Production of the departments of Guatemala

Guatemala
Regarding its agricultural production, in general all the lands in the department are fertile,
although many of its forests have been cut down. Its main agricultural products are coffee, beans,
sugar cane, legumes and flowers. There is also cattle and pig breeding. Many of the main
industries are located in this department, such as textile factories, liquor, furniture, beer,
construction materials, metal products, candy, musical instruments and leather products, among
others (Diccionario Municipal de Guatemala, 2001).

Chimaltenango
Chimaltenango, due to its topographic constitution, develops a varied and abundant agricultural
production that provides surpluses that are marketed in other departments. Among its main
agricultural products are: Pochuta coffee, Acatenango and Parramos beans, as well as superior
quality sugar cane, corn, wheat, vegetables and fruits of all climates. Among its livestock
production, it has cattle, sheep, horses and pork, from which dairy products and sausages can be
obtained, as well as poultry breeding. Its industrial production includes yarn, fabrics and
maquiladora industries, as well as the deforestation of trees.

Suchitepequez
The economy of this department is based mainly on its agricultural production, among its main
crops we have: tobacco, coffee, rubber, cocoa, basic grains, sugar cane, superior quality cotton,
corn, beans, garlic and we must also add abundance. with which yuccas, sweet potatoes and all
kinds of nutritional and medicinal roots are produced, as well as legumes that reproduce with little
work and an extraordinary advantage is the fertility and humidity that their lands have. The main
wealth is agriculture, its multiple productions, its very active and large-scale trade, which together
with the industriousness of its inhabitants make it one of the richest departments in the country.
Due to the existence of good lands and the abundance of varieties of pastures, there is also a great
variety of breeds of cattle, and therefore also companies that process good quality dairy products.
Among its industries, sugar mills, coffee mills, ice and liquor factories, cement articles, essential oil
factories stand out, as well as pottery and artisanal production in some of its municipalities.

Only the
One of the main sources of the economy of this department is Lake Atitlán, since apart from being
a tourist center of great importance, it serves as a means of social and commercial communication
between the towns on the shore, while supplying the inhabitants of fish, crabs, plant species such
as coots and tulle for the production of artisanal items. In this lake, a species of very small fish
known locally as "patín" is produced, which constitutes an exquisite dish in the diet of both
Ladinos and indigenous people. In the economy, the agricultural products that its inhabitants
cultivate also play an important role, the main one being coffee, also producing corn, sugar cane,
beans, wheat, barley, potatoes, legumes, etc. This department also has the breeding of different
types of livestock, such as cattle, horses and sheep, making this department one of the largest
producers of wool nationwide.

Huehuetenango
The economy of the department of Huehuetenango is based on regional agriculture that includes
the most varied crops, according to the multiple topographic and climatological conditions, as well
as the nature of the soil. Coffee, sugar cane, tobacco, chili, cassava, annatto and a great variety of

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fruits have been grown in hot and temperate lands. In cold land, wheat is grown, which is more
widespread and is produced throughout the department of Huehuetenango.
In times past, the source of wealth of the towns of Huehuetenango, since it had the excellence of
its pastures and the continuous trade with the Mexican haciendas that time immemorial, have
exercised the trades that constitute the industry in its most common forms, transforming the raw
materials for the usual services of daily life. The pottery and leather industry continue to take
place. In the departmental capital, good bricks and clay tiles have been manufactured; In
Malacatancito, skilled quarries carve the stone and make corn grinding stones, which are sold
throughout the region. The spinning and weaving industry, although on a small scale, is still
practiced throughout the department. Likewise, some silver, lead, zinc and copper mines are
exploited. An important craft is traditional ceramics, which are modeled in 16 municipalities. This
only requires one burning, which is done outdoors. In Chiantla they work with glazed ceramics that
are fired twice in the kiln.

Peten
This department supports its economy with various activities such as agriculture, with crops of
corn, beans, rice, sugar cane, tobacco, henequen, maguey, coffee, rubber, fruits, fine and precious
woods, sapodilla, etc.; the livestock, with the raising of dual-purpose cattle, the production of
dairy products, its varied fauna and abundant wildlife; and the artisanal ones, being notable the
production of typical cotton fabrics, basketry, wooden furniture, brooms and palm hats, sugar,
panela, rigging, henequen hammocks, leather items, etc.

