Guatemala’s population, the largest of any Central American nation, is 12,974,361 (2001 estimate). It is almost evenly separated between Native Americans and ladinos, but also includes small groups descended from African and European immigrants. Within the population are widely varied ways of life, differing between ladinos and indigenous people, between urban and rural residents, between the more affluent and the very poor.

More than half of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Mayan peoples. Westernized Mayans and mestizos are known as Ladinos. Most of Guatemala's population is rural, though urbanization is accelerating. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, into which many indigenous Guatemalans have incorporated orthodox forms of worship.Protestantism and orthodox Mayan religions are practiced by an around 40% and 1% of the population, respectively. Though the official language is Spanish, it is not universally understood among the indigenous population. the peace accords signed in December 1996 offer for the translation of some official documents and voting materials into several indigenous languages.