Overview of Guyana

Profile

Guyana is South America's only English-speaking nation and hosts Caribbean Community (CARICOM) headquarters. About 90% of territory is untouched tropical rainforest or savanna with extremely high biodiversity. Primary industries include sugar, rice, gold, and bauxite, with rapid economic growth anticipated from offshore oil field production starting in 2019. The capital Georgetown features colonial wooden architecture with streets divided by canals.

Official name: Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Common name: Guyana
Numeric code: 328
Alpha-3 code: GUY
Alpha-2 code: GY
Population: Approximately 800,000 (2023)
Population density: About 4 people/km²
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
National anthem: Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains
Calling code: +592
Internet TLD: .gy

History

After Dutch and British colonial rule, gained independence in 1966, declared republic in 1970.

17th century Dutch settlement established three colonies: Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice. Early 19th century became British territory as 'British Guiana' developing sugar plantation economy, with influx of African slaves and later Indian contract laborers. Gained independence May 26, 1966, with Forbes Burnham regime declaring cooperative republic in 1970. Cold War era saw instability from socialist policies and ethnic tensions, but relatively stable democratic elections established from 1992. Recent years have seen offshore oil field development and Essequibo territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela drawing international attention.

Geography & climate

Composed of four regions: coastal lowlands, white sand/mineral belt, tropical rainforest highlands, and interior savanna, with countless rivers and waterfalls flowing north into the Atlantic.

Tropical rainforest climate

Area: South America / 214970 km²
Capital: Georgetown
Largest city: Georgetown
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname

Natural resources

Gold, Bauxite, Crude oil, Diamonds, Manganese, Timber (Greenheart, Wallaba), Freshwater, Hydropower, Seafood, Ferronickel, Quartz

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)

GDP (nominal): 16 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 22 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Guyana Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Mixed (Dougla), Amerindian, European descent, Chinese descent

Life expectancy

About 70 years

Literacy rate

About 89%

National sports

Cricket, Soccer, Basketball, Boxing, Athletics