Izabal
Izabal is one of the departments that offers the greatest wealth to the country, due to the fertility
of its soil, mineral resources, accessibility through communication routes, sea ports and
alternatives within the tourism sector. This department is eminently agricultural and its main
export product is bananas, although its crops have diversified and currently produce rice, corn and
the fruits typical of the warm place; and the exploitation of the subsoil for the extraction of
minerals. The Santo Tomás and Puerto Barrios ports are located in Izabal, which have the capacity
to dock very quiet ships at their docks, becoming essential points of international exchange in the
Atlantic Ocean. The crafts of this department are made by the skillful hands of its residents, who
are dedicated to making musical instruments, jewelry, basketry, kitchen utensils and decorative
items. They are in greater demand for the production of fishing nets, they make and paint masks
for dances and rituals, as well as sisiras (chinchines) that are used for other non-religious festivals.
They also design ornamental items with materials such as jade and seafood, especially the variety
of shells with which they make necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and combs.

Zacapa
Due to its warm climate and the constitution of its lands, it is not possible to dedicate them to all
types of crops, and these can be grown in the irrigated parts known as "vegas", since cold land
crops are grown on a reduced scale. Due to these conditions, the inhabitants dedicate themselves
largely to commerce, as well as to raising livestock.

Chiquimula
Chiquimula's economy is based on agricultural production, its most important products being:
corn, beans, rice, potatoes, coffee, sugar cane, cocoa, bananas and tobacco, which has been
established as a special farm. It has large farms with cattle breeding, which make it stand out from
other departments of Guatemala. An important sector of its economy is mining, as it is considered

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an area of mining activity, although currently its production has been considerably reduced. In
addition to metallic minerals, we know of the existence of non-metallic ones such as gypsum,
whose quarry is located in the Rincón hamlet, in the San José La Arada municipality. It is also
possible that in Chiquimula there are deposits of bentonite and perlite. A mining company has
carried out exploitation work in the Cañada village in the municipality of Concepción Las Minas, to
obtain lead, zinc and silver concentrates.

Jutiapa
The main economic activity in Jutiapa is agriculture and livestock. The main crops are rice (first
national producer with 18.5% due to the use of highly industrialized and highly technical
cultivation), Chile pepper (first national producer with 20%), Tomato (First national producer with
20.2%) , beans (second producer with 13.5%, after Petén with 17%), onion (with 21.4%, it is the
second producer nationally after Quiché with 24.7%), melon (third national producer after Zacapa
and Santa Rosa), mango (fourth producer nationally with 7.19% after Retalhuleu, Santa Rosa and
Suchitepéquez), corn (fifth producer nationally with 6.6% after Peten, Alta Verapaz, Quiche and
Huehuetenango), In addition, sorghum, lentils, sugar, tobacco, potatoes, cassava, sesame,
henequen, maguey, coffee, cotton and various fruits are produced. Jutiapa is also the second milk
producing department nationwide.

Progress
The economy of El Progreso is based on the agricultural production of coffee, sugar cane, tobacco,
corn, beans, cocoa, annatto, tomato, vanilla, lemon tea, cotton and various fruits. The department
of El Progreso, being made up of arid and dry lands in a large part of its territory, has the
characteristic that men frequently leave the place to emigrate to the capital or to other countries
in search of better personal and family horizons. Therefore, women have chosen to contribute to
the home economy, working in limited agriculture and selling edible products on the Pan-
American Highway, as well as in neighborhood markets. The municipality with the largest
economy in the department is Sanarate followed by Guastatoya and San Agustín Acasaguastlán.

Alta Verapaz
In Alta Verapaz, corn, beans, rice, coffee, tea, cocoa, pepper and cardamom are harvested. Its
industry has an artisanal character, with moderately developed sectors such as textiles or forestry.
Some of the department's energy resources are oil and lead and zinc mining.

Baja Verapaz
Its economy is based on the agriculture of products such as: sugar cane, legumes, basic grains and
cereals. In its livestock production it has: raising cattle, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons
and bees; It also has small turpentine factories; and its inhabitants are dedicated to the artisanal
production of: Typical fabrics, traditional ceramics, especially the Rabinal gourds and guacals.

