2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Guyana

2017 Edition · 315 data fields

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Introduction

Background

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to settlement of urban areas by former slaves and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. The resulting 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 elected in 2001 and again in 2006. Early elections held in May 2015 resulted in the first change in governing party and the replacement of President Donald RAMOTAR by current President David GRANGER

Geography

Area

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

207 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m
mean elevation: 207 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

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; contains some of the largest unspoiled rainforests on the continent

Irrigated land

1,430 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

2,933 km Brazil 1,308 km, Suriname 836 km, Venezuela 789 km
border countries (3): Brazil 1,308 km, Suriname 836 km, Venezuela 789 km
total: 2,933 km

Land use

8.4% arable land 2.1%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 6.2% 77.4% 14.2% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 8.4%
forest: 77.4%
other: 14.2% (2011 est.)

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

Population - distribution

population is heavily concentrated in the northeast in and around Georgetown, with notable concentrations along the Berbice River to the east; the remainder of the country is sparsely populated

Terrain

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

People and Society

Age structure

26.22% (male 98,506/female 94,949) 21.56% (male 81,487/female 77,567) 38.1% (male 146,915/female 134,145) 8.03% (male 26,924/female 32,345) 6.08% (male 18,421/female 26,459) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 26.22% (male 98,506/female 94,949)
15-24 years: 21.56% (male 81,487/female 77,567)
25-54 years: 38.1% (male 146,915/female 134,145)
55-64 years: 8.03% (male 26,924/female 32,345)
65 years and over: 6.08% (male 18,421/female 26,459) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

15.4 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

8.5% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

33.9% (2014)

Death rate

7.4 deaths/1,000 population (2017 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.

Dependency ratios

53.5 45.8 7.7 13.3 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.7
potential support ratio: 13.3 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 53.5
youth dependency ratio: 45.8

Drinking water source

urban: 98.2% of population rural: 98.3% of population total: 98.3% of population urban: 1.8% of population rural: 1.7% of population total: 1.7% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 1.7% of population
total: 1.7% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 1.8% of population

Education expenditures

3.2% of GDP (2012)

Ethnic groups

East Indian 39.8%, black (African) 29.3%, mixed 19.9%, Amerindian 10.5%, other 0.5% (includes Portuguese, Chinese, white) (2012 est.)

Health expenditures

5.2% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.6% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,500 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

2 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

30.4 deaths/1,000 live births 34.2 deaths/1,000 live births 26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 34.2 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 30.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (including Caribbean and Arawak languages), Indian languages (including Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi), Chinese (2014 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

68.6 years 65.6 years 71.8 years (2017 est.)
female: 71.8 years (2017 est.)
male: 65.6 years
total population: 68.6 years

Literacy

age 15 and over has ever attended school 88.5% 87.2% 89.8% (2015 est.)
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
female: 89.8% (2015 est.)
male: 87.2%
total population: 88.5%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever dengue fever and malaria active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
note: active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

Major urban areas - population

GEORGETOWN (capital) 124,000 (2014)

Maternal mortality rate

229 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

26.2 years 25.9 years 26.6 years (2017 est.)
female: 26.6 years (2017 est.)
male: 25.9 years
total: 26.2 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

20.8 years median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2009 est.)
note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2009 est.)

Nationality

Guyanese (singular and plural) Guyanese
adjective: Guyanese
noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

-4.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

20.2% (2016)

Physicians density

0.21 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

737,718 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 (July 2017 est.)
note: 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 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

population is heavily concentrated in the northeast in and around Georgetown, with noteable concentrations along the Berbice River to the east; the remainder of the country is sparsely populated

Population growth rate

0.32% (2017 est.)

Religions

Protestant 34.8% (Pentecostal 22.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 5.2%, Methodist 1.4%), Hindu 24.8%, Roman Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 0.5%, other Christian 20.8%, other 0.9%, none 3.1% (2012 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 87.9% of population rural: 82% of population total: 83.7% of population urban: 12.1% of population rural: 18% of population total: 16.3% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 18% of population
total: 16.3% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 12.1% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

10 years 10 years 10 years (2012)
female: 10 years (2012)
male: 10 years
total: 10 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Urbanization

28.8% of total population (2017) 0.91% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.91% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 28.8% of total population (2017)

Government

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)

Citizenship

yes yes no na
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: na

Constitution

several previous; latest promulgated 6 October 1980; amended many times, last in 2009 (2017)

