ON THE MAP
A brief history of the countries in the film
GUATEMALA
Population: 17 million
History: It was ruled by a series of dictatorships with short periods of constitutional legitimacy, until democracy in 1944. The government began redistributing land to povertystricken farmers, angering US company United Fruit, who lobbied the US government into staging a coup in 1954. Civil war followed, along with abuses of indigenous Mayans, ending in 1996 with a death toll of more than 200,000. At least 60% of people live in poverty.
Government: President Alejandro Giammattei represents the right-wing Vamos party. Last year, protests broke out over proposed health/education cuts.
Bands: Noctis Invocat, The Maximones.
COLOMBIA
Population: 50 million
History: It was colonised by Spain in the 1500s. In 1819, Spanish forces were defeated and Gran Columbia was formed (including Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador, until the latter two seceded). In the late 1840s, rival conservative and liberal parties emerged, leading to two civil wars: the Thousand Days’ War (1899-1902) and ‘La Violencia’ (1948-1957). Leftist guerilla groups formed, including FARC in 1964, with all sides influenced by drug trafficking. In 2016, a ceasefire ended conflict between FARC and the government; the death toll was 220,000 with 7 million displaced.
Government: President Iván Duque Márquez represents the conservative Democratic Center party.
Bands: Masacre, Tears Of Misery.
ECUADOR
Population: 17 million
History: It was conquered by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and Spain a century later, before becoming part of Gran Colombia in 1822 and then independent in 1830. In the 20th century it alternated between civilian and military rule, and had several border wars with Peru. Oil production started in the 70s, impacting indigenous tribes and the environment. In 1990, the indigenous uprising drew attention to social, historical and economic disadvantages.
Government: Lenín Moreno represents the social democratic PAIS Alliance. In 2019, indigenous peoples protested against the government’s austerity measures and won.
Bands: Curare, Black Sun, Demolición.