Jalapa
The department of Jalapa supports its economy in various commercial activities, which are also
influenced by the same conditions of the terrain, especially in the agricultural branch, since there
is the production of a diversity of crops according to the varied climates existing due to the
topography. of the land, and among these we have the production of corn, beans, rice, potatoes,
cassava, chili, coffee, bananas, tobacco, sugar cane, wheat, etc. Regarding livestock activities,
there is the raising of cattle, horses and pigs; The production of dairy products, panela, coffee
processing, and leather products also stands out; and what is the artisanal activity, it is

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distinguished by the production of cotton fabrics, traditional ceramics, glazed ceramics, rigging,
wooden furniture, palm products, tiles and clay bricks, chandlery, rockets, musical instruments,
gourd products , etc.

Santa Rosa
Agricultural production: Among its agricultural products, coffee stands out, which is of good
quality, sugar cane, corn, beans, rice, potatoes, sesame, maicillo, cotton, tobacco, onion, avocado,
tomato and fruits, especially the so-called sugar pineapple. . Livestock production: In the livestock
aspect, the municipalities of Guazacapán, Oratorio and Taxisco stand out. In these same places
there are cattle ranches with large production of milk, cream, cheese and butter. Industrial
production: In the industrial aspect there are sugar mills and coffee mills. Artisanal production: In
some municipalities they make cotton fabrics, rocketry, basketry and chandlery. Due to having
access to the sea, there are many salt mines, especially in Guazacapán and Chiquimulilla, as well as
the production of cast nets and fishing nets.

Escuintla
Escuintla is one of the most important departments from an agricultural, livestock and commercial
point of view, because it is an obligatory passage for communication with El Salvador and Mexico,
as well as with the ports of embarkation and disembarkation in the Pacific Ocean. Regarding
agricultural production, Escuintla is one of the most important departments for its crops of coffee,
sugar cane, cardamom, banana, plantain, cotton, citronella and lemon tea. On a smaller scale they
exploit the planting of corn, beans and legumes. There is cattle and horse breeding and due to its
location on the seashore, salt and fishing are exploited. Industrially, there are paper and cardboard
factories, liquor stores, rubber layers, sugar mills, citronella oil factories, lemon tea factories, and
cotton gins. Escuintla is also famous for its beaches and receives a large amount of national
tourism. There are three ports of tourist and commercial importance: Puerto de San José, Puerto
de Iztapa and Puerto Quetzal.

Quiche
Agricultural production: Agriculture is one of the main lines of life of its inhabitants, since the
variety of climates, coupled with the large number of rivers that run through its territory,
contribute to its production being varied and abundant, its main ones being items: corn, wheat,
beans, potatoes, beans, peas and on a smaller scale coffee, sugar cane, rice and tobacco. There are
also large forests where precious woods abound. We can also find the most valuable products in
this department. Livestock production: In almost all municipalities there is raising of cattle, horses,
sheep and goats, especially in the municipalities of Santa Cruz Quiché, Nebaj, San Juan Cotzal,
Chajul and Uspantán. Sheep cattle are found mainly in areas with colder climates. Industrial
production: Something very important that needs to be highlighted is the production of the best-
known Black Salt, gem or stone salt, which the indigenous people of Sacapulas extract from the
mines. It is known that its subsoil is rich in minerals, with known mines of iron, silver, marble, lead,
etc. Artisanal production: El Quiché is one of the most important departments in terms of its
artisanal production. The production of traditional cotton and wool fabrics stands out. The cotton
ones, woven by women on backstrap looms; and the wool ones, by men on foot looms, although
the small pieces such as backpacks, bags and caps, are woven by hand, with a needle. Another
important craft is the making of high-quality palm hats. Women make braids at any time, at home
or on the roads when they go to the market. These braids are delivered to the workshops where
the hats are sewn. They also make musical instruments, rocketry, traditional ceramics, leather
goods, basketry, rigging, wooden furniture and carving of masks.

