Guatemalans surge in past decade

Maryland’s Guatemalan population has surged in the past decade, more than doubling its population share among Hispanics, a feat some say is part of a national trend. The growth, centered in the Maryland suburbs, has reshaped Langley Park’s population. Once just less than 18 percent of the area’s Hispanic population, the Guatemalan share has jumped to 35 percent and surpassed Salvadorans as the predominant nationality there.

Some experts say the population in Maryland is still too small to draw conclusions. However, others note that the group is ranked 10th nationally in terms of its immigration numbers.