Country name

Cooperative Republic of Guyana Guyana British Guiana the name is derived from Guiana, the original name for the region that included British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, and French Guiana; ultimately the word is derived from an indigenous Amerindian language and means "Land of Many Waters" (referring to the area's multitude of rivers and streams)
conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
conventional short form: Guyana
etymology: the name is derived from Guiana, the original name for the region that included British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, and French Guiana; ultimately the word is derived from an indigenous Amerindian language and means "Land of Many Waters" (referring to the area's multitude of rivers and streams)
former: British Guiana

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Perry L. HOLLOWAY (since 2 October 2015) 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 Perry L. HOLLOWAY (since 2 October 2015)
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 Riyad David INSANALLY (since 16 Sept 2016) 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 Riyad David INSANALLY (since 16 Sept 2016)
consulate(s) general: New York
FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

Executive branch

President David GRANGER (since 16 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President David GRANGER (since 16 May 2015) Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly the predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 11 May 2015 (next to be held no later than 2020); prime minister appointed by the president David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly
chief of state: President David GRANGER (since 16 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
election results: David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
elections/appointments: the predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 11 May 2015 (next to be held no later than 2020); prime minister appointed by the president
head of government: President David GRANGER (since 16 May 2015)

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

parliamentary 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, ICCt, 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 (consists of the Court of Appeal with a chief justice and 3 justices, and the High Court with a chief justice and 10 justices organized into 3- or 5-judge panels); note - in 2009, Guyana ceased final appeals in civil and criminal cases to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London), replacing it with the Caribbean Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the Caribbean Community Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president; other judges of both courts appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a body appointed by the president; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 65 Land Court; magistrates' courts
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Judicature (consists of the Court of Appeal with a chief justice and 3 justices, and the High Court with a chief justice and 10 justices organized into 3- or 5-judge panels); note - in 2009, Guyana ceased final appeals in civil and criminal cases to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London), replacing it with the Caribbean Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the Caribbean Community
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president; other judges of both courts appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a body appointed by the president; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Land Court; magistrates' courts

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 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies and a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) last held on 11 May 2015 (next to be held by May 2020) percent of vote by party - APNU-AFC 50.3%, PPP/C 49.2%, other 0.5%; seats by party - APNU-AFC 33, PPP/C 32
description: unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies and a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - APNU-AFC 50.3%, PPP/C 49.2%, other 0.5%; seats by party - APNU-AFC 33, PPP/C 32
elections: last held on 11 May 2015 (next to be held by May 2020)

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"
note: adopted 1966

National holiday

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

National symbol(s)

Canje pheasant (hoatzin), jaguar, Victoria Regia water lily; national colors: red, yellow, green, black, white
Canje pheasant (hoatzin), jaguar, Victoria Regia water lily; national colors: red, yellow, green, black, white

Political parties and leaders

A Partnership for National Unity or APNU [David A. GRANGER] Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN] Justice for All Party [C.N. SHARMA] National Independent Party or NIP [Saphier Husain SUBEDAR] People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Donald RAMOTAR] The United Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR] United Republican Party or URP [Vishnu BANDHU]

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 Guyana Trans United Private Sector Commission Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination or SASOD Trades Union Congress

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$896.7 million $1.05 billion (2016 est.)
expenditures: $1.05 billion (2016 est.)
revenues: $896.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

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

Commercial bank prime lending rate

13% (31 December 2016 est.) 12.83% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$14 million (2016 est.) $-144.2 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$1.542 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.639 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

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. Much of Guyana's growth in recent years has come from a surge in gold production in response to global prices, although downward trends in gold prices may threaten future growth. In 2014, production of sugar dropped to a 24-year low. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy in January 2006 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. 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 debt forgiveness, brought the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 67% in 2015. Guyana had become heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure.

Exchange rates

Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 206.5 (2016 est.) 206.5 (2015 est.) 206.5 (2014 est.) 206.45 (2013 est.) 204.36 (2012 est.)

