It ended the country's 36-year civil war, which cost 140,000 lives. The internal conflict did little to reduce grinding poverty in a nation whose largely rural, Indian population lives in some of the most difficult conditions found in the Central America. At the same time, the judicial system has been unable to respond adequately to a crime rate that has rapidly accelerated since the war ended. By some estimates, the judiciary is close to collapse. Police are outgunned and outnumbered.
Judges are susceptible to bribes and threats.
The prevalence of bulldogs and bodyguards on Guatemala City's streets suggests the country still more resembles an armed camp. Crime is so common that business owners hire armed guards to stand outside their small shops and restaurants, and to ride along with delivery trucks. As the driver moves cases of bottles at each stop on his route, the guards take up their watch as though guarding a Brink's truck. Kidnappings for profit are averaging an astounding 180-200 people per month. Ransoms are readily paid for the safe return of loved ones.