last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Guyana
Location Map of Guyana
Guyana
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Quick overview
Guyana is a country covered predominantly by tropical forests (85%) with vast savannas in the southwest stretching from the high plateaus of the interior (at Mount Roraima) to the Atlantic coast, where the majority of the population lives; the interior is almost uninhabited.
Key facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 6°46' N, 58°10' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Georgetown.
- Nature of the state: republic.
- Official language: English.
- Currency: Guyanese dollar.
- Population: 740,685 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 214,970 km².
- Density: 3.5 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Mount Roraima (2,772 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 459 km.
- Driving: on the left.
Tourism
Guyana is one of the least-known destinations in the Americas. Like its immediate neighbors, however, it offers opportunities for ecotourism, including the discovery of the Amazon Rainforest and particularly some stunning waterfalls, foremost among them Kaieteur Falls. Each year, the country attracts around 250,000 to 300,000 visitors (287,000 in 2018), which is roughly the same range as Suriname and French Guiana, countries it closely resembles.
Travel essentials
- Destination: for slightly experienced/seasoned travelers.
- By air: France-Georgetown.
- Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after entry date.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays
Useful addresses
Socio-economic statistics
- "Quality of life": 125/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $8,100 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +2% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 11.1% (2013)
- Population below the poverty line: ()
- Life expectancy: 68.9 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -4.8 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.48% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 88.5% (2015)
- Urban population: 26.6% (2018)
- Press freedom: 55/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (54/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook