Discover Fascinating Guyana Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Guyana.
Guyana
Background
Guyana's Exciting History! ๐
Did you know that Guyana was first a Dutch colony back in the 17th century? That's over 300 years ago! By 1815, it had turned into a British possession. Fast forward to 1966, and Guyana proudly became independent from the UK! ๐
Since gaining independence, Guyana has had governments that lean mostly towards socialism. What makes this country really special is that it's the only English-speaking nation in all of South America! Guyana also shares rich cultural and historical connections with the Anglophone Caribbean. Isn't that fascinating? ๐ค
Colonial Timeline
Dutch colony in 17th century, British possession by 1815, Independent in 1966
Unique Language Status
Only English-speaking country in South America
Exports - commodities
๐ Guyana has some cool exports! Here's what they're sending out to the world in 2022:
- Crude Petroleum: This is one of the biggest exports! ๐ข๏ธ
- Gold: Shiny and valuable! ๐ฐ
- Rice: Delicious and nutritious! ๐
- Aluminum Ore: A key ingredient for making aluminum products! ๐
- Liquor: A fun export for celebrations! ๐น
These commodities show how diverse Guyana's economy is! Can you guess which one of these is the most exported? ๐ค
Major export commodities from Guyana in 2022
Crude Petroleum, Gold, Rice, Aluminum Ore, Liquor
Exports - partners
๐ Let's take a look at Guyana's export partners from 2022! Each country plays a unique role in trading with Guyana. Hereโs how they stack up:
- Panama tops the list with a whopping 32% of exports! ๐ข
- Netherlands comes next with 15%.
- The US is a significant partner too, accounting for 13%.
- Both UAE and Italy contribute 6% each to Guyana's exports. ๐ฆ๐ช๐ฎ๐น
This distribution shows how important these partners are in helping Guyana trade its goods around the world! ๐
Total Export Contribution Percentage
100%
Highest Export Partner
Panama - 32%
Second Highest Export Partner
Netherlands - 15%
Lowest Export Partners
UAE and Italy - 6% each
Export Partners of Guyana in 2022
Capital
๐บ๏ธ Welcome to Georgetown! It's not just any capital; it's the beating heart of Guyana! ๐๏ธ This vibrant city is famous for its unique blend of historical architecture and lush greenery. From the stunning St. Georges Cathedral to the lively markets, Georgetown has a lot to offer both locals and visitors alike. ๐ณโจ
Imports - commodities
๐ข Guyana imports a variety of essential commodities that keep the country's economy buzzing! In 2022, some key imports included:
- Refined Petroleum: A vital energy source for the nation.
- Valves: Helpful for managing flow and pressure in various systems.
- Iron Pipes: Crucial for construction and infrastructure.
- Construction Vehicles: Machinery that helps build and develop.
- Cars: For transportation and personal mobility.
These commodities play a significant role in everyday life in Guyana, boosting both the economy and quality of life! ๐๐
Climate
๐ด Guyana's climate is all about that tropical vibe! โ๏ธ It's hot and humid, which is what you can expect in a tropical paradise. The climate is kept nice and breezy thanks to the northeast trade winds. ๐ฌ๏ธ
Rain lovers will be happy to know that Guyana experiences two rainy seasons: One from May to August and another from November to January. So grab your umbrellas! โ
Executive branch
๐ The Executive branch of Guyana is led by a very important figure: the President! ๐ Currently, President Mohammed Irfaan ALI is at the helm since August 2, 2020. That makes him both the chief of state and head of government. How cool is that? ๐ฌ๐พ Let's see how long he can lead the nation and what exciting changes may happen during his time! ๐
Current President
Mohammed Irfaan ALI
In Office Since
2 August 2020
Legislative branch
In Guyana, the legislative branch is represented by a unicameral National Assembly. This means there is only one chamber where all the important discussions and decisions take place! ๐๏ธ There are 70 seats in the National Assembly, allowing a diverse group of representatives to contribute to the laws and governance of the country.
Total seats in National Assembly
70 seats
Natural resources
๐ Guyana's Rich Natural Resources ๐
Guyana is blessed with a variety of natural resources that contribute significantly to its economy! Here's a glimpse of what this vibrant country has to offer:
- Bauxite: An important component used in making aluminum.
