Guyana Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Guyana, state of northeastern South America; 214,970 km², 779,000 residents (2019).Guyana borders on the east to Surinam and on the south and west to Brazil and has a coast to the Atlantic in the north. The capital is Georgetown (118,400 residents, 2013).

Country facts

Co-operative Republic of Guyana / Republic of Guyana
Country abbreviation: GY
Area: 214 970 km²
Population (2019): 779,000 residents
Capital: Georgetown
Main language: English
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: David Granger (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 4,635
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 4,760
Currency unit: 1 guyanad dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: GYD
Country number (telephony): 592
Internet Domain Name: gy
Time difference compared to Sweden: −5
National Day: February 23 (Proclamation of the Republic, 1970)
Independence Day: May 26, 1966

Nature

Land use: forest (84%), agricultural land (2%), other (14%)
Highest mountain: Roraima (2,810 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 4 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birth rate 20 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (29%), 15-64 (65%), 65- (6%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 67 years, women 73 years
Infant mortality (2019): 27 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 800,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.654 (place 125 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 27%
Most populous city (2013): Georgetown (118,400 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (15%), industry (15%), service (70%)
Exports (2017): US $ 1,440 million
Main export products: sugar, gold, bauxite
Main exporting countries: Canada, USA, Panama
Imports (2017): US $ 1,630 million
Main import products: machinery, oil products
Main importing countries: Trinidad and Tobago, USA, China
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south, and Suriname to the east. To the north, it has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. With an area of approximately 214,970 square kilometers, Guyana is the third-smallest country in South America, yet it holds a strategic position as a bridge between the Caribbean and the Latin American continent. The country’s location has historically made it a key point of contact for trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Guyana’s coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean makes it prone to flooding, which has influenced both its agricultural practices and settlement patterns. The country’s size and geography are diverse, with vast rainforests, extensive rivers, and the Rupununi savannah in the south. Guyana’s borders with Venezuela and Brazil have been a source of territorial disputes throughout its history, contributing to its complex political landscape.

Major Landforms

Guyana’s geography is defined by its three major regions: the coastal plain, the interior, and the highlands. The coastal plain is flat and stretches about 15 to 30 miles wide, running along the Atlantic Ocean. This region is densely populated and home to the capital, Georgetown, as well as the majority of the country’s agricultural activities. The coastal area, however, is below sea level in parts and is protected by an extensive system of dikes and sea walls, which help prevent flooding from the ocean.

The interior of Guyana is dominated by vast rainforests, the majority of which are part of the Amazon Basin. This area is sparsely populated and largely untouched by urbanization. The forests are rich in biodiversity and are home to numerous species of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and a variety of birds. The central region is mountainous, with the Pakaraima and Kanuku mountain ranges forming natural barriers that divide the country into various regions. Mount Roraima, a famous flat-topped mountain, lies in the south and is part of a geologically unique area where Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil meet.

Guyana’s highlands are largely uninhabited and are home to extensive tropical rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. These areas are rich in natural resources, including gold and diamonds, and remain vital to the country’s economy. The country’s vast and largely unexplored interior has played a key role in preserving Guyana’s natural beauty and environmental diversity.

Rivers and Lakes

Guyana’s rivers are one of the defining features of its geography, with the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice rivers being the largest and most important. The Essequibo River, which is the longest in the country, flows through the heart of the country, providing access to the interior and serving as a critical transportation route. The Demerara River, located in the central part of the country, runs through Georgetown, making it an important artery for the country’s economic and logistical activities. The Berbice River, located to the east, also serves as a major waterway, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The rivers of Guyana are vital for irrigation, providing water for the country’s agricultural lands, especially on the coastal plain. They also support Guyana’s fishing industry, with an abundance of freshwater and saltwater fish species. In addition to the major rivers, Guyana has numerous smaller streams and tributaries that flow through its rainforests and contribute to the Amazon River system.

Although Guyana does not have large natural lakes, there are several smaller bodies of water and wetlands, particularly in the interior. These wetlands, rich in biodiversity, provide important habitats for wildlife and are vital to the country’s environmental health.

Climate

Tropical Climate Zones

Guyana is situated within the tropics, and as such, it experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically occurs from May to August and again from November to January, when the country experiences heavy rainfall, often in the form of tropical showers and thunderstorms. The wet season contributes to the lush vegetation of the rainforest and replenishes water supplies for agriculture and other industries. During this period, rivers can overflow, leading to flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas.

