Guyana

1498 (Monday, August 1) – First European contact by explorer Vasco da Gama, who reaches the Guiana coast

1616 (Tuesday, February 15) – Dutch colonization of what is now Guyana, establishing sugar plantations

1791 (Thursday, January 1) – Dutch cede control of the region to the British

1831 (Friday, September 1) – British formally unite the Dutch colonies of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice to form British Guiana

1863 (Monday, May 16) – Indian indentured laborers are brought to work on sugar plantations

1966 (Monday, May 26) – Guyana gains independence from the United Kingdom

1969 (Monday, September 1) – Oil discovered offshore, beginning to lay the groundwork for future oil-related economic development

1970 (Tuesday, February 17) – Guyana becomes a Republic

1997 (Tuesday, December 16) – Flooding caused by heavy rainfall and poorly managed flood control infrastructure

2005 (Wednesday, January 26) – Severe flooding across the coastal region, resulting in significant damage and displacement

2009 (Wednesday, December 30) – Tropical Storm hits, causing extensive damage and affecting communities along the coast

2011 (Friday, October 21) – Tropical Storm affects parts of the coastal region, disrupting transportation and agriculture

2015 (Tuesday, May 19) – Severe drought impacts agriculture, especially rice production

2020 (Monday, March 30) – COVID-19 pandemic leads to widespread health concerns and economic disruptions

2022 (Thursday, January 6) – Flash floods hit parts of Georgetown and surrounding areas, causing major infrastructure damage

2023 (Monday, May 15) – Heavy rainfall triggers flooding and landslides in the interior and southern regions

Continent: South America
Location: Located on the northeastern coast of South America, bordered by Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.
Capital: Georgetown
Language: English (official), Guyanese Creole, Indigenous languages
Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
Population: ~790,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Guyana Time (GYT, UTC -4)

Borders: Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname
Landscape: Coastal plain, forested highlands, and mountains
Major Rivers: Essequibo River, Demerara River, Berbice River, Corentyne River
Major Mountains: Mount Roraima (part of the border with Venezuela), Kanuku Mountains, Pakaraima Mountains
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Mainstay, Lake Amaila
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mount Roraima – 2,810 m (9,219 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a wet season (May to mid-August) and dry season (mid-August to April). Coastal areas have a humid climate, while the interior has a slightly cooler, drier climate.
Geological Features: Guyana lies on the Guiana Shield, a geological formation rich in minerals, with large tracts of rainforest and highland plateaus. The coastal plain is prone to flooding during the rainy season.

Ethnic Groups: East Indian, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, European, Mixed
Religion: Christianity (~63%), Hinduism (~25%), Islam (~7%), Indigenous religions (~5%)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Guyana has a multi-ethnic society with significant East Indian, African, and Indigenous populations. It also has smaller groups of Portuguese, Chinese, and European descendants.

Famous For: Cultural diversity, festivals, indigenous heritage, and rich music
Cuisine: Pepperpot, Metemgee, Cook-up rice, Roti, Bake and shark, Fruit and fish dishes
Arts: Traditional music (including Calypso, Reggae, and Soca), art, storytelling, and indigenous crafts
Sports: Cricket, football (soccer), athletics
Music: Soca, Reggae, and Calypso music are widely popular. Indigenous music and dances also play an important role in the cultural heritage.

Economy Type: Mixed economy, major export commodities include natural resources
GDP: Approx. $11 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Petroleum, mining (gold, bauxite, diamonds), agriculture (rice, sugar, fruits), forestry
Key Exports: Petroleum, gold, rice, sugar, bauxite, timber
Unemployment Rate: ~11% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy is based on the extraction of natural resources such as gold and bauxite, agriculture (particularly rice and sugar), and, more recently, petroleum production. The coastal region is highly urbanized, while the interior remains sparsely populated.

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Irfaan Ali (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral National Assembly (National Assembly & Senate)
Constitution: Constitution of Guyana, adopted in 1980, revised in 2001

Georgetown: Capital city known for its colonial architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant markets
Kaieteur Falls: One of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, located in Kaieteur National Park
Mount Roraima: A unique tabletop mountain offering trekking and panoramic views
Essequibo River: The largest river in Guyana, known for river tours and wildlife viewing
Iwokrama Forest: A pristine rainforest offering eco-tourism, wildlife safaris, and indigenous cultural experiences
Fort Zeelandia: Historic fort in the town of St. Laurent
Shell Beach: A protected area known for its turtle nesting sites and birdwatching opportunities