Ryan Carter

Guatemala

In 1996, Guatemala signed a peace treaty between the military and guerrillas, putting an end to a 36-year civil war that claimed about 200,000 lives and displaced more than one million.

Guatemala is the largest and most populated country (13 million) in Central America with a rich Mayan history, where the Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish) comprise the majority of the country’s population. And over whom loom the ravages of war.

Today, more than half of Guatemalans live below the poverty line and the struggle to make a living continues.

* produced while on assignment for the Canadian International Development Agency

The pier over looking the Pacific Ocean.November 29, 2007Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
   
A rainy Friday night in the streets of Jalapa.November 23, 2007Jalapa, Guatemala.
   
A man passed out at the bus station of the tourist town of Antigua de Guatemala.December 1, 2007Antigua de Guatemala, Guatemala.
     
  
Families from Laguna El Pito enter the local church on a Sunday morning.November 25, 2007Laguna El Pito, Guatemala.
   
Residents of Laguna El Pito attend a Catholic service on Sunday morning.November 25, 2007Laguna El Pito, Guatemala.
   
Margarito Jimenez Andres sits for a portrait on his bed, in the hand made adobe brick home.November 24, 2007Laguna El Pito, Guatemala.
     
  
Maria Adellia Cruz, baths in a stagnant pond in the mountains outside of Jalapa.November 24, 2007Laguna El Pito, Guatemala.
   
Edelia Maroquin and Rosadelia Ataa pay respect to a late family member at the cemetery.November 26, 2007Alda El Toma, Guatemala.
   
Esbin Aroldo Jimenez harvests some fresh maiz or corn with his son to prepare for lunch and dinner.November 25, 2007Laguna El Pito, Guatemala.
     
  
Ishmael Mignel, 7, and broher Luiz Mignel, 17, take a break from harvesting sugarcane in field south of Antigua de Guatemala. Sugarcane workers are paid about $3.00 USD / ton, workers usually harvest between 2 - 4 tons per day. Guatemala is the second largest sugarcane producer next to Columbia. November 30, 2007Antigua de Guatemala, Guatemala.
   
(left to right) Gladis, Gladis, 2, Kleibert, and Martina Perez Diaz from Antigua de Guatemala, picnic on the beach.November 28, 2007Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
   
Henry Ortega, 20, also known as "el Gato" rides home with his surf board after an afternoon surf.November 27, 2007Sipacate, Guatemala.
     
  
Anulfo Reyes, 17, socializes with friends on the pier in Puerto San Jose.November 29, 2007Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
   
(left to right) Silvana, Nataly, Jasmin and Jenifer relax backstage before performing as stripers at a nightclub in the port town, of Puerto San Jose.November 28, 2007Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
   
Daisy Gabriela Quino Sosa, 6, seen after her preschool graduation.November 28, 2007Sipacate, Guatemala.
     
  
Newly married Stephanie Yaeggy and Gian Carlo Duvra sit in the car before leaving the historical church.December 1, 2007Antigua de Guatemala, Guatemala.
   
A young middle to upper class crowd dancing into the night at Kalhua nightclub.November 23, 2007Guatemala City, Guatemala.