1. Afro-Guyanese: Afro-Guyanese people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to Guyana during the colonial period. They make up the largest ethnic group in the country, accounting for approximately 30% of the population.
2. Indo-Guyanese: Indo-Guyanese people are descendants of indentured laborers from India who were brought to Guyana to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. They constitute the second largest ethnic group in Guyana, comprising around 40% of the population.
3. Mixed: The mixed population in Guyana includes individuals with mixed African, Indian, and European ancestry, as well as other combinations. Mixed-race Guyanese make up a significant portion of the population, estimated to be around 20%.
4. Indigenous peoples: Guyana is home to several indigenous groups, including the Amerindians, who were the original inhabitants of the land before European colonization. The indigenous population makes up approximately 10% of the country's population and includes groups such as the Arawak, Carib, and Wai-Wai peoples.
5. Other: A small percentage of the Guyanese population may also identify as Chinese, Portuguese, or European. These groups have contributed to the cultural diversity of Guyana through their own unique traditions and customs.
It's important to note that these racial classifications are generalizations and that individuals may identify with more than one racial group or consider themselves to be of mixed heritage. Guyana is known for its rich cultural diversity, and the country's population reflects the many waves of migration and settlement that have shaped its history.
