A great deal has happened in Guatemala since the first edition. Its political climate has become even more volatile and violent. The most influential event, though, which affected just about everything, was the outbreak in 2020 of Covid-19, from the start of the disease in February until July. Large numbers of people, already living in extreme poverty, began literally to starve. The pandemic also exacerbated the existing political tensions.

Historical Dictionary of Guatemala contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 800 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture.