Almost two-thirds of Guatemalans are living in extreme poverty, according to a new study from the Inter-American Development Bank.

The report ,Poverty in Guatemala, found that more than six in every ten Guatemalans were surviving on less than two dollars a day, with things worsening for the country's indigenous communities which make up some sixty percent of the population.

According to the report, Guatemalans have the lowest life expectancy in Central America, and suffer the lowest education levels on the continent.

The IDB cites lack of economic opportunity and a non-existent infrastructure as the main problems facing the country.

The government maintains that spending on poverty alleviation has increased sharply.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service