Guyana

Guyana, South America

Guyana is in Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela.

Guyana Time

Clock showing the current local time right now in Guyana Time Zone

Background: 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.

Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966.

Geographic coordinates: 5 00 N, 59 00 W

border countries: Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Population: 767,245

Capital: Georgetown

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

Independence: 26 May 1966 (from UK)

National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)