Guyana Country Profile


 Geography: Guyana is a nation state situated on the Atlantic Ocean, to the North of Equator, in the tropics. Sited on the mainland of South America, it stands bordered by Suriname in the east, Brazil in the south and southwest and Venezuela in the west.

At 83,000 square miles, Guyana is the third smallest independent state on the mainland of South America and the fourth smallest political entity. The country can be divided into four natural regions: a narrow and fertile marshy plain along the Atlantic coast (low coastal plain) where most of the population lives; a white sand belt more inland (hilly sand and clay region), containing most of Guyana’s mineral deposits; the dense rain forests (forested highland region) in the middle of the country; the grassy flat savanna in the south; and the larger interior highlands interior savannah) consisting mostly of mountains that gradually rise to the Brazilian border. The Country’s coastline lies 1 to 1.5 meters below sea level at hide tide. The most valuable deposits are bauxite, gold & diamonds. The main rivers are Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.

Demography: The population of Guyana is approximately 742,000, of which 90% reside on the narrow coastal strip (approximately 10% of the total land area of Guyana).

Languages: The official language is English, often spoken with a Caribbean Creole flavor, but in communities residing near borders (Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela) it is not uncommon to hear the language of the neighbouring country.

Culture: Guyana’s culture reflects Amerindian, Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, and African influences, as well as British, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish traits. Despite being in South America, Guyana is considered a Caribbean nation. The culture, particularly in the coastal areas, is quite similar to that of the Caribbean countries to the north.

The visual arts scene is thriving, and local artists have produced notable sculptures and paintings visible throughout Georgetown. Guyana’s traditional music is a mix of European, Latin, African, and native influences. Caribbean reggae, soca, chutney, as well as American pop make up the music scene.

Football and cricket are the main outdoor sports enjoyed by the locals, while dominoes is popular as an indoor game. Minor sports like table tennis, lawn tennis, netball, squash, boxing, and rounders are widely played.

Most of the Afro-Guyanese community is composed of Christians, with many Anglicans. The Indian population mainly practices Hinduism, while a minority is of the Islamic faith.

Economy: The main economic activities in Guyana are Agriculture (production of Rice and Demerara Sugar), Bauxite Mining, Gold Mining, Timber, Shrimp Fishing and Minerals, as well as tourism and services. With the discovery of significant deposits of oil offshore, Guyana expects to be an oil producing country in 2020.

Tourism: ‘Destination Guyana’ is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and the Eco-tourist alike. The country boasts an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests; immense waterfalls;, amazing wildlife; blended with a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world.

2018 holds a lot of optimism for our tourism sector as we seek to make ‘Guyana – South America Undiscovered’, the destination of choice. If you are looking for a one of a kind destination full of adventure, hospitality and unique experiences, then ‘Guyana – South America Undiscovered' is the place to come!!!

Currency: The unit is the Guyanese dollar. Exchange rate is adjusted regularly and rates vary from hotels to banks to cambios. The current exchange rate is US$1 – GY$205. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in hotels, banks and cambios.

Climate: The local climate is tropical and generally hot and humid, though moderated by northeast trade winds along the coast. Average daily temperatures range between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius. There are two rainy seasons in the north of the country; the first from May to mid-August and the second from mid-November to mid-January. The south and the Rupununi region receive one wet season from May to July. All wet seasons may extend into months either side.