The dry season runs from February to April and again in September and October, when rainfall is less frequent. During this period, Guyana experiences higher temperatures and lower humidity, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and tourism. However, the dry season also brings droughts, especially in the interior regions, where water sources may become scarce.

Because of its location near the equator, Guyana’s temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), with cooler temperatures at higher elevations, particularly in the mountains. The climate and weather patterns play a significant role in shaping the country’s agriculture, with rice, sugar, and other crops being highly dependent on the timing of rainfall.

Seasonal Variation

The seasonal variation in Guyana is closely linked to the two main rainy seasons and the two dry seasons. The wet seasons typically bring substantial rainfall, which is essential for agriculture, particularly rice and sugar production, which are key industries in Guyana. The dry season, on the other hand, is marked by less rainfall, which allows for fieldwork and harvests but can also lead to water shortages in some regions, particularly in the hinterland areas.

Although Guyana does not experience dramatic temperature fluctuations, the variation in precipitation and humidity throughout the year plays a critical role in agricultural cycles, fishing activities, and day-to-day life. Climate change has also begun to affect rainfall patterns, leading to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, which in turn affects agriculture and the country’s infrastructure.

People

Demographics

Guyana is home to a population of about 800,000 people, making it the third least populous country in South America. The population is ethnically diverse, with significant groups of Indo-Guyanese (descendants of Indian laborers), Afro-Guyanese (descendants of enslaved Africans), and Amerindian peoples (the indigenous people of Guyana). There are also smaller communities of Chinese, Portuguese, and European descent. This diversity stems from the country’s history of colonization, slavery, indentured labor, and migration.

The Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese communities make up the majority of the population, and their cultural practices and traditions play an important role in shaping the national identity. The Amerindian population, though smaller, is an important part of Guyana’s history and culture, particularly in the hinterland regions where many of these groups still maintain traditional lifestyles.

The population of Guyana is predominantly urban, with the capital, Georgetown, being home to more than a third of the country’s population. Other significant urban areas include Linden, New Amsterdam, and the towns along the coast. Rural areas are less populated, with many people living in the interior of the country, often engaged in subsistence farming or resource extraction industries.

Language and Religion

The official language of Guyana is English, a legacy of the country’s colonial history under British rule. English is the language of government, education, and business, but it is also spoken with a variety of regional accents and colloquialisms. Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole with influences from African, Indian, and Amerindian languages, is widely spoken in informal settings and is a key part of the cultural identity of the people.

In terms of religion, Guyana is a religiously diverse country, with Christianity being the predominant faith. Roman Catholicism and Protestantism (particularly Anglicanism and Pentecostalism) are widely practiced. The Indo-Guyanese community tends to follow Hinduism or Islam, while the Afro-Guyanese population is largely Christian, with some practicing traditional African religions. There is also a small indigenous population that practices traditional animistic beliefs.

Religious observances, such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Mashramani (the Guyanese national festival), are celebrated across the country and reflect the country’s cultural diversity. Despite its small size, Guyana is one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the Caribbean, with different religious communities coexisting peacefully.

Economy

Economic Overview

Guyana’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in South America, driven primarily by its natural resources, agriculture, and emerging oil industry. Traditionally, the economy has been reliant on agriculture, particularly sugar, rice, and gold, but in recent years, the discovery of offshore oil fields has dramatically transformed the economic landscape.

The agriculture sector remains a key pillar of the economy, with rice and sugar being the main export crops. Sugar production, however, has faced significant challenges due to declining global prices and inefficient management, while rice production has grown in recent years, benefiting from government incentives and investments. Guyana is also one of the largest exporters of gold in South America, and mining plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, with the extraction of bauxite, manganese, and diamonds being key industries.

The discovery of significant oil reserves off the coast of Guyana in recent years has sparked rapid economic growth. In 2020, oil production in the country exceeded 120,000 barrels per day, and further exploration suggests that the country could become one of the largest oil producers in the region. This has led to an influx of foreign investment and increased government revenues, though concerns remain about how the wealth generated from oil will be managed, particularly in terms of ensuring that the benefits are distributed across the population.

