Guyana

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 769,095

Nationality (Noun): Guyanese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Guyanese

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Creole, English, Urdu

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Country Name (short form): Guyana

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Georgetown

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Guyana: Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil

Land Area: 196850 sq km

Water Area: 18120 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Idaho

Total Land Boundry: 2,949 km

Coastline: 459 km

National Holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

International Phone Code: 592

Currency Code: Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Internet Country Code: ,gy

US Embassy Location: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170