Guyana

Government :
Republic

Geography
Guyana is situated on the northern coast of South America east of Venezuela, west of Suriname, and north of Brazil. A tropical forest covers more than 80% of the country.

Historical Background
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Jane JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001.

Facts & Figures

Name

Guyana

Capital

Georgetown

Government

Semi-presidential republic

Language

English

National Holiday

26 May Independence Day 

Race/Ethnicity

East Indian 43.5% , Black (African) 30.2% , Mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1% , Other 0.5%

Religion

57% (Christian) , 17% (Pentecostal) 8% (Roman Catholic) 7%.

Area

214,970 km2 

Population

752,940

Currency

Guyanese dollar (GYD)