Guyana
South AmericaGY December 10, 2025
Background
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to former slaves settling urban areas and indentured servants being imported 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 primarily socialist-oriented governments have ruled the country.
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. Donald RAMOTAR won in 2011, but early elections held in 2015 resulted in the first change in governing party, and David GRANGER took office. After a 2018 no-confidence vote against the GRANGER government, the administration ignored a constitutional requirement to hold elections and remained in place until the 2020 elections, when Irfaan ALI became president.
The discovery of massive offshore oil reserves in 2015 has been Guyana's primary economic and political focus, with many hoping the reserves will transform one of the poorest countries in the region. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and shares cultural and historical bonds with the Anglophone Caribbean.
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. Donald RAMOTAR won in 2011, but early elections held in 2015 resulted in the first change in governing party, and David GRANGER took office. After a 2018 no-confidence vote against the GRANGER government, the administration ignored a constitutional requirement to hold elections and remained in place until the 2020 elections, when Irfaan ALI became president.
The discovery of massive offshore oil reserves in 2015 has been Guyana's primary economic and political focus, with many hoping the reserves will transform one of the poorest countries in the region. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and shares cultural and historical bonds with the Anglophone Caribbean.
Geographic coordinates
5 00 N, 59 00 W
Natural hazards
flash flood threat during rainy seasons
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Idaho; almost twice the size of Tennessee
Environmental issues
water pollution from sewage and agricultural/industrial chemicals; deforestation
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)
Coastline
459 km
Land boundaries
Total: 2,933 km
Border countries (3): Brazil 1,308 km; Suriname 836 km; Venezuela 789 km
Border countries (3): Brazil 1,308 km; Suriname 836 km; Venezuela 789 km
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin
Natural resources
bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish
Geography - note
the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; contains some of the largest unspoiled rainforests on the continent
Terrain
mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south
Location
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela
Map references
South America
Irrigated land
1,430 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
271 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
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
Elevation
Highest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 207 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 207 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km)
Area
Total : 214,969 sq km
Land: 196,849 sq km
Water: 18,120 sq km
Land: 196,849 sq km
Water: 18,120 sq km
Land use
Agricultural land: 3.4% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 87.1% (2023 est.)
Other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 87.1% (2023 est.)
Other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 23.5% (male 95,223/female 91,272)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 281,669/female 261,261)
65 years and over: 8.1% (2024 est.) (male 28,352/female 36,322)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 281,669/female 261,261)
65 years and over: 8.1% (2024 est.) (male 28,352/female 36,322)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 85.6% (2020 est.)
Male: 84.2% (2020 est.)
Female: 86.9% (2020 est.)
Male: 84.2% (2020 est.)
Female: 86.9% (2020 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Guyanese
Adjective: Guyanese
Urbanization
Urban population: 27.2% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 96% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 96% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
110,000 GEORGETOWN (capital) (2018)
Physician density
1.39 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
2.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.8 years (2009 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 46.3 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 34.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.4 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 34.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.4 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 98.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 98.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
East Indian 39.8%, African descent 29.3%, mixed 19.9%, Indigenous 10.5%, other 0.5% (includes Portuguese, Chinese, White) (2012 est.)
Religions
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% (2012 est.)
Languages
English (official), Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (including Caribbean and Arawak languages), Indian languages (including Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi), Chinese (2014 est.)
Health expenditure
4.9% of GDP (2021)
10.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
10.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1 (2024 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 6.3% (2020)
Women married by age 18: 32.3% (2020)
Men married by age 18: 11.9% (2020)
Women married by age 18: 32.3% (2020)
Men married by age 18: 11.9% (2020)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 22.3% (2024 est.)
Male: 17.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 28.1% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 17.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 28.1% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-6.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 28.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 28.2 years
Female: 28.4 years
Male: 28.2 years
Female: 28.4 years
Maternal mortality ratio
75 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.05 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 794,099 (2024 est.)
Male: 405,244
Female: 388,855
Male: 405,244
Female: 388,855
Infant mortality rate
Total: 21.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 23.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 23.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 9.2% (2025 est.)
Male: 16.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
Male: 16.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.2% (2016)
Death rate
7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
16.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 5.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 2.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 2.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 72.4 years (2024 est.)
