In 2009, Guyana had a population of 758,735 people and a population growth rate of 0.6%. The economy was driven by the export of commodities such as rice, sugar and gold. Guyana was an active member in many international organisations including the United Nations, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Politically, Guyana was a presidential representative democratic republic with two major political parties: the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC). The then President was Bharrat Jagdeo who had been in office since 1999. He had previously served as Minister for Finance from 1992 to 1997 under President Cheddi Jagan. See internetsailors for Guyana in the year of 2011.
Yearbook 2009
Guyana. The more than 100-year-old border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region, corresponding to two-thirds of the territory of Guyana that Venezuela claims, became relevant again during the year, but for once in a constructive spirit. According to countryaah, the government opened in February and April for foreign exploration in the area, which is considered rich in gold and diamonds, among other things, without the usual protests from Venezuela. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation GY which stands for the nation of Guyana.
In July, after a visit to Venezuela, Foreign Minister Elisabeth Harper announced that the two countries intend to jointly appoint a UN representative to oversee the talks on a definitive solution to the border conflict. At the same time, however, Guyana applied to a UN commission to extend its territorial water rights, which is believed to lead to tense relations with the other neighboring country Suriname.
Climate
The climate is tropical with rainfall up to 3000 mm per year; Annual mean temperatures 27 ° C, maximum temperatures around 34 ° C, minimum temperatures around 20 ° C; Humidity 73-88%.
There are two rainy periods: strong from April to August, weaker September to November, stronger again until the end of January, then drought until the beginning of April.
Population
Consequence of the Dutch colonization of the 16th century. it was the formation on the coast of a plantation economy, based on the cultivation of tobacco, cotton, coffee and cocoa; however, only with the polder arrangement of the low lands of the coast, at the beginning of the 18th century, could the cultivation of sugar cane develop, which made use of imported African labor. From 1834, with the abolition of slavery, contract workers, generally from India, began to flow into the country. The population, which in that year was 100,000 residents, reached 127,700 in 1851, 296,000 in 1911 and 344,000 in 1937, then exceeding 500,000 in the 1950s.
As a result of migrations from various parts of the world, the population is remarkably composite, alongside Indians (43.5%) there are Blacks (30.2%), Mestizos (16.7), Amerindians (9.2%) living along the rivers within the country, Portuguese descendants of Maderesi recruited in the nineteenth century, Chinese and other Europeans. The ethnic heterogeneity is reflected in the variety of religions, where Hindus are in the majority (28.8%), alongside the numerous Protestants (18.7%), Catholics (8.1%), and Muslims (7.3%)). About 90% of the population is concentrated in the coastal strip between the Essequibo and Courantyne estuaries. The country it has the highest share of rural population in South America, and in 2008 only 28% of the residents lived in urban areas. By far the most important city is the capital, Georgetown, followed at a considerable distance by Linden and New Amsterdam.
Shopping
Overview
Georgetown’s Stabroek Market sells local straw hats, baskets, clay pots and jewelry. Other shops sell Native American bows and arrows, hammocks, pottery and bowls. In the state shops you can find excellent jewelry made of gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Prices are low, quality is good. Receipts and certificates should be kept for customs until export. Opening hours of the shops: generally Mon-Fri 08.00-11.30 and 13.00-16.00, Sat 08.00-11.30.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are several nightclubs in Georgetown.
Culinary
Overview
The choice of dishes reflects the influences of different cultures. Indian cuisine with its curry, lamb, shrimp and chicken dishes is represented as well as the African dishes fu-fu (plantains) and metemgee (edows, yams, cassava and plantains cooked in coconut milk and coconut meat). Typical specialties are Portuguese pork with garlic and Indian pepper pot. Poultry, pork, steak and shrimp are found on most menus. Georgetown has good Chinese, Indian and Creole restaurants. Drinks: Demerara rum, a local specialty, is a must-try. The local beer is called Banks.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are 10 hotels in Georgetown, some of which offer superior international standards. There is no surcharge in high season. As power outages are common, bring a flashlight with you. Information from the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
50% Christian (predominantly Anglicans and Catholics), 35% Hindu and 10% Muslim.
Social Rules of Conduct
Hospitality goes without saying, and invitations to private homes are frequent. Casual wear is common, but men should not wear shorts. Smarter attire is expected in some restaurants and on special social occasions. Tipping: 10% in hotels and restaurants.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical. Precipitation and high humidity all year round. Rainy seasons from November to January and May to August. Cooler on the coast.
Country data
Phone prefix
+592
Area (sq km)
214969
Population
786,552
Population density (per square km)
3
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
913