Guatemala has the third highest degree of income inequality, exceeded only by Brazil and Pakistan, among low- to middle-income countries worldwide. The poorest fifth of the population receives only 1.9 percent of the total income. Guatemala also has the lowest schooling coverage in Latin America.

Although agriculture provides employment for more than half of the work force, it contributes only one fourth of the GNP. Nevertheless, it generates more than three fifths of all exports.

Guatemala is Central America's leading producer of coffee, which is the country's largest export commodity. Other major agricultural exports are sugar, bananas, cardamom, cotton, beans, tropical fruits, vegetables and meat. Although production of maize has increased, it is not sufficient to meet the needs of the population. Cattle, pigs, sheep and chickens are the principal livestock.

The principal industries are textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber and tourism.