Climate risk and adaptation country profile: Guatemala
This Country Profile is part of a series of 31 priority country briefs developed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) as part of its Disaster Risk Management Plans. The profile synthesizes most relevant data and information for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change and is designed as a quick reference source for development practitioners to better integrate climate resilience in development planning and operations.
With an annual GDP of US $37 billion, Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also one of the most densely populated. As a result of widespread deforestation and land degradation, slash-and-burn subsistence agriculture, and overexploitation of water resources, Guatemalans rely on degraded natural resources and lands with low productivity, leading to increased food insecurity and vulnerability. Other factors that increase vulnerability include urbanization and rapid population growth in high-risk areas, highly unstable physical structures, limited access to clean water and health services, and low capacity to manage natural disaster risks