Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Recent news highlights a surge in gang-related violence, prompting President Bernardo Arévalo to declare a state of emergency in January 2026. This action followed coordinated attacks by gangs, including prison riots in multiple facilities and targeted killings of police officers in Guatemala City and surrounding areas. The violence resulted in the deaths of at least ten officers and the taking of hostages in prisons. The state of emergency grants police expanded powers to arrest suspects without judicial orders. The situation underscores the challenges President Arévalo faces in combating corruption and organized crime. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights also holds hearings in Guatemala City, highlighting the city's role in addressing human rights concerns in the region. A bus crash on the Inter-American Highway between Guatemala City and San Marcos resulted in 15 deaths in December 2025.