Guatemala: History

1523

Guatemala is turned into a Spanish colony.

1821

Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire a year later. 

1823

Guatemala becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America, which includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 

1839 Guatemala gains full independence.

1873-1885

Guatemala's new president modernizes the country, develops the army, and introduces coffee growing, which becomes one of its largest exports. 

1976

An earthquake struck Guatemala, killing 27,000 people and more than one million people are left homeless.

1989

The civil war toll since 1980 has caused the death of 100,000 people, and another 40,000 are announced missing.

1996

After 36 years, a peace agreement marks the end of the civil war.

2004

Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras agree on a free-trade agreement with the United States which comes into effect in 2006. 

2005

Government ratifies Central American free trade deal with the United States. 

2016

Guatemala teams up with El Salvador and Honduras in a joint security force aimed at fighting gangs and cross-border crime.

2020

Protestors burn the Congress building following anger at a budget that opponents say neglects poverty.