Guatemala

About Guatemala

USAID and its partners work with the Government of Guatemala, the private sector, and civil society to implement a wide range of projects designed to create new economic opportunities, improve citizen security and improve the accountability and transparency of public institutions. USAID/Guatemala supports programs that reduce poverty, promote overall economic growth and job creation, create opportunities for foreign direct investment, protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups, improve health and education outcomes, guarantee food security and protect the environment. USAID also works to ensure that the Government of Guatemala can provide security and justice for all Guatemalans, by strengthening key justice sector institutions, combating international criminal networks and human trafficking, reducing gang violence and criminal impunity, and strengthening borders.

History

USAID/Guatemala has been operating since the 1950’s. In the last decades we have made significant contributions to the country's development, from aiding the building of Guatemala’s section of the Pan-American Highway, to the foundation of the Association of Guatemalan Exporters (Agexport) and establishing the concession system that protects the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.

Our Approach

Our approach aligns with the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America. We foster prosperity, security, and improved governance throughout Guatemala and prioritize connecting Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth to opportunities that will enable them to sustain dignified livelihoods in their home communities.

Our Programs

Our development programing aims to advance Guatemala’s economic growth, improve education and health services, and build strong governance and justice systems. We have more than 40 different activities that directly benefit over 2 million Guatemalans and indirectly almost 8.5 million.