Exports

$1.38 billion (2016 est.) $1.17 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

Canada 30.6%, US 20.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.4% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

71.9% 18.4% 22.6% 2.4% 51.1% -66.4% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 51.1%
government consumption: 18.4%
household consumption: 71.9%
imports of goods and services: -66.4% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.6%
investment in inventories: 2.4%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

17.4% 35.9% 46.8% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 17.4%
industry: 35.9%
services: 46.8% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$7,900 (2016 est.) $7,600 (2015 est.) $7,400 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.3% (2016 est.) 3.1% (2015 est.) 3.8% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$3.437 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$6.045 billion (2016 est.) $5.778 billion (2015 est.) $5.542 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

15.3% of GDP (2016 est.) 8.2% of GDP (2015 est.) 6.9% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.3% 33.8% (1999)
highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)
lowest 10%: 1.3%

Imports

$1.555 billion (2016 est.) $1.475 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners

Trinidad and Tobago 29%, US 27.5%, China 7.3%, Suriname 5.5% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

23.3% (2016 est.)

Industries

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.8% (2016 est.) -1.1% (2015 est.)

Labor force

313,800 (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

NA% NA% NA%
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$610.9 million (31 December 2012 est.) $440.4 million (31 December 2011 est.) $339.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

35% (2006 est.)

Public debt

46.8% of GDP (2016 est.) 48.2% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$581 million (31 December 2016 est.) $531.9 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.62 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.875 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.492 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$701.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) $631 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

26.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

11.1% (2013) 11.3% (2012)

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 has constrained competition in broadcast media (2017)

Internet country code

.gy

Internet users

262,425 35.7% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 35.7% (July 2016 est.)
total: 262,425

Telephone system

reliable international long distance service; 100% digital network; national transmission supported by fiber optic cable and rural network by microwaves; more than 150,000 lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services fixed-line teledensity is about 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 75 per 100 persons country code - 592; SIP trunking to most providers; international calls via diverse fiber optic cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)
domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 75 per 100 persons
general assessment: reliable international long distance service; 100% digital network; national transmission supported by fiber optic cable and rural network by microwaves; more than 150,000 lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services
international: country code - 592; SIP trunking to most providers; international calls via diverse fiber optic cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)

Telephones - fixed lines

153,000 21 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 153,000

Telephones - mobile cellular

539,000 73 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (July 2016 est.)
total: 539,000

Transportation

Airports

117 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

8 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
total: 11
under 914 m: 8 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

89 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 16
total: 106
under 914 m: 89 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

8R (2016)

Merchant marine

cargo 7, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)
by type: cargo 7, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1
registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)
total: 10

National air transport system

43,835 0 mt-km (2015)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 mt-km (2015)
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 43,835
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12
number of registered air carriers: 2

Ports and terminals

Georgetown
major seaport(s): Georgetown

Roadways

7,970 km 590 km 7,380 km (2001)
paved: 590 km
total: 7,970 km
unpaved: 7,380 km (2001)

Waterways

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

Military and Security

Military branches

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

Military expenditures

1.42% of GDP (2016) 1.46% of GDP (2015) 1.28% of GDP (2014) 1.18% of GDP (2013) 1.18% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age or older for voluntary military service; no conscription (2014)

Transnational Issues

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

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

Trafficking in persons

Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor – children are particularly vulnerable; women and girls from Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are forced into prostitution in Guyana’s interior mining communities and urban areas; forced labor is reported in mining, agriculture, forestry, domestic service, and shops; Guyanese nationals are also trafficked to Suriname, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries for sexual exploitation and forced labor Tier 2 Watch List – Guyana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, Guyana was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; the government released its anti-trafficking action plan in June 2014 but made uneven efforts to implement it; law enforcement was weak, investigating seven trafficking cases, prosecuting four alleged traffickers, and convicting one trafficker – a police officer – who was released on bail pending appeal; in 2014, as in previous years, Guyanese courts dismissed the majority of ongoing trafficking prosecutions; the government referred some victims to care services, which were provided by NGOs with little or no government support (2015)
current situation: Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor – children are particularly vulnerable; women and girls from Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are forced into prostitution in Guyana’s interior mining communities and urban areas; forced labor is reported in mining, agriculture, forestry, domestic service, and shops; Guyanese nationals are also trafficked to Suriname, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries for sexual exploitation and forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List – Guyana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, Guyana was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; the government released its anti-trafficking action plan in June 2014 but made uneven efforts to implement it; law enforcement was weak, investigating seven trafficking cases, prosecuting four alleged traffickers, and convicting one trafficker – a police officer – who was released on bail pending appeal; in 2014, as in previous years, Guyanese courts dismissed the majority of ongoing trafficking prosecutions; the government referred some victims to care services, which were provided by NGOs with little or no government support (2015)