What Language Do They Speak in Guatemala?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Spanish is also an official language in 20 other countries worldwide.
Learn some Spanish before you go
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Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Guatemala at a glance
| Official language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 1 |
| Countries on this site where Spanish is official | 21 |
| People (demonym) | Guatemalan |
| Capital | Guatemala City |
| Internet domain | .gt |
Other countries where Spanish is official
Spanish is also an official language in 20 other countries covered here:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Belize | English, Belizean Creole, Spanish |
|---|---|
| El Salvador | Spanish |
| Honduras | Spanish |
| Mexico | Spanish |
Guatemala in context
- Guatemala covers 108,889 km², making it the 105th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 166 people per km² ranks 57th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 4 countries: Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico.
- With 18,079,810 people, Guatemala holds about 35.7% of the population of Central America.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Guatemala is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Guatemala
Useful phrases for visitors to Guatemala
Everyday Spanish phrases you will hear and use in Guatemala:
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Hello | Hola |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| Please | Por favor |
| Goodbye | Adiós |
| Yes | Sí |
| No | No |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Guatemala — FAQ
What language do they speak in Guatemala?
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish.
How many official languages does Guatemala have?
Guatemala has 1 official language: Spanish.
Is Spanish spoken anywhere else?
Spanish is also an official language in 20 other countries.
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