Origin and Meaning of Name The name is derived from Guiana, the original name for the region that included British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, and French Guiana. Ultimately the word is derived from an indigenous Amerindian language and means "land of many waters" (referring to the area's multitude of rivers and streams).

Location northeastern coast of South America
Bordered By Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil

Area 83,000 sq mi (214,969 sq km)
Greatest Distance N-S 495 mi (797 km)
Greatest Diastance N-S 290 mi (467 km)
Coastline 270 mi (435 km)
Highest Point Mount Roraima; 9,301 ft (2,835 m)
Lowest Point sea level
Natural Resources bauxite, gold, diamonds

Nationality Guyanese
Population (July 2015 est) 735,222
Largest Cities Georgetown
Ethnic Groups East Indian, black, mixed
Languages English (official), Guyanese Creole
Religions Protestant, Hindu, Roman Catholic

Capital Georgetown
Form of Government republic
Chief of State and Head of Government President David Granger (since May 16, 2015)
Cabinet appointed by the President, responsible to the National Assembly
Legislature unicameral National Assembly
Judiciary Supreme Court of Judicature
Local Government 10 regions

Currency dollar (GYD)
Per Capita Income $6,900
Principal Industries bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining
Agricultural Products sugarcane, rice, edible oils; beef, pork, poultry; shrimp, fish
Export Commodities sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber
Import Commodities manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Independence from the United Kingdom Achieved May 26, 1968
National Holiday Republic Day; February 27 (1970)
Flag green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future; white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

SEE ALSO
Venezuela
Suriname
Brazil

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