Guyana, officially known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a country located on the northern mainland of South America. It is the only English-speaking country in South America and is known for its dense rainforest, British colonial architecture, and rich mix of cultures including Indigenous, Indian, African, Chinese, Portuguese, and British.
Guyana is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east. The country’s landscape is characterized by coastal plains, highlands, and dense rainforests. The capital city, Georgetown, is located on the Atlantic coast.
As of 2021, Guyana has a population of approximately 786,000 people. The country is culturally diverse, with influences from its Indigenous peoples, as well as those of African, Indian, Chinese, and European descent. English is the official language, but Guyanese Creole is also widely spoken. The majority of the population is Christian, but there are also significant Hindu and Muslim communities.
Guyana’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and mining, with major exports including sugar, rice, gold, bauxite, and alumina. In recent years, the discovery of significant offshore oil reserves has led to increased foreign investment and economic growth. However, the country still faces challenges such as high unemployment rates and significant emigration.
Education in Guyana is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. The country has a literacy rate of approximately 91.8%, one of the highest in the region. The University of Guyana, located in Georgetown, is the country’s largest higher education institution.
Guyana is a presidential representative democratic republic, where the President of Guyana is both the head of state and the head of government. The country is divided into 10 regions, each with its own regional administration. Guyana’s legal system is based on English common law and the country is a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
