Guatemala City is the capital city of Guatemala. It’s situated in the south-central part of the country, in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita. Guatemala City is among the most important cities in Central America and one of the most diverse. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. Since the Spanish colonial era, Guatemala City has been influencing other cities around the region. It is renowned for its mix of architectural styles, with colonial buildings and modern structures standing side by side. Some of the places that make it famous include the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace of Culture, and the Mapa en Relieve.
Guatemala City is administered as a municipality, with a mayor-council form of government. The city is divided into 22 zones, each with its own administrative authority. The Mayor of Guatemala City, who has executive powers, is elected by popular vote. The city council, made up of councilmembers elected from each zone, scrutinizes the Mayor's decisions and can accept or reject his budget proposals each year. The municipal government is responsible for strategic planning, public safety, most aspects of transport and economic development, and local services such as local planning, schools, social services, local roads and refuse collection.
Guatemala City is the economic hub of the country, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. The city thrives in trade and commerce and has a vibrant culture steeped in commerce. It has a diverse economy with industries ranging from textiles and clothing to furniture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber products, and more. The city's economy is also bolstered by its role as the main entry point for international trade in the country, with La Aurora International Airport and various major highways converging in the city.
Guatemala City has been working on improving its infrastructure to accommodate its growing population and economy. The city's infrastructure plan includes new energy, water and sewerage infrastructure, to enhanced digital connectivity and new public transportation schemes. Some of the investment is provided by the private sector, with business particularly concerned at the lack of capacity in digital infrastructure. The city is also focusing on improving its road infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion, which is a significant issue in the city.
Guatemala City is making strides in becoming more technologically advanced. The city's financial sector relies heavily on electronic transactions, and there has been significant investment in digital infrastructure to support this. There is also a growing technology industry in the city, with a number of tech start-ups and companies choosing to base themselves in Guatemala City. The government is also investing in technology to improve public services and infrastructure.
