Guyana

About Guyana

Guyana officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a country on the northern mainland of South America. It is the only English speaking country in South America, and is culturally considered part of the Anglophone-Caribbean sphere. In addition it is one of the founding member countries of the Caribbean Community organization, (CARICOM). Guyana is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east. With an area of 215,000 square kilometres (83,000 sq mi), Guyana is the third-smallest sovereign state on mainland South America after Uruguay and Suriname.

The region known as “the Guianas” consists of the large shield landmass north of the Amazon River and east of the Orinoco River known as the “land of many waters”. Major rivers in Guyana include the Essequibo, the Berbice, and the Demerara. Originally inhabited by many indigenous groups, Guyana was settled by the Dutch before coming under British control in the late 18th century. It was governed as British Guiana, with a mostly plantation-style economy until the 1950s. It gained independence in 1966, and officially became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. The legacy of British rule is reflected in the country’s political administration and diverse population, which includes Indian, African, Amerindian, and multiracial groups.

Language

English is the official language of Guyana and is used for education, government, media, and services. The vast majority of the population speaks Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole with slight African and East Indian influence, as their native tongue.[47] In addition, Cariban languages (Akawaio, Wai-Wai, and Macushi) are spoken by a small minority, while Indic languages are retained for cultural and religious reasons.

Climate

Guyana’s climate is warm and tropical throughout the year. The rainfall is generally high for most of the year, as is the humidity. December to January and May to June are the rainy seasons, while in coastal areas the climate is tempered by sea breezes.

Currency

The official currency of Guyana is the Guyanese dollar.  It is abbreviated with the dollar symbol $, and is often distinguished from other dollars by abbreviating it as G$ or GY$. The Guyanese dollar has been the country’s currency since January 1839.  The Guyanese dollar (G$) is stable and pegged to the US dollar, which is widely accepted. You may also be able to spend your euros at Georgetown travel agencies.  Not all ATMs accept foreign cards; credit cards are accepted at Georgetown’s better hotels and restaurants (usually for a 5% service charge), although not at gas stations or, in general, anywhere else. Scotiabank is the easiest place to get cash advances, and its ATMs are the only ones that accept foreign cards.  Cash can be exchanged at banks, but cambios (foreign-exchange offices) offer better rates and less red tape. Sometimes hotels change cash for a small commission. The going user rate is G$200 for US$1

Electricity

In Guyana the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Guyana, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).