The services sector in Guyana is relatively small but growing, particularly in telecommunications, banking, and retail. The tourism industry, which has long been underdeveloped, holds great potential due to Guyana’s rich natural resources, including its rainforests, wildlife, and natural parks. However, the industry remains relatively small, primarily attracting eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its rapid economic growth, Guyana faces significant challenges. Poverty remains widespread, particularly in rural areas, and the country’s infrastructure is underdeveloped, with poor roads, limited electricity access in the hinterland, and inadequate public services. Corruption and political instability have also hampered effective governance and development, with the economy still highly dependent on a few key industries like oil and agriculture.

However, the economic opportunities in Guyana are abundant. The oil industry has the potential to revolutionize the country’s economy, and the government is working to establish a legal and regulatory framework to manage oil revenues effectively. The agricultural sector has room for growth, particularly with rice and sugar exports, and there is significant potential for tourism, given the country’s natural beauty and wildlife. The government is also seeking to improve infrastructure and develop human capital by investing in education and healthcare.

Government

Political Structure

Guyana is a democratic republic with a multi-party system. The political structure is based on the Constitution of Guyana, which was adopted in 1980 and provides for a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president is both the head of state and head of government and is elected for a five-year term by the National Assembly, the country’s bicameral legislature.

The National Assembly consists of 65 members, who are elected through proportional representation. The Parliament is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive. The judiciary is independent, with the judiciary system based on British common law, as a result of Guyana’s colonial history.

Guyana’s political system has historically been marked by ethnic divisions, with the two largest ethnic groups, Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese, often supporting different political parties. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has traditionally represented Indo-Guyanese interests, while the People’s National Congress (PNC) has garnered support from the Afro-Guyanese community. This ethnic-based political landscape has sometimes led to tension and conflict, particularly during elections.

Political History

Guyana’s political history is characterized by its struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1966 after decades of British colonial rule. The country’s early post-independence years were marked by political instability and ethnic tensions, particularly between the Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese populations. These tensions were exacerbated by the strong presence of political parties based on ethnic lines, which contributed to a period of political violence and economic stagnation in the 1970s and 1980s.

In recent decades, Guyana has made strides toward political stability and democratic governance. The country transitioned to a multiparty system in the 1990s and has held regular elections since then. However, challenges remain, particularly with regard to political polarization, corruption, and governance. The oil boom has presented both opportunities and risks, and the country faces the difficult task of managing its newfound wealth to ensure that it benefits all citizens equitably.

Culture

Art and Music

Guyana’s cultural heritage is a mix of African, Indian, Indigenous, and European influences, resulting in a vibrant and diverse artistic tradition. Guyanese art often reflects this multicultural heritage, with artists drawing inspiration from the country’s history, folklore, and natural beauty. Visual art forms such as painting, sculpture, and photography are popular in Guyana, and the annual Mashramani celebrations feature elaborate costumes and street art.

Music plays a central role in Guyanese culture, with genres such as calypso, soca, reggae, and chutney reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity. The blend of African rhythms and Indian melodies has given rise to the unique genre of chutney music, while calypso and soca music, originating from neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, are popular throughout the Caribbean and Guyana.

Festivals and Cuisine

Guyana is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, with Mashramani being the most important national festival. Mashramani, celebrated on February 23rd, marks Guyana’s Republic Day and is a colorful, joyous celebration of the country’s diversity, featuring parades, music, dancing, and masquerades. Other significant festivals include Diwali, celebrated by the Indo-Guyanese community, and Christmas, which is celebrated by the majority Christian population.

Guyanese cuisine is a blend of African, Indian, and European influences. Popular dishes include curry, roti, rice and peas, and a variety of seafood dishes, such as pepperpot (a rich meat stew) and fried fish. The country’s diverse cultural influences are evident in its food, with many dishes incorporating spices, herbs, and techniques from different traditions. Sugarcane-based products, such as rum and sweet desserts, are also integral to Guyanese cuisine.

Literature and Cinema

Guyana has a rich literary tradition, with writers exploring themes of identity, history, and culture. Notable Guyanese authors include Wilson Harris, whose works delve into the complexities of post-colonial identity, and E.R. Braithwaite, whose book To Sir, With Love is widely read around the world. The literature of Guyana reflects the country’s history of migration, colonialism, and social change, offering a unique perspective on Caribbean life.

Guyanese cinema is still developing but has gained international recognition for exploring themes such as migration, diaspora, and social struggles. Films like The House of Mango Street and King of the World tackle issues relevant to Guyanese culture and society, from political instability to the search for cultural identity. Although the film industry in Guyana is small, it reflects the creativity and cultural dynamism of the nation.