Guyana
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Guyanese Creole
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Guyana was colonised by the Dutch and then the British, who brought enslaved Africans and later indentured workers from India, China and Portugal. It became independent in 1966 and a republic in 1970.
Culture
Guyana celebrates Mashramani on Republic Day, along with Phagwah, Diwali and Eid. Though on the South American mainland, it is culturally Caribbean and a CARICOM member.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Guyanese Creole (Creolese) is spoken widely, along with Indigenous languages.
Currency
The Guyanese dollar (GYD).
Popular Attractions
Kaieteur Falls is one of the world's most powerful single-drop waterfalls. The Rupununi savannahs and eco-lodges in the interior offer wildlife and Indigenous community tourism.
Food
Pepperpot, a slow-cooked meat stew flavoured with cassareep, is the national dish. Cook-up rice, roti and curry are everyday favourites.
Places to Visit
Georgetown, Kaieteur Falls, the Rupununi, Iwokrama Forest and the Essequibo River.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres