Guyana

Guyana, located on the northern coast of South America, is the continent’s only English-speaking nation and a key cultural bridge between South America and the Caribbean. Renowned for its vast rainforests, rich mineral resources, and rapidly growing oil sector, Guyana has transitioned from a small agrarian state to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Its ethnically diverse society—rooted in African, Indian, Amerindian, and European heritage—continues to shape the nation’s political identity and developmental priorities.

Historical Background

European settlement began in the 17th century, when the Dutch established colonies along the coastal rivers to exploit fertile lands for sugar cultivation. By 1815, following the Napoleonic Wars, Britain consolidated control, uniting the territories of Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice into British Guiana.
The abolition of slavery in 1834 led to the establishment of free African villages along the coast. To sustain the plantation economy, the British imported indentured labourers from India, as well as smaller numbers from Portugal, China, and Madeira. These migrations shaped Guyana’s modern multi-ethnic composition, with deep cultural and political divisions persisting between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities.
Nationalism surged after World War II, culminating in internal self-government (1953) and full independence on 26 May 1966. In 1970, Guyana became a republic within the Commonwealth, adopting the name Co-operative Republic of Guyana to reflect its socialist and communal economic orientation.
Post-independence politics were dominated by two major parties: the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), led by Cheddi Jagan, and the People’s National Congress (PNC), led by Forbes Burnham. Burnham’s presidency (1964–1985) ushered in state socialism, nationalisation of key industries, and alignment with non-aligned and socialist movements. However, economic decline and political control characterised much of the period.
Democratic reform began in the late 1980s, leading to free elections in 1992, won by Cheddi Jagan. After his death in 1997, leadership passed to Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and later David Granger, representing a coalition of opposition parties.
The discovery of major offshore oil reserves in 2015 revolutionised Guyana’s prospects. Under President Irfaan Ali (in office since 2020), the government prioritises managing oil revenues transparently, diversifying the economy, and reducing inequality, while maintaining environmental commitments through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030).

Geography and Environment

Location: Northern South America, bordered by Venezuela (west), Suriname (east), and Brazil (south).Area: 214,969 sq km (slightly smaller than Idaho, USA).Coastline: 459 km along the Atlantic Ocean.Topography: Low coastal plains, rolling interior highlands, and southern savannas.Highest point: Mount Roraima (2,775 m), part of the Pakaraima Mountains.
Climate: Tropical, hot, and humid year-round, moderated by trade winds. Rainy seasons occur May–August and November–January.
Natural resources: Bauxite, gold, diamonds, timber, shrimp, and large offshore oil and gas reserves discovered in the Stabroek Block.
Land use (2022):

• Forest: 93.5%
• Agricultural land: 5.3%
• Arable land: 2.1%
• Pasture: 3%

Guyana’s forests—among the most extensive and intact in the world—support exceptional biodiversity and provide vital carbon storage. The nation is a leader in climate finance, earning carbon credits under international partnerships with Norway and other states.
Environmental concerns include coastal flooding, deforestation, and water pollution from gold mining and agriculture. The low-lying capital, Georgetown, relies heavily on Dutch-style sea defences to counter rising sea levels.

People and Society

Population (2024 est.): 794,099Median age: 28.3 yearsPopulation growth: 0.32% (low due to emigration)Urban population: 27.2%Capital: Georgetown (approx. 110,000 residents)
Ethnic composition (2012 census):

• Indo-Guyanese (East Indian): 39.8%
• Afro-Guyanese: 29.3%
• Mixed heritage: 19.9%
• Amerindian (Indigenous): 10.5%
• Others (Portuguese, Chinese, European): 0.5%

Languages: English (official), Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (Arawak, Carib), and minority Hindustani and Chinese dialects.
Religions: Protestant (34.8%), Hindu (24.8%), Other Christian (20.8%), Roman Catholic (7.1%), Muslim (6.8%), others/none (5.7%).
Social indicators (2024):

• Life expectancy: 72.4 years
• Fertility rate: 2.05 children per woman
• Literacy: 85.6%
• Infant mortality: 21.1 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 75 per 100,000 live births
• Physicians: 1.39 per 1,000 people
• Health expenditure: 4.9% of GDP
• Safe water and sanitation access: >95% of population

Out-migration, especially of skilled professionals, has slowed population growth and strained the labour force, although remittances remain an important income source.

