Country Profile: Guyana
Guyana, located in Northern South America, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and shares its land borders with Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. With a population of approximately 794,099, the country features rich cultural diversity, influenced by its history as a former British colony. The economy is primarily driven by hydrocarbon resources, with recent discoveries of significant offshore oil reserves attracting foreign investment and attention. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Guyana has faced political turbulence, but continues to focus on economic development and social stability.
Geography
Guyana is positioned in Northern South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its total area is about 214,969 sq km, making it the third smallest country on the continent. The landscape consists of mostly rolling highlands and a low coastal plain, with large unspoiled rainforests that are significant to its ecology.
- Area: 214,969 sq km
- Land boundaries: 2,933 km
- Coastline: 459 km
- Natural resources: bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber
- Climate: tropical with two rainy seasons
People and Society
The population of Guyana is estimated at 794,099 as of 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition including East Indian, African, Indigenous, and mixed backgrounds. English is the official language, and the country is marked by a variety of cultural and religious practices. Urbanization is continuing, with about 27.2% of the population residing in urban areas.
- Urban population: 27.2%
- Median age: 28.7 years
- Literacy rate: 85.6%
- Life expectancy: 72.4 years
- Major urban area: Georgetown (pop. 110,000)
Economy
Guyana's economy is small but rapidly evolving, primarily driven by its emerging hydrocarbon sector. The GDP has seen substantial growth due to oil discoveries, with a projected growth rate of 43.4% for 2024. The country also boasts large resources of bauxite and gold, supporting its industrial base.
- GDP (PPP): $58.423 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $70,300 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 10.2% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $13.739 billion (2023 est.)
- Imports: $10.956 billion (2023 est.)
Government
Guyana is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly. The capital city is Georgetown, which is also the political and economic center. The country has experienced significant political developments since achieving independence from the UK in 1966, including multiple electoral changes and a notable emphasis on democratic governance.
- Government type: parliamentary republic
- Current president: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2020)
- Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal
- Administrative divisions: 10 regions
Military and Security
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) is responsible for national defense and comprises ground, air, and coast guard components. Current military expenditure is approximately 0.9% of GDP, reflecting the country’s focus on maintaining security amidst regional concerns, particularly regarding territorial disputes with Venezuela.
- Active-duty personnel: ~3,500 (2025)
- Military expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Service age: 18 years and older
- Key concerns: illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking
Energy
Guyana's energy sector is primarily based on fossil fuels, with significant production of petroleum. As of 2023, the country generated about 391,000 barrels of oil per day, and 93% of the population has access to electricity.
- Electricity access: 93% (2022 est.)
- Total petroleum production: 391,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 1.07 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Installed capacity: 259,000 kW (2023 est.)
Environment
Guyana is rich in biodiversity, but it faces challenges such as water pollution and deforestation. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at protecting its natural resources.
- Forest coverage: 87.1% (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.639 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste generation: 179,300 tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
The country's transportation infrastructure includes numerous air and sea ports, with Georgetown being the principal port. As of 2025, there are 55 airports and 80 merchant vessels serving its shipping needs.
- Airports: 55 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 80 vessels (2023)
- Total ports: 3 (2024)
Communications
Guyana's communications infrastructure has grown dramatically, with approximately 82% of the population accessing the internet. The mobile cellular subscription rate is high, reflecting advancements in telecommunications.
- Internet users: 82% (2023 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 856,000 (2021 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 125,000 (2021 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 794,099 | 2024 estimate |
| Total Area | 214,969 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $58.423 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 46.045 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 10.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 72.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 85.6% | 2020 estimate |
| Forest Coverage | 87.1% | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 93% | 2022 estimate |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.35% | 2025 estimate |
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