influence in many Guatemalans, some still practice mayan rituals. Semana Santa or Easter is celebrated in Antigua Guatemala with beatiful handmade creations.