Santa Rosa Department
Pacific transition: coffee (highland), sugar (lowland), cattle. Volcanic soils + geothermal potential. By 2026, agricultural diversity provides resilience; geothermal development potential.
Pacific coastal transition—Santa Rosa bridges highland and coastal economies. Coffee in the highlands, sugar in the lowlands, and cattle throughout create diversified agricultural base. The department's position between Guatemala City and El Salvador border ensures transit economy benefits.
Volcanic activity (Tecuamburro, Jumaytepeque) creates fertile soils while posing hazard risk. Geothermal potential exists but remains undeveloped. The department's mixed economy provides more resilience than monoculture neighbors.
Population distribution spans highland indigenous communities and lowland ladino towns. Economic diversity creates corresponding social complexity.
2026 trajectory: Agricultural diversification continues. Geothermal development potential exists. Transit economy benefits from regional integration.