2026 Facts & Figures: NORTH AMERICA

NUMBER of officially recognized Indigenous languages in GUATEMALA, alongside Spanish, the official language. Languages such as K’iche’, Q’eqchi’, and Mam are spoken by about 40 percent of Guatemala’s population, reflecting the country’s rich Mayan heritage and its remarkable linguistic diversity.

^{Source: World Schoolbooks}

PERCENTAGE of the world’s lakes found in CANADA. The nation boasts millions of lakes throughout its vast landscape, from tiny ponds to Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake on Earth, which it shares with the United States. Canada’s ubiquitous lakes help make the country one of the top nations in the use of hydropower.

^{Source: Trafalgar}

Montana’s not crowded—unless you count the cows. By size, it’s the fourth-largest state in the UNITED STATES, but Montana is one of the least densely populated. An estimated 2.6 million cows—roughly two for every person—roam its vast rangelands. This cattle-to-human ratio highlights the state’s deep agricultural roots, with cattle ranching playing a major role in the economy.

^{Source: Trafalgar}

In October 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming MEXICO’s first female president. A former climate scientist and Mexico City mayor, Sheinbaum won with nearly 60 percent of the vote. She faces major challenges, including subduing Mexico’s violent drug cartels, curbing corruption, and managing relations with Mexico’s top trading partner, the United States.

^{Source: NPR}