Factbook dossier
Background
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to former slaves settling urban areas and indentured servants being imported from India to work the sugar plantations. The resulting ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then primarily socialist-oriented governments have ruled the country. 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, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was elected in 2001 and again in 2006. Donald RAMOTAR won in 2011, but early elections held in 2015 resulted in the first change in governing party, and David GRANGER took office. After a 2018 no-confidence vote against the GRANGER government, the administration ignored a constitutional requirement to hold elections and remained in place until the 2020 elections, when Irfaan ALI became president. The discovery of massive offshore oil reserves in 2015 has been Guyana's primary economic and political focus, with many hoping the reserves will transform one of the poorest countries in the region. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and shares cultural and historical bonds with the Anglophone Caribbean.
Location
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela
Area
total : 214,969 sq km land: 196,849 sq km water: 18,120 sq km
Natural resources
bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish
Natural hazards
flash flood threat during rainy seasons
Population
total: 794,099 (2024 est.) male: 405,244 female: 388,855
Ethnic groups
East Indian 39.8%, African descent 29.3%, mixed 19.9%, Indigenous 10.5%, other 0.5% (includes Portuguese, Chinese, White) (2012 est.)
Languages
English (official), Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (including Caribbean and Arawak languages), Indian languages (including Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi), Chinese (2014 est.)
Religions
Protestant 34.8% (Pentecostal 22.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 5.2%, Methodist 1.4%), Hindu 24.8%, other Christian 20.8%, Roman Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 0.5%, other 0.9%, none 3.1% (2012 est.)
Environmental issues
water pollution from sewage and agricultural/industrial chemicals; deforestation
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Georgetown geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 09 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the British founded the town in 1781 and named it in honor of King GEORGE III (1738-1820)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020) head of government: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly election/appointment process: the predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister appointed by the president most recent election date: 1 September 2025 election results: 2025: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) reelected president by the majority party in the National Assembly 2020: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly 2015: David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly expected date of next election: August 2030 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana legislative structure: unicameral chamber name: National Assembly number of seats: 72 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/1/2025 parties elected and seats per party: People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) (36); We Invest in Nationhood (W.I.N.) (16); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) (12); Other (1) percentage of women in chamber: 36.1% expected date of next election: August 2030
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$58.423 billion (2024 est.) $40.749 billion (2023 est.) $30.457 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
$70,300 (2024 est.) $49,300 (2023 est.) $37,100 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.9% (2024 est.) 2.8% (2023 est.) 6.1% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Exports - partners
USA 20%, Trinidad & Tobago 11%, Netherlands 10%, Singapore 10%, Germany 7% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Imports - partners
USA 28%, China 13%, Trinidad & Tobago 11%, Brazil 5%, Bahamas, The 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Military and security forces
the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) is a unified force with ground, air, and coast guard components, as well as the Guyana National Reserve (2026) note: the Guyana Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security
Military expenditures
0.9% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)