Male: 70.6 years
Female: 74.3 years
Male: 70.6 years
Female: 74.3 years
Population growth rate
0.32% (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
9.4% (2019 est.)
Education expenditure
4.5% of GDP (2018 est.)
7.2% national budget (2025 est.)
7.2% national budget (2025 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 61.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 20.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.363 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 20.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.363 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 179,300 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
11.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
2.639 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 2.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 2.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
46.045 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole THERIOT (since 14 October 2023)
Embassy: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
Mailing address: 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170
Telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909
FAX: [592] 225-8497
Email address and website:
Acsgeorge@state.gov
https://gy.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
Mailing address: 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170
Telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909
FAX: [592] 225-8497
Email address and website:
Acsgeorge@state.gov
https://gy.usembassy.gov/
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
Name: Georgetown
Geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 09 W
Time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The British founded the town in 1781 and named it in honor of King GEORGE III (1738-1820)
Geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 09 W
Time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The British founded the town in 1781 and named it in honor of King GEORGE III (1738-1820)
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest promulgated 6 October 1980
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles, such as national sovereignty, government structure and powers, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum, and assent of the president; other amendments only require Assembly approval
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles, such as national sovereignty, government structure and powers, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum, and assent of the president; other amendments only require Assembly approval
Flag
Description: Green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the left side) on top of a long yellow arrowhead shape that extends to the opposite side of the flag; a narrow black border sits between the red and yellow, and a narrow white border between the yellow and green
Meaning: Green stands for forest and foliage, yellow for mineral resources and a bright future, white for the rivers, red for zeal and the people's sacrifice, and black for perseverance
Meaning: Green stands for forest and foliage, yellow for mineral resources and a bright future, white for the rivers, red for zeal and the people's sacrifice, and black for perseverance
Independence
26 May 1966 (from the UK)
Judicial branch
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); Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal in civil and criminal cases
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
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
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, 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, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Republic Day, 23 February (1970)
Political parties
A New and United Guyana or ANUG
A Partnership for National Unity or APNU
Alliance for Change or AFC
Justice for All Party
Liberty and Justice Party or LJP
National Independent Party or NIP
People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C
The New Movement or TNM
The United Force or TUF
United Republican Party or URP
A Partnership for National Unity or APNU
Alliance for Change or AFC
Justice for All Party
Liberty and Justice Party or LJP
National Independent Party or NIP
People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C
The New Movement or TNM
The United Force or TUF
United Republican Party or URP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
parliamentary republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Conventional short form: Guyana
Former: British Guiana
Etymology: The name is derived from Guiana, the original name for the region that included British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, and French Guiana; the name Guiana may be derived from a local term meaning "Land of Water" (referring to the area's multitude of rivers and streams)
Conventional short form: Guyana
Former: British Guiana
Etymology: The name is derived from Guiana, the original name for the region that included British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, and French Guiana; the name Guiana may be derived from a local term meaning "Land of Water" (referring to the area's multitude of rivers and streams)
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Samuel Archibald HINDS (since 7 July 2021)
Chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
Email address and website:
Guyanaembassydc@verizon.net
http://www.guyanaembassydc.org/
Consulate(s) general: New York
Chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297
Email address and website:
Guyanaembassydc@verizon.net
http://www.guyanaembassydc.org/
Consulate(s) general: New York
National anthem(s)
Title: "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains"
Lyrics/music: Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER
History: Adopted 1966
Lyrics/music: Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER
History: Adopted 1966
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
Canje pheasant (hoatzin), jaguar, Victoria Regia water lily
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: Na
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: Na
National color(s)
red, yellow, green, black, white
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020)
Head of government: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020)
Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly
Election/appointment process: The predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 1 September 2025
Election results: 2025: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) reelected president by the majority party in the National Assembly
2020: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
2015: David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
Expected date of next election: August 2030
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020)
Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly
Election/appointment process: The predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 1 September 2025
Election results: 2025: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) reelected president by the majority party in the National Assembly
2020: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
2015: David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly
Expected date of next election: August 2030
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Chamber name: National Assembly
Number of seats: 72 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/1/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) (36); We Invest in Nationhood (W.I.N.) (16); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) (12); Other (1)
Percentage of women in chamber: 36.1%
Expected date of next election: August 2030
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Chamber name: National Assembly
Number of seats: 72 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/1/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) (36); We Invest in Nationhood (W.I.N.) (16); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) (12); Other (1)
Percentage of women in chamber: 36.1%
Expected date of next election: August 2030
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, railway cargo containers, gold, ships, rice (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 20%, Trinidad & Tobago 11%, Netherlands 10%, Singapore 10%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
rice, sugarcane, plantains, cassava, papayas, pumpkins/squash, chicken, milk, ginger, eggplants (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $1.333 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $1.467 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $1.467 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, construction vehicles, excavation machinery, cars (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
208.5 (2024 est.)
