Guyana at a Glance: Geography, People, Economy, and Culture

Guyana – Country Profile

Geography

• Area: 215,000 km² (83,000 sq mi)
• Borders: Venezuela (west), Suriname (east), Brazil (south), Atlantic Ocean (north)
• Features: Coastal plain, rainforest interior, savannahs, Pakaraima Mountains
• Climate: Tropical, wet season May‑Aug

Demographics (2023 est.)

• Population: ~780,000
• Ethnic groups: Indo‑Guyanese 39.5%, Afro‑Guyanese 29.5%, Mixed 19.5%, Amerindian 10.5%, others 1%
• Languages: English (official), Creole, Hindi, Urdu, Indigenous languages

Economy

• GDP per capita (nominal 2022): US $4,100
• Main sectors: Agriculture (rice, sugar), mining (gold, bauxite, diamonds), forestry, fishing, emerging oil & gas

Culture & Politics

• Music: Reggae, calypso, chutney, soca
• Literature: Mittelholzer, Harris, Carew, Dabydeen
• Republic within Commonwealth; President Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Phillips
• Member of CARICOM, UNASUR, OAS, UN

Challenges

Poverty, unemployment, corruption, environmental degradation, border disputes (e.g., with Venezuela).