Georgetown

CAPITAL CITY OF Guyana: Georgetown
LANGUAGE OF Guyana: English
CURRENCY OF Guyana: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
COMMENTS ABOUT Guyana:
Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is the only nation state of the Commonwealth of Nations on the mainland of South America.
Cities : Georgetown (capital), Lethem, Bartica, Linden, New Amsterdam, Parika
Best Places : Kaieteur Falls, Orinduik Falls, The Rupununi Savannah, The Kanuku Mountains, Iwokrama, Marshall Falls, Kyk-Over-Al, Shell Beach
Electricity : 110-240V/60Hz (USA plug)
Calling code : +592
Time Zone : UTC-3 to UTC-4
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, but until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president, in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by his wife Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001.
CLIMATE OF Guyana: Tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January); Natural hazards : Flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons.
RELIGION OF Guyana: Christian 50%, Hindu 35%, Muslim 10%, other 5%
POPULATION OF Guyana: 705,803>>
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Guyana: The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in 2001-02, based on expansion in the agricultural and mining sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiatives, a more realistic exchange rate, fairly low inflation, and the continued support of international organizations. Growth then slowed in 2003. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. The bauxite mining sector should benefit in the near term by restructuring and partial privatization.