Many areas of the country have proven to be very fertile, and consequently agriculture
makes up a large part of Guatemala’s economy (15% of GDP and half of the labor force).
Guatemalan agricultural exports are typical of Central America: including coffee, sugar, and
bananas (CIA, 2010). Consequently, much of the population works in rural areas, providing the
physical labor necessary for agricultural production. Because this population is also notoriously
underpaid they are of specific interest in regards to health concerns.