Guatemala is a Constitutional Democratic Republic. They got their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Guatemala's President (right) is President Otto Fernando PEREZ MOLINA, who is also Guatemala's Chief of State. Their Vice President is Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias. Guatemala also has a Council of Ministers who are appointed by the President.
Guatemala's flag (right) has three vertical lines of light blue, white, then light blue. The white stands for peace and purity. The light blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, sky, and sea. The coat of arms in the middle of the flag has a red and green quetzal (see below) meaning liberty. The scroll has the actual date of their independence. The crossed rifles mean defense and the crossed swords mean honor. The laurel wreath around the coat of arms symbolizes victory.
Guatemala's national symbol is the Quetzal (to the right) which is a bird. Their national anthem is called "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" which means "National Anthem of Guatemala." You can listen to the National Anthem if you click on the button at the top.