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Saint Mark
Agricultural production is very varied according to the heights of the department, which is why
there are products from the highlands as well as from the coast and the bocacosta. Among its
agricultural products are mentioned; corn, beans, wheat, barley, rice, banana, plantain, sugar
cane, cocoa, etc. Regarding livestock production, here we find cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.
Therefore, the production of dairy products is found in some places. Something that stands out
about this activity is the production of wool, since San Marcos is the department that produces the
most wool and it is marketed in the departments of Totonicapán and Quetzaltenango. This
department is distinguished by the production of a variety of artisanal items, among which we
have: Wooden furniture, typical cotton fabrics (güipiles, tablecloths, backpacks, etc.). In three of
the highland municipalities (Tacaná, Tajumulco and Ixchiguán), they make wool fabrics such as
ponchos or blankets and scarves. The wool sweaters woven in San Pedro Sacatepéquez are
recognized for their quality throughout the country, as well as the knitted fabrics, which are
manufactured especially in the villages of San Isidro Chamac and Champollap.

Quetzaltenango
It is the second most important city in Guatemala, because it is a municipality with a large
concentration of artisanal and industrial trade and services. Among its crops, the following stand
out: coffee, corn, apple, broccoli, lettuce, African palm, sesame, rice and rubber. It is a livestock,
industrial area, with great commercial and service activity.

Totonicapan
Totonicapán is one of the main producers of popular crafts, which are in great demand for their
variety and quality. It is famous for its fabrics, including the Momostenango ponchos, majolica,
traditional, glazed and painted ceramic works; and the production of wood products. This
department has extensive production of marbled yarn that is marketed in the rest of the country,
as well as the production of boxes painted with bright colors, used to package sweets. They are
dedicated to the cultivation of various products such as corn, beans, oats, wheat, barley and fruits
such as apples, plums and passion fruit. There are also large areas of white and red fir forests, but
they are becoming extinct due to the excessive felling of trees and the lack of control in their
cutting. Because it is located in a mountainous region, on several steep slopes, especially in the
municipality of Totonicapán and close to the capital, cultivation on contour lines has been
introduced for years, especially with wheat. The livestock production that this department has is
based on large flocks of sheep from which the wool used for the production of fabrics is obtained.

Sacatepequez
Its main source of income, in addition to tourism, is agriculture. Its lands are fertile, so its
agricultural production is large and varied, highlighting very good quality coffee, sugar cane,
wheat, corn, beans, vegetables from temperate zones, such as the cultivation of carrots, green
beans and peas; Among the fruits we can mention peach, pear, apple and avocado; Currently,
flower production stands out. There is also cattle and horse breeding. As for popular crafts, it is
one of the most important departments, since typical fabrics are made as shown by the large
number of typical costumes used by the indigenous people, women are the ones who conserve
them the most. Ceramics can be divided into glazed majolica and painted; Currently Antigua
Guatemala is the main producer of majolica ceramics. Basket weaving is the art of weaving fibers
of palm, tule, wicker, cibaque, wheat straw, bamboo and cajeta bark to produce containers and

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flat objects for the purpose of storing and carrying various items; From the rigging, hammocks,
cargo nets, bags and hammocks are made; maguey fiber is used to make them; Furniture is made
from white pine, cedar and mahogany wood; The musical instruments that are made are the
guitar, violins and double basses; Palm mats, metal products such as balconies, lanterns, dressing
tables, knockers and lamps are manufactured. Goldsmithing works with gold and silver making
chains, bracelets, rings, bangles, and pendants; the lamps, candlesticks and lamps are made of tin;
In the chandlery, candles of different colors and sizes, candle holders, candle holders, candles and
votive offerings are made. There is a variety of leather jobs and specialties, some of which are
bags, purses, wallets, briefcases and belts.

Retalhuleu
This department is one of the most important in the Republic due to its natural wealth, its
agriculture, industry, commerce and magnificent communication routes. Because it is an
eminently agricultural and industrial department, migrant workers from the highlands temporarily
attend. The topography of the department is quite rugged, as its heights vary between 614 meters
above sea level in San Felipe, gradually descending to 5 meters in Champerico on the seashore, so
its climate is generally warmer than tempered. For this reason, it is a strong agricultural and
livestock production area. Among the crops of this region we have: corn, beans, coffee, sugar
cane, rice, cotton, rubber, African palm, various forests. There are also several livestock farms as
well as the exploitation and use of maritime resources in the Port of Champerico, with salt mines
and fishing.
In this place there are also various types of industries, among which essential oil factories, cotton
gins, spinning factories, sugar mills, coffee mills, paper factories, seafood processing factories, etc.
stand out; and among its artisanal productions we can mention the production of panela, musical
instruments, typical cotton fabrics and others.