- Gold: Guyana is known for its gold mining, which plays a crucial role in its exports. ๐ช
- Diamonds: These precious gems are another significant resource, attracting both local and international investors. ๐
- Hardwood Timber: The lush forests of Guyana provide high-quality hardwood timber, used in furniture and construction. ๐ณ
- Shrimp and Fish: The coastal and river systems are home to abundant shrimp and fish, vital for both local cuisine and exports! ๐ค๐
With such a diverse collection of natural treasures, Guyana is truly a land of opportunity! ๐
Economic overview
๐ Guyana is a small but vibrant country with a hydrocarbon-driven economy, which means it heavily relies on oil and gas for its exports! ๐ข๏ธ The country is also blessed with vast forests ๐ณ, which are being used creatively. They leverage these forest areas to sell carbon credit offsets, encouraging people to preserve these beautiful environments! ๐ฟ
Furthermore, Guyana is witnessing a strengthening financial sector ๐ช, making it an exciting place for business and investment. The country is rich in natural resources, especially bauxite and gold, adding to its potential for economic growth. ๐ฐ
Economic Drivers
Hydrocarbon, Forest Coverage, Bauxite, Gold
Government type
Guyana is a parliamentary republic! ๐ฌ๐พ This means that the countryโs government is elected by the people and is responsible to the parliament. The head of state is different from the head of government, which is a unique and interesting way to run a country! ๐
Government type
Parliamentary republic
Ethnic groups
๐ Guyana is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and its ethnic groups reflect that diversity! Hereโs a look at the main ethnic communities:
- East Indian: 39.8%
- African descent: 29.3%
- Mixed: 19.9%
- Indigenous: 10.5%
- Other: 0.5% (includes Portuguese, Chinese, White)
Isn't it fascinating how the ethnic fabric of Guyana is woven together? Each group adds unique traditions, languages, and delicious foods to the country's culture! ๐
Total percentage of East Indian
39.8%
Total percentage of African descent
29.3%
Total percentage of mixed ethnicities
19.9%
Total percentage of Indigenous people
10.5%
Total percentage of Other ethnicities
0.5%
Ethnic Group Distribution in Guyana
Religions
In Guyana, the tapestry of religions is vibrant and diverse! ๐โจ Hereโs how the population identifies:
- Protestant: 34.8%
- Pentecostal: 22.8%
- Seventh Day Adventist: 5.4%
- Anglican: 5.2%
- Methodist: 1.4%
- Hindu: 24.8%
- Other Christian: 20.8%
- Roman Catholic: 7.1%
- Muslim: 6.8%
- Jehovah's Witness: 1.3%
- Rastafarian: 0.5%
- Other: 0.9%
- None: 3.1%
These percentages showcase a rich blend of faiths that reflect the cultural heritage of Guyana. ๐ฌ๐พ Each group contributes uniquely to the country's identity, revealing just how much diversity enriches the community.
Total percentage of Protestant population
34.8%
Percentage of Hindu population
24.8%
Percentage of Other Christian population
20.8%
Percentage of Roman Catholic population
7.1%
Percentage of Muslim population
6.8%
Percentage of Jehovah's Witness population
1.3%
Percentage of Rastafarian population
0.5%
Percentage of Other religions
0.9%
Percentage of population with no religion
3.1%
Religious Distribution in Guyana
Languages
๐ In Guyana, a vibrant tapestry of languages comes together! The official language is English ๐ฌ๐ง, making communication easy for visitors and locals alike. But that's just the beginning! There are also Guyanese Creole which reflects the rich culture of the region. ๐
Additionally, youโll find various Amerindian languages spoken among indigenous communities, including Caribbean and Arawak languages. ๐ชถ In areas with Indian influence, languages like Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi, ๐ can be heard as well.
Lastly, a little surprise: Chinese is spoken as well, indicating the diverse population! ๐ This melting pot of languages makes Guyana a unique place to explore!
