2012 Edition

Background

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. Donald RAMOTAR was elected president in 2011.

Area

214,969 sq km 196,849 sq km 18,120 sq km

total

214,969 sq km

water

18,120 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Idaho

Climate

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Coastline

459 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Roraima 2,835 m

highest point

Mount Roraima 2,835 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%) 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

per capita

2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

total

1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

Geographic coordinates

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Geography - note

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

Irrigated land

1,500 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

2,949 km Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

border countries

Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

total

2,949 km

Land use

2.23% 0.14% 97.63% (2005)

arable land

2.23%

other

97.63% (2005)

permanent crops

0.14%

Location

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela

Map references

South America

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

continental shelf

200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

flash flood threat during rainy seasons

Natural resources

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Terrain

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Total renewable water resources

241 cu km (2000)

Age structure

31.1% (male 117,415/ female 113,211) 64% (male 237,416/ female 237,248) 4.9% (male 15,007/ female 21,611) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

31.1% (male 117,415/ female 113,211)

15-64 years

64% (male 237,416/ female 237,248)

65 years and over

4.9% (male 15,007/ female 21,611) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

16.69 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

10.8% (2007)

Death rate

7.18 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Demographic profile

Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and shares cultural and historical bonds with the Anglophone Caribbean. Guyana's two largest ethnic groups are the Afro-Guyanese (descendants of African slaves) and the Indo-Guyanese (descendants of Indian indentured laborers), which together comprise about three quarters of Guyana's population. Tensions periodically have boiled over between the two groups, which back ethnically based political parties and vote along ethnic lines. Poverty reduction has stagnated since the late 1990s. About one-third of the Guyanese population lives below the poverty line; indigenous people are disproportionately affected. Although Guyana's literacy rate is reported to be among the highest in the Western Hemisphere, the level of functional literacy is considerably lower, which has been attributed to poor education quality, teacher training, and infrastructure. Guyana's emigration rate is among the highest in the world - more than 55% of its citizens reside abroad - and it is one of the largest recipients of remittances relative to GDP among Latin American and Caribbean counties. Although remittances are a vital source of income for most citizens, the pervasive emigration of skilled workers deprives Guyana of professionals in healthcare and other key sectors. More than 80% of Guyanese nationals with tertiary level educations have emigrated. Brain drain and the concentration of limited medical resources in Georgetown hamper Guyana's ability to meet the health needs of its predominantly rural population. Guyana has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the region and continues to rely on international support for its HIV treatment and prevention programs.

Education expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Health expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 500 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

5,900 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.51 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

35.59 deaths/1,000 live births 39.74 deaths/1,000 live births 31.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

31.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

35.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Life expectancy at birth

67.39 years 63.57 years 71.4 years (2012 est.)

female

71.4 years (2012 est.)

total population

67.39 years

Literacy

age 15 and over has ever attended school 91.8% 92% 91.6% (2002 Census)

definition

age 15 and over has ever attended school

female

91.6% (2002 Census)

male

92%

total population

91.8%

Major cities - population

GEORGETOWN (capital) 132,000 (2009)

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever dengue fever and malaria leptospirosis (2009)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease

leptospirosis (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

280 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

24.2 years 23.5 years 25 years (2012 est.)

female

25 years (2012 est.)

male

23.5 years

total

24.2 years

Nationality

Guyanese (singular and plural) Guyanese

adjective

Guyanese

noun

Guyanese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

-12.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Physicians density

0.59 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

741,908 (July 2012 est.) estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population growth rate

-0.327% (2012 est.)

Religions

Protestant 30.5% (Pentecostal 16.9%, Anglican 6.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%), Hindu 28.4%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, Muslim 7.2%, other Christian 17.7%, other 4.3%, none 4.3% (2002 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 85% of population rural: 80% of population total: 81% of population urban: 15% of population rural: 20% of population total: 19% of population

rural

20% of population

total

19% of population

urban

15% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2009)

female

12 years (2009)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.69 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.69 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.99 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.04 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

2.27 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

24.1% 20.6% 31.3% (2002)

female

31.3% (2002)

total

24.1%

Urbanization

29% of total population (2010) 0.5% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.5% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

29% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Capital

Georgetown 6 48 N, 58 09 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

6 48 N, 58 09 W

name

Georgetown

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

6 October 1980

Country name

Cooperative Republic of Guyana Guyana British Guiana

conventional long form

Cooperative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form

Guyana

former

British Guiana

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador D. Brent HARDT US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170 [592] 225-4900 through 4909 [592] 225-8497

chief of mission

Ambassador D. Brent HARDT

embassy

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

FAX

[592] 225-8497

mailing address

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

telephone

[592] 225-4900 through 4909

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Bayney KARRAN 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 265-6900 [1] (202) 232-1297 New York

chancery

2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Bayney KARRAN

consulate(s) general

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 232-1297

telephone

[1] (202) 265-6900

Executive branch

President Donald RAMOTAR (since 03 December 2011); Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992, except for a period as chief of state after the death of President Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997) Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature president elected by popular vote as leader of a party list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 November 2011 (next to be called by December 2016); prime minister appointed by the president Donald RAMOTAR elected president, percent of vote 48.6%

cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature

chief of state

President Donald RAMOTAR (since 03 December 2011);

election results

Donald RAMOTAR elected president, percent of vote 48.6%

elections

president elected by popular vote as leader of a party list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 November 2011 (next to be called by December 2016); prime minister appointed by the president

head of government

Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992, except for a period as chief of state after the death of President Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)

