Why Guyana’s Highlands Are Sparsely Populated

1. Geographic isolation – far from coast and transport routes.
2. Rugged terrain – steep slopes, dense forest, many rivers.
3. Poor infrastructure – few roads, electricity, communications.
4. Limited economic opportunities – subsistence farming, logging, small‑scale mining only.
5. Historical settlement patterns – coastal areas favored for flat land, fertile soil, access; highlands used mainly by indigenous peoples.

These factors combine to keep population density low.