Official Language
English
Languages Spoken
Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages, Indian languages, Chinese
Imports - partners
๐ Let's take a look at Guyana's import partners! In 2022, Guyana received goods from various countries, and here's how it stacked up:
- ๐บ๐ธ United States - 28% of imports
- ๐จ๐ณ China - 14% of imports
- ๐ง๐ท Brazil - 7% of imports
- ๐น๐น Trinidad and Tobago - 7% of imports
- ๐ธ๐ท Suriname - 4% of imports
Isn't it interesting how much Guyana relies on these different countries for products? ๐ฆโจ Based on the percentages, we can see the USA is the largest partner by far! Let's visualize this with a pie chart to make it easier to understand. ๐ฐ
Total Import Percentage
100%
Top Import Partner
United States at 28%
Second Import Partner
China at 14%
Countries with Equal Imports
Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago at 7%
Percentage from Next Largest Partner
Suriname at 4%
Guyana Import Partners (2022)
Population
๐ Guyana's Population: The total population of Guyana is 794,099! That's a lot of people creating a vibrant culture and community. Imagine all the smiles, stories, and unique traditions that exist in this beautiful South American country! ๐ฌ๐พ
Total Population of Guyana
794,099
Area
๐ Let's explore the stunning area of Guyana! This vibrant country boasts a total area of 214,969 sq km. Out of this, 196,849 sq km is land, while 18,120 sq km is covered in water. That's a lot of beautiful landscapes and river views! ๐๏ธ๐ง
Total Area of Guyana
214969 sq km
Land Area of Guyana
196849 sq km
Water Area of Guyana
18120 sq km
Area Composition of Guyana
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
๐๐ Let's take a closer look at Guyana's Real GDP (purchasing power parity) over the past few years! This valuable indicator helps us understand the economy's performance. Check out these figures:
- 2021: $18.647 billion
- 2022: $30.476 billion
- 2023: $40.539 billion
As you can see, Guyana's economy has shown tremendous growth! From 2021 to 2023, the GDP nearly doubled. ๐คฉ Keep reading to see how we can visualize this amazing economic journey!
Real GDP in 2021
18.647 billion USD
Real GDP in 2022
30.476 billion USD
Real GDP in 2023
40.539 billion USD
Guyana's Real GDP Over Years
Real GDP per capita
๐ Let's dive into the Real GDP per capita of Guyana! This number tells us how much money each person would have if all the country's wealth were shared equally. It's like sharing a big cake! ๐ฐ
Hereโs how itโs looking over the past few years:
- In 2021, the GDP per capita was $23,200.
- In 2022, it rose to $37,700. Thatโs quite a jump! ๐
- By 2023, it soared to $49,800! ๐
This shows that Guyanaโs economy is growing, and that's something to celebrate! ๐
GDP per capita in 2021
23,200
GDP per capita in 2022
37,700
GDP per capita in 2023
49,800
Real GDP per Capita in Guyana (2021-2023)
Imports
๐ Let's take a look at the imports for Guyana! ๐ฆ These numbers tell us how much goods the country brought in over the last few years. Here's the data for the last three years:
- 2020: $3.756 billion
- 2021: $6.611 billion
- 2022: $7.067 billion
As you can see, Guyana's imports have been steadily increasing! ๐ It's a sign of growth and more goods coming into the country for people to enjoy. Imagine all the cool products and resources that are part of this trade! ๐
Total Imports (2022)
$7.067 billion
Total Imports (2021)
$6.611 billion
Total Imports (2020)
$3.756 billion
Guyana's Imports Over Time
Exports
๐ Let's dive into the exports of Guyana! Over the years, the export values have shown some exciting growth. In 2020, Guyana's exports were valued at $2.799 billion, which jumped to $4.64 billion in 2021! ๐ But that's not all, in 2022, the exports reached a whopping $11.536 billion! ๐ It seems like Guyana's economy is booming! ๐ฐ
Exports in 2020
$2.799 billion
Exports in 2021
$4.64 billion
Exports in 2022
$11.536 billion
Exports of Guyana Over Years
Population growth rate
๐ฑ Guyana's population is growing at a rate of 0.32% for the year 2024! This shows that more and more people are calling this beautiful country home. ๐ Keep an eye on this number as it can impact various aspects of life in Guyana, like the economy and community services!
Population Growth Rate (2024 Est.)
0.32%