North of the mountains is a sparsely populated lowland area called the Pet n region. These areas provide dramatic contrasts between dense tropical lowlands and highland peaks and valleys. The climate of Guatemala varies from hot coastal plains to cold mountain heights. Most plants typical of tropical areas are found in the Guatemalan lowlands. Deer, monkeys, and piglike mammals called peccaries are common in the sparsely populated lowlands.
Bird life is extremely rich.
Guatemala's primary natural resource is the rich soil of its highland valleys and coastal plains, but it also has some petroleum, as well as nickel, lead, zinc, iron, and small quantities of gold, silver, and jade. Forests and woodlands offer valuable timber, fine woods, and other products. Most of the people live around Guatemala City and in the western highlands. The difference between ladinos and indigenous people is much more a matter of culture than of biological bloodlines. Native people who adopt Spanish as their primary language and exchange traditional clothing and lifestyles for European customs come to be regarded as ladino , regardless of their biological background.