Flag description

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future; white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

Government type

republic

Independence

26 May 1966 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Legal system

common law system, based on the English model, with some Roman-Dutch civil law influence

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms) last held on 28 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2016) percent of vote by party - PPP/C 48.6%, APNU 40%, AFC 10.3%, other 1.1%; seats by party - PPP/C 32, APNU 26, AFC 7

election results

percent of vote by party - PPP/C 48.6%, APNU 40%, AFC 10.3%, other 1.1%; seats by party - PPP/C 32, APNU 26, AFC 7

elections

last held on 28 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2016)

National anthem

"Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains" Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER adopted 1966

lyrics/music

Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER

name

"Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains"

National holiday

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

National symbol(s)

Canje pheasant (hoatzin); jaguar

Political parties and leaders

Alliance for Change or AFC [Khemraj RAMJATTAN]; Justice for All Party [C.N. SHARMA]; A Partnership for National Unity or APNU [David GRANGER]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Donald RAMOTAR]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey JAGAN]; Vision Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association; Guyana Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana Public Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades Union Congress

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

sugarcane, rice, edible oils; beef, pork, poultry; shrimp, fish

Budget

$628.7 million $793.1 million (2012 est.)

expenditures

$793.1 million (2012 est.)

revenues

$628.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-5.9% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5.5% (31 December 2011 est.) 4.25% (31 December 2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

13.9% (31 December 2012 est.) 14.45% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

-$324.8 million (2012 est.) -$307.2 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$1.234 billion (31 December 2010) $804.3 million (30 September 2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

44.6 (2007) 43.2 (1999)

Economy - overview

The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily in the raw materials sector. Guyana has experienced positive growth almost every year over the past decade. Inflation has been kept under control. Recent years have seen the government's stock of debt reduced significantly - with external debt now less than half of what it was in the early 1990s. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. Despite recent improvements, the government is still juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank, Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million debt, equivalent to 21% of GDP, which along with other Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in 2009 as a result of the world recession, but picked up in 2010-11, before slowing again in 2012, as a result of a second recession, this focused mainly in Europe. The slowdown in the domestic economy and lower import costs has helped to narrow the country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings from exports.

Exchange rates

Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.4 (2012 est.) 204.02 (2011 est.) 203.64 (2010 est.) 203.95 (2009) 203.86 (2008)

Exports

$1.229 billion (2012 est.) $1.18 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber

Exports - partners

Canada 29%, US 28.6%, UK 4.9%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.3%, Jamaica 4.3%, Netherlands 4% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

20.3% 34.8% 44.9% (2012 est.)

agriculture

20.3%

industry

34.8%

services

44.9% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,000 (2012 est.) $7,700 (2011 est.) $7,300 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.7% (2012 est.) 5.4% (2011 est.) 4.4% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.788 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$6.164 billion (2012 est.) $5.946 billion (2011 est.) $5.639 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.3% 33.8% (1999)

highest 10%

33.8% (1999)

lowest 10%

1.3%

Imports

$1.85 billion (2012 est.) $1.746 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners

US 21.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 20%, China 8.3%, South Africa 7.5%, Cuba 5.5% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

0.3% (2010)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.1% (2012 est.) 2.6% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

29.6% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

313,100 (2009 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

NA% NA% NA%

agriculture

NA%

industry

NA%

services

NA%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$440.4 million (31 December 2011) $339.8 million (31 December 2010) $287 million (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

35% (2006)

Public debt

66.1% of GDP (2012 est.) 62.1% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.002 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $801.8 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.696 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.499 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.097 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.014 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$462.4 million (31 December 2012 est.) $435.1 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

22.5% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

11% (2007)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

1.52 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

683 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

99.7% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0.3% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

343,000 kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

817 million kWh (2009 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

10,910 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

10,680 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Broadcast media

government-dominated broadcast media; the National Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2 radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new private radio stations continue to constrain competition in broadcast media (2007)

Internet country code

.gy

Internet hosts

24,936 (2012)

Internet users

189,600 (2009)

Telephone system

fair system for long-distance service; microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services fixed-line teledensity is about 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 70 per 100 persons in 2011 country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

domestic

fixed-line teledensity is about 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 70 per 100 persons in 2011

general assessment

fair system for long-distance service; microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services

international

country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Telephones - main lines in use

152,600 (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

528,800 (2011)

Airports

98 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

8 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

11

under 914 m

8 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

74 (2012)

914 to 1,523 m

13

total

87

under 914 m

74 (2012)

Merchant marine

cargo 7, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)

registered in other countries

3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)

total

10

Ports and terminals

Georgetown

Roadways

7,970 km 590 km 7,380 km (2000)

total

7,970 km

unpaved

7,380 km (2000)

Waterways

330 km (the Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively) (2012)

Manpower available for military service

189,840 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

189,840 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

133,239 147,719 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

147,719 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

133,239

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

8,849 8,460 (2010 est.)

female

8,460 (2010 est.)

male

8,849

Military branches

Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Air Corps, Coast Guard) (2012)

Guyana Defense Force

Army (includes Air Corps, Coast Guard) (2012)

Military expenditures

1.8% of GDP (2006)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

Disputes - international

all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration under provisions of the UNCLOS to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis; rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human smuggling