  Ersttagsbrief
FDC First Day Cover Ersttagsstempel FDCs FDC´s Maxi Card |
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Republik
Guatemala |
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Republic in Central America on the
southern border of Mexico. The center of the Maya-Quiche Indian
civilization, Guatemala was conquered by the Spanish in the early 16th
century. The center of the Audiencia of Guatemala, which included all of
Central America and the Mexican state of Chiapas, Guatemala remained
under Spanish rule until 1821 when it declared its independence. During
1822-23, it was part of Mexico, and during 1823-39, it formed part of
the Republic of the United States of Central America. Since 1839,
Guatemala has been completely independent. Guatemala's economy is
land-based, with ownership concentrated in the hands of a relatively
small Spanish-descended oligarchy. Most menial labor is done by Indian
laborers. Since independence, Guatemala has been ruled by an almost
unbroken succession of military dictatorships. During 1961-96, the
country was torn by a bloody civil war, in which more than 100,000
people died and a million more became refugees. In recent years,
civilian governments and military regimes have alternated. |
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