Guatemala
The figures from Guatemala, tracked since 2000, show persistent challenges in meeting international benchmarks for education financing. The latest available data (2023) indicates that 3.18% of GDP was spent on public education—below the international benchmark of 4–6% and under the regional average. In contrast, education accounted for 22.64% of total government expenditure, exceeding the 20% target set in 2015 and the regional average. Despite this comparatively high budget share, public spending per school-age person was US$ 559.63 (2023), still below the regional average, reflecting structural inequalities and demographic pressures.
To complement these figures, national-level analysis from our members highlights key recommendations for enhancing equity and ensuring sustained investment in public education.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Guatemala’s investment in education, while substantial as a share of the public budget, remains insufficient in terms of its weight within the national economy. In 2023, public education spending represented 3.18% of GDP, well below international and regional standards. However, education accounted for 22.64% of total government spending, surpassing both the global and regional targets. This suggests that, despite fiscal constraints, education maintains a central position in the national budget.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Public expenditure on education as a % of total public expenditure
In Guatemala, the per capita spending stood at US$ 559.63 in 2023, below regional averages, which indicates that additional measures are needed to increase the overall envelope of resources availability per person.
Public spending per school-age person
Equity indicators show near gender parity in school attendance but ongoing disparities remain. The gender ratio in 2022 was 0.97, slightly below the regional average, indicating that girls’ attendance rates are almost on par with those of boys. While this points to steady progress, persistent socioeconomic, rural-urban, and ethnic inequalities continue to affect education access and retention.