Guyana
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 956
Currency
💱 Guyanese dollar
Languages
🗣️ English
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Guyanese
Independence
May 26, 1966 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.gy
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+592
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Georgetown
ISO Alpha-2
GY
ISO Alpha-3
GUY
UN Code
328
Geographic Coordinates
5,-59
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
214,969#85 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
956,044#161 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
3.91
Highest Point (m)
2,835 meters (Mount Roraima)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Primarily forested.
Irrigated Land
Small percentage of agricultural land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
459 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; two rainy seasons.
Natural Resources
Bauxite, gold, diamonds, timber, shrimp, fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela
Major Rivers
Essequibo River, Demerara River, Berbice River
Major Lakes
Numerous small lakes and lagoons.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
10 regions
Legal System
Based on English common law.
Chief of State
President Irfaan Ali
Head of Government
President Irfaan Ali
Cabinet
Appointed by the President.
Elections
Elections are held regularly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Judicature
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Guyanese dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.1#121 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
81.84#112 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32,413.79#52 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.73
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
75.09
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.85
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.33#85 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
326,682
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11.96#25 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Guyana's public debt is approximately 40% of GDP.
Budget
Guyana's annual budget is approximately $1.5 billion USD.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2005)Checked September 29, 2026
0.7#170 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2005)Checked September 29, 2026
0.91#176 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Guyana's foreign reserves are approximately $700 million USD.
Currency Exchange
Please consult a financial website for real-time exchange rates for the Guyanese dollar (GYD).
GDP by Sector
Guyana's GDP is primarily driven by services, followed by mining and quarrying, and agriculture.
Major Industries
Major industries in Guyana include bauxite mining, sugar, rice milling, and gold mining.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners for Guyana include the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners for Guyana include the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and China.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
85.64#113 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
19.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate in Guyana is slightly negative, indicating more emigration than immigration.
Median Age
The median age in Guyana is approximately 28 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
26.49#199 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate in Guyana is approximately 1.0% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.3#149 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Guyana is approximately 1.4%.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.47
Ethnic Groups
Guyana has a diverse population with major ethnic groups including Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, and Indigenous peoples.
Religions
Christianity is the predominant religion in Guyana, followed by Hinduism and Islam.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
Guyana's education system follows a structure with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Education is free and compulsory at the primary and secondary levels. There are challenges with resource allocation and educational outcomes.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2012)Checked September 29, 2026
11.4
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education as a percentage of GDP varies, but it is a significant portion. Public expenditure on education is a priority, but the specific percentage fluctuates based on economic conditions and budgetary decisions.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of Guyana is the major university in Guyana.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Guyana's culture is a blend of Amerindian, African, Indian, and European influences. It is reflected in its music, food, festivals, and language, creating a vibrant multi-ethnic society.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Republic Day (2026-02-23)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Arrival Day (2026-05-05)
- Independence Day (2026-05-26)
- Caricom Day (2026-07-06)
- Emancipation Day (2026-08-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Guyanese music includes Chutney, Soca, Calypso, Reggae, and local genres like Guyanese Pop and Soca. These are common popular forms, often with local variations.
Traditional Food
Traditional Guyanese food incorporates elements from various cultures. Dishes include Pepperpot, Cook-up Rice, roti and curry, and various seafood and meat stews, reflecting a blend of influences.
Sports
Cricket and football are popular sports. Other sports include basketball, boxing, and athletics. Cricket has a strong presence, being widely played and followed.
Major Festivals
Mashramani is a major cultural festival, celebrated annually with parades, music, and cultural displays. Other festivals include Phagwah (Holi) and religious celebrations.
Famous People
Famous Guyanese people include historians, writers, politicians, and athletes. Some known figures include Edgar Mittelholzer (author) and Shridath Ramphal (politician and diplomat).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Guyana has numerous historical sites and monuments which are of cultural significance; however, this information is not readily available.
UNESCO Sites
Guyana has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Guyana is approximately 45.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Guyana are generally lower than in North America or Europe.
Number of Hospitals
There are approximately 30 hospitals in Guyana.
Universal Healthcare
Guyana's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers. Public healthcare is primarily provided through government-run hospitals and health centers, with services being generally accessible but facing challenges related to resources and infrastructure. Private healthcare is available, offering a wider range of services, but at a cost.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services in Guyana are available but limited compared to developed countries. Public and private healthcare facilities exist.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in Guyana, but access and quality can vary depending on location.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
There are no active railways in Guyana.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, river transport, and air travel. Road infrastructure is developing but can be limited in certain areas. River transport is important for moving goods and people.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO), Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL), Kaieteur Airport (KAI), Lethem Airport (LTM)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83#95 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.56#59 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; air quality generally good, but monitoring limited.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly from mining and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for renewable energy; primarily hydroelectric and some solar.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, mining pollution, and coastal erosion are key environmental issues.
Natural Hazards
Flooding, droughts, and occasional earthquakes are potential hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; significant challenges exist in collection and disposal.
Environmental Agreements
Party to several international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Participant in various international treaties related to environmental protection and resource management.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel to many countries, including some in the Caribbean and South America.