Retalhuleu Department

Retalhuleu Department
Departmento de Retalhuleu
Counterclockwise from top: Palacio Departamental Retalhuleu, Retalhuleu Central Park, Xetulul, Takalik Abaj, Xocomil & rubber farms
Retalhuleu
Country Guatemala
CapitalRetalhuleu
Municipalities9
Government
  TypeDepartmental
Area
1,856 km2 (717 sq mi)
Population
 (2018)
326,828
  Density180/km2 (460/sq mi)
  Urban
187,401
  Religions
Roman Catholicism Evangelicalism Maya
Time zoneUTC-6
Websitegobernacionretalhuleu.gob.gt (in Spanish)

Retalhuleu (Spanish pronunciation: [re.tal.uˈlew], Retalhuléu) is a department located in the south-west of Guatemala, extending from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean coast. It has an area of 1856 km2. In 2018, the population of the Department of Retalhuleu was 326,828. Its capital, Retalhuleu City, mixes ancient and modern architecture, and it is also known for being a commercial city.

The largest Native American group in the state is the K'iche' (Quiché) Maya people. The department contains a number of Pre-Columbian ruins, including Takalik Abaj, and it also contains numerous amusement parks, the most important and known are Xetulul and Xocomil.