Guatemala has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades, making it the most populous country in Central America. As of 2024, its population is estimated to be around 18 million, up from roughly 8 million in 1980. This growth is driven by a relatively high birth rate and a youthful age structure, with a significant proportion of the population under the age of 25. While urbanization is increasing, a large portion of Guatemalans still live in rural areas, particularly among indigenous communities. The country’s rapid population growth presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for expanded educational, health, and employment resources to support its young and growing population.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,968,976 | 27.7 |
| 1955 | 3,487,032 | 32.5 |
| 1960 | 4,099,720 | 38.3 |
| 1965 | 4,745,640 | 44.3 |
| 1970 | 5,264,207 | 49.1 |
| 1975 | 5,910,462 | 55.2 |
| 1980 | 6,649,593 | 62.1 |
| 1985 | 7,513,581 | 70.1 |
| 1990 | 8,627,640 | 80.5 |
| 1995 | 9,929,627 | 92.7 |
| 2000 | 11,285,795 | 105.3 |
| 2005 | 12,701,639 | 118.5 |
| 2010 | 14,211,795 | 132.6 |
| 2015 | 15,720,815 | 146.7 |
| 2020 | 17,140,193 | 160 |
| 2022 | 17,703,190 | 165.2 |
| 2023 | 17,980,803 | 167.8 |
| 2024 | 18,255,216 | 170.4 |
| 2025 | 18,525,963 | 172.9 |
| 2030 | 19,842,090 | 185.2 |
| 2035 | 21,096,354 | 196.9 |
| 2040 | 22,290,211 | 208 |
| 2045 | 23,412,438 | 218.5 |
| 2050 | 24,442,800 | 228.1 |
| 2055 | 25,357,316 | 236.6 |
| 2060 | 26,138,559 | 243.9 |
| 2065 | 26,780,914 | 249.9 |
| 2070 | 27,279,690 | 254.6 |
| 2075 | 27,628,088 | 257.8 |
| 2080 | 27,820,064 | 259.6 |
| 2085 | 27,856,214 | 260 |
| 2090 | 27,746,541 | 258.9 |
| 2095 | 27,507,577 | 256.7 |
| 2100 | 27,155,589 | 253.4 |
Data from US Census International Database