Country Guide • Guyana
Guyana is located on the north east coast of South America. It is bound by Suriname to the east, Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.
| Official Name | Republic of Guyana |
|---|---|
| Area | 214,970km² (83,000mile²) |
| Population | 769,000 |
| Continent | South America |
| Population per mile² | 8 |
| Capital City | Georgetown |
| Religions | 30% Protestants, 11% Roman Catholics, 37% Hindus and 9% Muslims |
| Language | The official language is English but Creole, Hindi, Urdu and Amerindian dialects are also spoken |
| Government | Democracy |
| Currency | Guyanese Dollar |
| GDP | $2.5 billion |
| GDP per Head | $3,600 |
| Natural Resources | Bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber and fish |
| Land Use | Arable Land 2% |
| Agriculture | Sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry and dairy products |
| Industry | Sugar, bauxite, alumina, gold, milling, rice, timber and fish predominantly shrimps |
| Tourism | In the light of the current security situation in Guyana all visitors are advised to register their presence with the British High Commission in Georgetown. The vast majority of visits to Guyana are trouble-free but avoid the Georgetown's Tiger Bay area |
| Natural Hazards | |
| Health Risks | Malaria, cholera, dengue fever and typhoid |
| Climate | Guyana has a subtropical climate with two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The wet seasons are from April to July and November to January while the dry seasons are from August to November and February to March. Humidity is high throughout the year and temperatures are influenced by the NE trade winds. Average annual rainfall in Georgetown is 90 inches with less rainfall occurring on the higher plateau. Average temperature ranges in Georgetown are from 23°C to 31°C throughout the year |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | February 23 Republic Day, May 26 Independence Day, July 7 Caricom Day, August 4 Freedom Day |
| Visas | Most foreign visitors do not need visas to enter Guyana. Visitors are generally given thirty days to remain in Guyana, but extensions can usually be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown. An airport departure tax of 2,500 Guyana Dollars (15 American Dollars, July 2003) is charged when leaving Guyana |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