208.5 (2023 est.)
208.5 (2022 est.)
208.5 (2021 est.)
208.5 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
208.5 (2024 est.)
208.5 (2023 est.)
208.5 (2022 est.)
208.5 (2021 est.)
208.5 (2020 est.)
Industries
bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining
Economic overview
small, hydrocarbon-driven South American export economy; major forest coverage being leveraged in carbon credit offsets to encourage preservation; strengthening financial sector; large bauxite and gold resources
GDP (official exchange rate)
$24.836 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Imports - partners
USA 28%, China 13%, Trinidad & Tobago 11%, Brazil 5%, Bahamas, The 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
3.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
3.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
292,200 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$1.805 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.01 billion (2024 est.)
$895.275 million (2023 est.)
$917.877 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$895.275 million (2023 est.)
$917.877 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
10.2% (2024 est.)
12.1% (2023 est.)
12.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
12.1% (2023 est.)
12.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$58.423 billion (2024 est.)
$40.749 billion (2023 est.)
$30.457 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$40.749 billion (2023 est.)
$30.457 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.9% (2024 est.)
2.8% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
2.8% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$2.352 billion (2023 est.)
$4.242 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.36 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$4.242 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.36 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$70,300 (2024 est.)
$49,300 (2023 est.)
$37,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$49,300 (2023 est.)
$37,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$10.956 billion (2023 est.)
$7.033 billion (2022 est.)
$6.588 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$7.033 billion (2022 est.)
$6.588 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$13.739 billion (2023 est.)
$11.517 billion (2022 est.)
$4.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$11.517 billion (2022 est.)
$4.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
43.4% (2024 est.)
33.8% (2023 est.)
63.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
33.8% (2023 est.)
63.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
53.3% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 8% (2024 est.)
Industry: 74.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 74.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 15.3% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 93% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 98%
Electrification - rural areas: 91.6%
Electrification - urban areas: 98%
Electrification - rural areas: 91.6%
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 92.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 5.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 5.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 391,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 259,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 1.07 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 268.803 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 1.07 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 268.803 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 82% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.gy
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; government limits on licensing of new private radio stations has constrained competition
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 856,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 106 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 106 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 106,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2022 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 125,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
8R
Airports
55 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 80 (2023)
By type: General cargo 45, oil tanker 10, other 25
By type: General cargo 45, oil tanker 10, other 25
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age or older for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)
Military expenditures
0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) is a unified force with ground, air, and coast guard components, as well as the Guyana National Reserve (2025)
Note: The Guyana Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security
Note: The Guyana Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 3,500 active-duty Guyana Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military has a limited inventory comprised mostly of older or second-hand platforms from a variety of foreign suppliers, including Brazil, China, the former Soviet Union, the UK, and the US (2024)
Military - note
the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) was established in 1965; its primary missions are territorial defense, maritime security, search and rescue, medical evacuation, aviation and engineering support, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, peace support operations, and community engagement; key areas of concern include illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, piracy, porous borders, and threats from Venezuela over disputed territory; the GDF participates in both bilateral and multinational exercises and has relationships with Brazil, China, France, the UK, and the US
Guyana joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 2022; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
Guyana joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 2022; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 79 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 3 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 2
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 2
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam
National coat of arms
Guyana’s coat of arms was adopted in 1966, the year of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom; the jaguars signify strength and resilience, with one holding a pickaxe that stands for labor and the other holding stalks of rice and sugarcane for agriculture; two national symbols, the Canje pheasant and the Victorian lily, are on the shield, with the national motto underneath; three wavy blue lines stand for the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice rivers, the headdress for the country’s ethnic groups, and the diamonds for the mining industry; the helmet is a symbol of past UK rule in Guyana
Methane emissions
Energy: 103 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 51.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 7.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 51.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 7.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)