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. There are also small groups descended from African and European immigrants. Tourism has been increasing in Guatemala in recent years. The delightful climate, colorful indigenous communities, and ancient Maya ruins attract 520,000 visitors each year.
Mining is a small but growing industry in Guatemala.
Petroleum is the major mineral resource, but there are also deposits of antimony, barites, feldspar, gypsum, marble, limestone, silica, and gravel. Other manufactures include processed food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, glassware, paper, and furniture. The Guatemalan currency is the quetzal . Maya civilization arose in the highlands of Guatemala over 2000 years ago. The Maya formed thriving city-states and a trading network that stretched over a wide area.