Guyana is a parliamentary republic. The president is the head of state and is elected for a five-year term. The prime minister is the head of government and is appointed by the president. The unicameral National Assembly consists of 65 members who are elected for a five-year term.
Guyana is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. The population of Guyana is estimated to be 784,894 (2018). The majority of the population is of African descent, with significant minorities of Indian, European, and Amerindian descent. The official language of Guyana is English.
Guyana is a developing country with a relatively low GDP per capita. The economy is based on agriculture, mining, and forestry. The main agricultural products are sugar, rice, and bananas. The main mineral resources are gold, bauxite, and diamonds. The main forest products are timber and plywood.
Guyana has a rich history and culture. The country was first inhabited by Amerindian peoples. The first European settlers were the Dutch, who established a colony in 1624. The colony was later taken over by the British in 1796. Guyana gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.