Government and Politics

Official name: Co-operative Republic of GuyanaSystem: Parliamentary republicCapital: GeorgetownIndependence: 26 May 1966 (from the United Kingdom)Republic declared: 23 February 1970
Head of State and Government: President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali (since August 2020)
The President, elected by national list vote, appoints the Cabinet, combining executive and administrative powers.
Legislature: National Assembly — 69 members elected for five years via proportional representation.Current composition (2024):

• People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C): 33 seats
• A Partnership for National Unity–Alliance for Change (APNU–AFC): 31 seats
• Other parties: 1 seatWomen in Parliament: 39.4%

Judiciary: Independent; based on English common law with Roman-Dutch influences.Highest courts: Supreme Court of Judicature (Court of Appeal and High Court) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as final appellate body.
Administrative divisions: 10 regions, including Demerara-Mahaica, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.
National symbols:

• Flag: Green, red, yellow, black, and white (“The Golden Arrowhead”)
• Coat of arms: Jaguars holding pickaxe and sugarcane, symbolising strength and productivity
• National anthem: “Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains” (adopted 1966)

Economic Overview

Guyana’s economy has undergone a dramatic transformation since the discovery of offshore oil in 2015. The country is now one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with oil production propelling GDP growth above 40% annually.
Key indicators (2024 est.):

• GDP (nominal): $24.8 billion
• GDP (PPP): $58.4 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $70,300
• Growth rate: 43.4% (highest worldwide)
• Inflation: 2.9%
• Unemployment: 10.2%
• External debt: $1.8 billion
• Foreign reserves: $1.01 billion

Sectoral composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 8%
• Industry (mainly oil): 74.3%
• Services: 15.3%

Major exports: Crude petroleum, gold, rice, bauxite, shipsExport partners: United States (20%), Trinidad and Tobago, Netherlands, Singapore, GermanyMajor imports: Refined petroleum, machinery, vehicles, shipsImport partners: USA, China, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas
Daily oil production exceeded 390,000 barrels (2023), with operations led by ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC. The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) manages petroleum revenues to promote transparency and long-term development.
Outside hydrocarbons, Guyana remains a major exporter of gold, bauxite, and rice, and a leader in eco-tourism and carbon markets.
Key challenges: Ensuring equitable wealth distribution, expanding infrastructure, curbing inflationary pressures, and strengthening governance to avoid the “resource curse.”

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Electricity access: 93% of the populationInstalled capacity: 259,000 kW (2023)Energy mix:

• Fossil fuels: 92.9%
• Biomass: 5.4%
• Solar and hydro: 1.6%

Major initiatives include solar expansion and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030).
Transport and communications:

• Airports: 55 (Cheddi Jagan International and Eugene F. Correia International)
• Ports: Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam
• Internet usage: 82% (2023)
• Mobile subscriptions: 856,000 (106 per 100 inhabitants)

Defence and Security

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), established in 1965, consists of the Army, Air Corps, Coast Guard, and National Reserve, with around 3,500 personnel.

• Military expenditure: 0.9% of GDP (2024)
• Primary roles: National defence, maritime patrols, counter-trafficking, and disaster response

Guyana is a participant in the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) and maintains military cooperation with Brazil, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.
A major ongoing concern is the territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region, comprising nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. The case is under consideration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Culture and Heritage

Guyana’s culture represents a fusion of African, Indian, Indigenous, and European traditions, uniting Caribbean vibrancy with South American depth. English serves as the official language, while Creole dialects foster everyday communication.
Festivals and customs:

• Mashramani (Republic Day Carnival)
• Phagwah (Holi) and Diwali
• Emancipation Day and Christmas celebrationsCricket remains the national sport, reinforcing Guyana’s ties to the West Indies cricket team.

Cuisine: Combines Indian curries, African stews, and Indigenous ingredients—dishes such as pepperpot, roti, and cook-up rice symbolise this blend.