Country Profile: Guyana

Guyana, located in Northern South America, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Suriname, and Venezuela. With a population of approximately 794,099, it is the only English-speaking nation in South America and has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by its history as a British colony. The country's economy has recently shifted focus due to significant offshore oil discoveries, which have potential to change its status as one of the region's poorer nations. The government operates as a parliamentary republic, and Guyana has been navigating a complex political landscape since gaining independence from the UK in 1966.

Geography

Guyana is characterized by its tropical climate and diverse terrain, which includes rolling highlands, a low coastal plain, and large rainforests. The country's notable geography includes a total area of 214,969 sq km, making it the third smallest country in South America. The population is predominantly concentrated in the northeast around the capital, Georgetown, with the rest of the land sparsely populated.

Area: 214,969 sq km
Coastline: 459 km
Natural resources: Includes bauxite, gold, diamonds, and hardwood timber.
Forested area: 87.1% of land use (2023).
Mean elevation: 207 m

People and Society

As of 2024, Guyana has an estimated population of 794,099, with a notable ethnic diversity including East Indian (39.8%), African descent (29.3%), and Indigenous groups (10.5%). The predominant language is English, alongside various indigenous and Creole languages. The society is marked by a blend of cultural traditions and religions, with a significant Protestant and Hindu presence.

Urban population: 27.2% of total population (2023).
Literacy rate: 85.6% (2020 est.).
Life expectancy: 72.4 years (2024 est.).
Population growth rate: 0.35% (2025 est.).
Median age: 28.7 years (2025 est.)

Economy

Guyana's economy is primarily driven by its hydrocarbon sector, with oil production leading the way. The GDP is experiencing rapid growth due to these developments, with a projected real GDP of approximately $58.423 billion in 2024. The country also has significant reserves in bauxite and gold, contributing to its economic structure. The labor force consists of about 292,200 individuals, with high levels of unemployment among youth.

GDP (PPP): $58.423 billion (2024 est.).
GDP growth rate: 43.4% (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 10.2% (2024 est.).
Exports: $13.739 billion (2023 est.).
Inflation rate: 2.9% (2024 est.).

Government

Guyana is a parliamentary republic with a president who serves as both head of state and government. The current President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, has been in office since August 2020. The legislative body is unicameral, consisting of a National Assembly with 72 directly elected members. The political landscape features a variety of parties, and elections are held every five years.

Capital: Georgetown.
Independence: 26 May 1966 (from the UK).
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Legal system: Common law, influenced by English and Roman-Dutch law.

Military and Security

The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) encompasses ground, air, and coast guard elements, with approximately 3,500 active personnel. Military expenditures are relatively low, representing 0.9% of GDP as of 2024. The force plays a crucial role in internal security and territorial defense, especially concerning issues related to illegal activities and border disputes.

Military forces: Guyana Defense Force (GDF) with ground, air, and coast guard units.
Military expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.).
Active-duty personnel: Approximately 3,500 (2025).
No conscription: Voluntary military service at age 18 or older.

Energy

Guyana is significantly advancing in the energy sector, primarily relying on fossil fuels for electricity generation. As of 2023, approximately 93% of the population has access to electricity, and the country is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources. The current installed capacity includes a mix of fossil fuels, biomass, and solar power.

Electricity access: 93% of total population (2022 est.).
Installed capacity: 259,000 kW (2023 est.).
Total petroleum production: 391,000 barrels/day (2023 est.).
Energy consumption per capita: 46.045 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Guyana is home to rich biodiversity and some of the largest unspoiled rainforests in the world. However, the country faces environmental challenges such as water pollution and deforestation. It participates in several international environmental agreements aimed at protecting its natural resources.

Forest coverage: 87.1% of land area (2023).
Annual municipal solid waste: 179,300 tons (2024 est.).
Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.639 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Hydrocarbon efforts: Leveraging forest coverage for carbon credits.

Transportation

Guyana has a developing transportation infrastructure, including 55 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising 80 vessels. The road network primarily links urban centers, with significant reliance on waterways for transportation, especially in remote areas.

Airports: 55 (2025).
Merchant marine: 80 vessels (2023).
Ports: Total of 3, with key ports in Georgetown and Linden.

Communications

The communications sector in Guyana features a mixture of government and private media, with significant internet penetration at approximately 82%. Fixed line and mobile subscriptions are growing, although the market remains competitive due to state ownership of some media outlets.

Internet users: 82% of the population (2023 est.).
Mobile subscriptions: 856,000 (2021).
Telephones (fixed lines): 125,000 (2021 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	794,099	2024 est.
Area	214,969 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$58.423 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment rate	10.2%	2024 est.
Energy consumption per capita	46.045 million Btu	2023 est.
Life expectancy	72.4 years	2024 est.
Literacy rate	85.6%	2020 est.
Inflation rate	2.9%	2024 est.
Electric access	93%	2022 est.
Military expenditures	0.9% of GDP	2024 est.