Religion
Roman Catholicism was the only religion
during the colonial era, and remains the dominant faith with about
two-thirds of the population as adherents. However, Protestant
denominations have increased markedly in recent decades, especially
under the reign of dictator and evangelical pastor General Efraín Ríos
Montt. Around one third of Guatemalans are Protestant, chiefly
Evangelicals and Pentecostals.
The practice of traditional Mayan religion is increasing as a result of
the cultural protections established under the peace accords. The
government has instituted a policy of providing altars at every Mayan
ruin found in the country so that traditional ceremonies may be
performed there.
There are also small communities of Jews (about 1200), Muslims (1200),
and members of other faiths.
Guatemala was visited by Pope John Paul II three times, the last being
in 2002, when the pontiff canonized Pedro de Betancourt, the first
Guatemalan saint, as well as the first saint from Central America.[10]
The current Roman Catholic leader of Guatemala is Cardinal Rodolfo
Quezada Toruno, Archbishop of the Guatemala dioceses, and Mons. Álvaro
Leonel Ramazzini Imeri is head of the Episcopal Conference.
Education
The government runs a number of public elementary and secondary-level
schools. These schools are free, though the cost of uniforms, books,
supplies, and transportation makes them less accessible to the poorer
segments of society. Many middle and upper-class children go to private
schools. The country also has one public university (Universidad de San
Carlos de Guatemala), and 9 private ones (see List of universities in
Guatemala). Only 69.1% of the population aged 15 and over are literate,
the lowest literacy rate in Central America.[11]
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