What Is The Economy Like in Guatemala?
Guatemala has the largest economy in Central America. The private sector generates about 85 percent of the GDP, and government involvement in the economy is fairly minimal. The service sector is the largest sector of the Guatemalan economy, making up 62 percent of the GDP and employing about 48 percent of the population. Industry contributes around 24 percent of the GDP, and agriculture contributes 13.5 percent of the GDP.

Guatemala has a large wealth gap. The richest 10 percent of the population earns one-half of all income. Meanwhile, about 80 percent of the population lives in poverty. Most of these people live on less than $2 a day.
Related Questions
- What is Guatemala's Population and Ethnic Makeup?
- Is The Government Stable in Guatemala?
- What Is Guatemala's Currency?
- Will I See A Lot Of Poverty in Guatemala?
- What Are the Voting Rights Like in Guatemala?

Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.




