Guyana

Over

Countries

Since 1924

Years

(WIPO code: GY)

(latest review October 2023)

by KATZAROV SA, Geneva, Switzerland

General Information

Area

215,000 sq. km.

Population

791,739 (2023)

Capital

Georgetown.

Currency

Guyana dollar (GYD).

Language(s)

English (official), Amerindian dialects.

General Remarks

British Guyana, a British colony for 152 years, became the independent nation of Guyana on May 26, 1966.

Dense tropical forests cover much of the land, although a flat coastal area about 50 mi. wide, where 90% of the population lives, provides space for agriculture.

Sugar and rice are the main cash crops and account for almost half of the total exports. Other products are coconuts, coffee, cocoa, citrus fruits, timber and livestock.

The main industry is the mining of bauxite ore; Guyana is the fifth largest producer of the mineral, supplying over 6% of the world’s needs. Also exported are gold and diamonds.

A parliamentary democracy with a British Governor General after becoming independent in 1966, Guyana became a republic, with a President, Prime Minister and National Assembly on February 23, 1970. It is a UN and Commonwealth member.