Key Facts

—The number. Guatemala’s real GDP grew 4.5% in the first quarter of 2026, against 3.8% a year earlier.

—The leader. Construction grew 7%, the fastest of the 17 tracked activities, helped by a public-private motorway.

—The forecasts. The central bank projects 4.1% for the year. An IMF mission cut its call to 3.75% on the oil shock.

—The implication. For the IMF number to hold, the next three quarters must average about 3.5%.