# Guyana

> country in South America

**Wikidata**: [Q734](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q734)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guyana

## Summary

Guyana is a country in South America[1] that gained independence on January 1, 1966. Its capital is Georgetown[2].The head of state is Irfaan Ali[3] and the head of government is Mark Phillips[4]. The population was 879k in 2022[5] and the total area is 215k.Guyana observes the UTC−04:00 and America/Guyana time zone[6].

## Summary
Guyana is a sovereign state and country located in South America, officially known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. With a total area of 214,970 square kilometers, it is situated on the northern coast of the continent and shares borders with Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. As of 2022, its population is approximately 878,674, with Georgetown serving as the capital.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 214,970 square kilometers.
- **Capital**: Georgetown.
- **Population (2022)**: 878,674.
- **Demonym**: Guyanese.
- **Official Language**: English.
- **Currency**: Guyanese dollar.
- **Time Zone**: UTC−04:00 (America/Guyana).
- **Independence**: 1966.
- **Government**: Parliamentary republic.
- **Member Of**: United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, World Trade Organization, Caribbean Community, and others.
- **Highest Point**: Mount Roraima.
- **Lowest Point**: Atlantic Ocean (0 meters).
- **Human Development Index (2021)**: 0.714.
- **Gini Coefficient (1998)**: 45.1.
- **Unemployment Rate (2014)**: 11%.
- **Literacy Rate**: Not explicitly provided.
- **Life Expectancy (2022)**: 66 years.
- **Driving Side**: Left.
- **Electrical Plug Types**: NEMA 1-15, NEMA 5-15, BS 1363.
- **Mains Voltage**: 240 V, 60 Hz.
- **Top-Level Domain**: .gy.
- **ISO Codes**: GY (alpha-2), GUY (alpha-3), 328 (numeric).
- **Calling Code**: +592.
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 750.

## FAQs
- **What is Guyana's political status?**  
  Guyana is a sovereign state and parliamentary republic, having gained independence in 1966. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.

- **What languages are spoken in Guyana?**  
  The official language is English, but Guyanese Creole and indigenous languages like Wapishana and Macushi are also spoken.

- **What are Guyana's key geographical features?**  
  Guyana is bordered by Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Its highest point is Mount Roraima, and it includes significant portions of the Amazon rainforest.

- **What is Guyana's economic profile?**  
  The economy is driven by sectors like agriculture, mining (notably gold and bauxite), and emerging oil production. The nominal GDP was $15.36 billion in 2022.

- **What are Guyana's major international memberships?**  
  Guyana participates in organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Caribbean Community, and the Union of South American Nations.

- **What is Guyana's cultural diversity?**  
  The country has a mix of indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences, reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and traditions.

## Why It Matters
Guyana plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation due to its pristine rainforests and unique ecosystems. Its recent oil discoveries position it as a significant player in the global energy market, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As the only English-speaking nation in South America, it serves as a cultural and linguistic bridge between the Caribbean and the continent.

## Notable For
- **Biodiversity Hotspot**: Home to untouched rainforests and species like jaguars and harpy eagles.
- **Oil Reserves**: Discovery of vast offshore oil reserves, transforming its economic trajectory.
- **Cultural Fusion**: Unique blend of Caribbean, South American, and British influences.
- **Disputed Territory**: Long-standing border disputes with Venezuela.
- **Indigenous Heritage**: Rich traditions of Amerindian communities, comprising nearly 10% of the population.

## Body

### Geography and Environment
Guyana's terrain spans coastal lowlands, forested highlands, and savannas. The Essequibo River, one of South America's longest, flows through its western regions. The country is committed to protecting 30% of its land area, including the expansion of the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

### History
- **Colonial Era**: Initially colonized by the Dutch, then ceded to Britain in 1814, becoming British Guiana.
- **Independence**: Achieved on May 26, 1966, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state until transitioning to a republic in 1970.
- **Modern Challenges**: Addressing issues like deforestation, climate change, and equitable distribution of oil revenues.

### Government and Politics
- **Head of State**: President Irfaan Ali (since 2020).
- **Legislature**: National Assembly, with a multi-party system dominated by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

### Economy
- **Key Sectors**: Agriculture (sugar, rice), mining (gold, bauxite), and oil (production began in 2019).
- **Trade Partners**: Exports to the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean nations; imports machinery, manufactured goods, and food.

### Culture
- **Festivals**: Mashramani (Mash) celebrates independence with music, dance, and art.
- **Cuisine**: Reflects multicultural heritage, featuring dishes like cook-up rice, pepper pot soup, and cassava bread.

### Demographics
- **Ethnic Groups**: East Indians (40%), mixed heritage (29%), African (19%), indigenous (10%), and others.
- **Religions**: Christianity (57%), Hinduism (29%), Islam (7%), and indigenous beliefs.

### Education and Health
- **Literacy Rate**: Over 99% for youth (15-24 years), with compulsory education up to age 15.
- **Health Challenges**: Addressing non-communicable diseases, malaria, and improving rural healthcare access.

### International Relations
- **Border Disputes**: Ongoing territorial claims with Venezuela, mediated by international courts.
- **Diplomatic Ties**: Strengthening relations with Caribbean nations, the U.S., and global partners through organizations like the UN.

### Infrastructure
- **Transportation**: Relies on road and river networks; Cheddi Jagan International Airport serves as a key aviation hub.
- **Energy**: Transitioning to renewable energy sources while managing oil sector growth sustainably.

### Environmental Initiatives
- **Conservation Efforts**: Protecting the Guiana Shield, one of the world's oldest geological formations, and promoting eco-tourism to support conservation goals.

## References

1. [Source](https://dpi.gov.gy/dr-ali-sworn-in-president-brigadier-mark-phillips-appointed-prime-minister/)
2. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/guyana)
3. [Source](https://www.stabroeknews.com/2020/08/02/news/guyana/lowenfield-submits-report-with-recount-result/)
4. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgetown-Guyana)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. OpenStreetMap
7. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/southamerica)
8. [Source](https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/guyana)
9. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
10. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Americas/GUYANA)
11. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
12. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/guyana)
13. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
14. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
15. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=140)
16. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
17. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/guyana)
18. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
19. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
20. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons)
21. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
24. FIPS 10-4
25. MusicBrainz
26. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
27. World Bank Open Data
28. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
29. [GUYANA NATIONAL POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS 2022: Preliminary results](https://statisticsguyana.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Preliminary-Report-Guyana-National-Population-and-Housing-Census-2022.pdf)
30. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
31. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
32. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
33. [Dėl Valstybinės lietuvių kalbos komisijos 2008 m. spalio 2 d. protokolinio nutarimo Nr. PN-6 „Dėl valstybių gyventojų pavadinimų“ pakeitimo. Commission of the Lithuanian Language. 2023](https://vlkk.lt/vlkk-nutarimai/protokoliniai-nutarimai/patikslinimas-valstybiu-pavadinimu-skiltyje-2023)
34. [Source](https://esadir.cat/Toponims/Toponims_del_mon/America/Republica_de_Guyana)
35. The National Terminology Database for Irish
36. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
37. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
38. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
39. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
40. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
41. BabelNet
42. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
43. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
44. UMLS 2023
45. English as a Global Language, second edition
46. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
47. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
48. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
49. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
50. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)