Guyana, officially known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is located on the northern coast of South America. It rests south of Brazil, with Venezuela to the west and Suriname to the east. It is the only English-speaking country on the continent, with a diverse population of over 700,000.
Formerly known as British Guiana, Guyana achieved independence from the British in 1966 and became a republic in 1970. The country is now a presidential representative democratic republic, headed by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, with its politics operating under a multi-party system.
For many years the developing nation has been known for its rich cultural diversity, pristine virgin amazon rainforests, sweeping savannahs, very high biodiversity with a wide variety of natural habitats, rich cultural diversity, food and is even home to many world-famous sportsmen/women.
It is also known as the ‘Land of Many Waters’ due to its possession of the world’s widest and longest single-drop waterfall, the Kaieteur Falls, located on the Potaro River in the Kaieteur National Park. Its capital city, Georgetown, is home to amazing nightlife, restaurants, hotels, and many fun recreational activities. The country has ten (10) administrative regions, each bearing tourist attractions, activities, and its own unique touch of culture.
However, most recently, its prosperous oil finds and subsequent production have been a trending global topic.
- Capital: Georgetown
- Population: 773,000
- Area: 214,969 sq km (83,000 sq miles)
- Ethnicities: Amerindian, African, European, Portuguese, East Indian, Chinese
- Language: The official language is English.
- Other languages: Indigenous languages, Creole
- Major religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
- Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
- President: His Excellency, Mohammed Irfaan Ali
- Prime Minister: Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips
- Time: 4 hours behind GMT
Dialing Codes
- Country Code +592
- International Direct Dialing Prefix 001
- National Direct Dialing Prefix 0
Electricity
The voltage is 110/220 volts, 50-60 cycles.
Transformers can be used to step-up/step-down the voltage. Electrical appliances are widely available in Guyana.
Climate
Climate Guyana has an equatorial climate and the country is tropical, though pleasant, throughout most of the year. However, humidity can be a problem in the afternoon. The two wet seasons fall between May-July and from December to the end of January. The average annual temperature ranges between 24°C and 31°C (75°F and 87°F).