Population density: 113/km2 (294/mi2)
Main languages spoken: Quiché, Mam, Cakchiquel, Kekchí, Spanish More than half of Guatemalans are Amerindians, descendants of the original Mayas. Culture and language distinguish them from ladino groups. Ladinos include a white elite, a large mixed-race group, and also Amerindians rejecting traditional dress and language to avoid discrimination. Political power and 65% of land are held by a few ladino families. Amerindians mainly live in the highlands, by subsistence farming. In a 1999 plebiscite, ladinos rejected proposed reforms recognizing 23 Amerindian languages and the right of Amerindians to have judicial hearings in their own languages. THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT
 ETHNIC MAKEUP
 From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004 | 
