Americas · South America

Guyana

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Flag of Guyana
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-04:00
🏛️ Capital
Georgetown
👥 Population
772,975
📐 Area
214,969 km²
💱 Currency
Guyanese dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
English
📞 Calling Code
+592
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-04:00
🌐 Region
Americas / South America

About Guyana

Guyana is South America's only English-speaking country, a nation that defies easy categorization — geographically South American, culturally Caribbean, and ecologically one of the most pristine and biodiverse places on the entire planet. Roughly 80 percent of the country is covered by ancient Amazonian rainforest, much of it essentially untouched, making Guyana a frontier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers who want to experience genuine wilderness without the crowds found in more famous Amazon destinations. The Rupununi savannah stretches across the southwest like a golden sea broken by dramatic isolated mountains called tepuis, their flat summits wreathed in cloud and mystery.

Georgetown, the capital, is a city of Victorian wooden architecture, lively markets, and a remarkable cultural blend born from the mixing of Amerindian, African, Indian, Chinese, and European communities over several centuries. The city's Stabroek Market is one of the liveliest in the Caribbean Basin, its cast-iron Victorian clock tower presiding over a swirling scene of spices, fabrics, and fresh produce. Georgetown is a gateway rather than a destination in itself, but spending a day exploring its streets and rum shops gives you a rich sense of the complex, multilayered society this country has built.

Kaieteur Falls, in the heart of the country, is the reason many visitors come at all — a single massive plunge of the Potaro River that is roughly five times the height of Niagara Falls and entirely surrounded by pristine jungle, accessible only by small aircraft. Guyana's interior lodges offer world-class wildlife watching: harpy eagles, giant anteaters, giant river otters, jaguars, arapaima fish, and more than 800 bird species make it one of the top birding destinations in South America. This is a country that rewards the traveler who comes seeking the wild and the authentic.

History & Background

Guyana's pre-colonial history is the story of diverse Amerindian peoples — Arawaks, Caribs, Wapishana, and others — who inhabited the coast, rivers, and interior for thousands of years before European contact. The Dutch were the first Europeans to establish permanent settlements in the early 17th century, creating colonies at Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice that developed sugar and cotton plantations worked by enslaved Africans. Britain seized the colonies in 1796 and formally received them under the Treaty of Paris in 1814, consolidating them as British Guiana in 1831. The abolition of slavery in 1834 was followed by indenture schemes that brought nearly 240,000 workers from India between 1838 and 1917, fundamentally reshaping the population.

Independence from Britain came in 1966, making Guyana the first country in South America to gain independence from a European power in the 20th century. The early post-independence decades were dominated by Forbes Burnham's socialist government, which nationalized the sugar and bauxite industries and pursued a policy of self-reliance that led to economic stagnation. The 1978 Jonestown massacre — in which more than 900 members of the US Peoples Temple cult died in the Guyanese jungle — brought the country sudden and tragic international attention. Modern Guyana has been transformed by the discovery of massive offshore oil reserves in 2015, and is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Culture & People

Guyana's cultural identity is shaped by one of the most diverse ethnic mixes in the Western Hemisphere. Indo-Guyanese, descendants of indentured laborers brought from India under British colonial rule, make up the largest ethnic group and have profoundly influenced the country's food, music, religion, and social life. Afro-Guyanese, descended from enslaved Africans, form the second major community and have equally shaped Guyanese music, cuisine, and cultural expression. Indigenous Amerindian communities — nine distinct peoples including the Macushi, Wai Wai, and Arawak — maintain traditional ways of life in the deep interior, serving as guardians of the country's extraordinary ecological heritage.

This ethnic diversity plays out in a vibrant calendar of cultural celebrations — Hindu Diwali and Holi, Muslim Eid, Christian Christmas, and Emancipation Day all receive public recognition and are celebrated with genuine communal joy. Chutney music, a lively fusion of Indian folk traditions and Caribbean rhythms, and reggae both fill the airwaves alongside traditional African drumming and Amerindian music. Cricket is followed with intense passion — as in much of the English-speaking Caribbean — and game days bring communities together with a spirit of collective excitement that says much about Guyanese identity.

Food & Cuisine

Guyanese cuisine is a delicious expression of the country's ethnic diversity, drawing equally from Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese, and European culinary traditions. Pepperpot is the undisputed national dish — a slow-cooked, deeply flavored stew of meat preserved in cassareep, a thick sauce made from cassava, seasoned with cinnamon, clove, and hot peppers. Traditionally cooked in a cast-iron pot kept permanently on the stove and replenished over days, its complex, slightly sweet-savory depth is unlike anything else in South American cooking and is most often eaten at Christmas morning.

Roti and curry, brought by indentured Indian workers, have become so embedded in Guyanese daily life that they are effectively a national staple. Dhalpuri roti stuffed with split peas and wrapped around curried chicken, shrimp, or vegetables is the quintessential Guyanese street meal. Rice and black-eyed peas cooked together — cook-up rice — is a Friday tradition in many households, slow-simmered with coconut milk and seasoning. Fresh river fish, including the enormous arapaima and smaller gilbaka, are grilled or curried in waterside villages. Mauby, a bitter-sweet bark drink, and freshly made sorrel juice are the cooling beverages of choice in the tropical heat.

Top Attractions

  • Kaieteur Falls — One of the world's most powerful waterfalls, a single breathtaking plunge of the Potaro River surrounded entirely by pristine Amazonian jungle, accessible only by small aircraft.
  • Rupununi Savannah — A vast grassland studded with tepui mountains and seasonally flooded wetlands, offering unmatched wildlife encounters including giant anteaters, jaguars, and giant river otters.
  • Iwokrama Forest — A 371,000-hectare pristine rainforest reserve with canopy walkways and exceptional wildlife, home to harpy eagles, tapirs, and more than 400 bird species.
  • Georgetown's Stabroek Market — The bustling heart of the capital, a magnificent Victorian cast-iron market filled with local produce, spices, and the energy of everyday Guyanese life.
  • Shell Beach — A remote Atlantic coast beach that is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the Western Hemisphere, where four species of sea turtle come ashore to lay eggs.
  • Atta Rainforest Lodge — A premier birding and wildlife destination in the heart of Iwokrama, with canopy walkways and night spotlighting tours yielding extraordinary wildlife sightings.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book Kaieteur Falls flights well in advance through reputable Georgetown operators; flights are weather-dependent and can be cancelled or delayed with little notice.
  • Arrange interior travel through established eco-lodges and tour operators — the Rupununi in particular requires local guides and 4x4 vehicles, and independent travel is very difficult.
  • Carry Guyanese dollars in cash for all purchases outside Georgetown; ATMs are unreliable in smaller towns and non-existent in the interior.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to interior regions; consult a travel health clinic before departure and bring insect repellent with DEET.
  • Pack light, breathable clothing for the coast and interior lodges, but bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evening mosquito protection in jungle areas.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; 10 percent is customary in restaurants and for good guiding services.
  • Road travel outside Georgetown is slow on mostly unpaved roads — budget significantly more time than distances suggest and consider internal flights for long-distance legs.

Visa Overview

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and most Commonwealth countries do not require a visa to enter Guyana and are typically granted a 30-day stay on arrival, which can be extended at the immigration office in Georgetown. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be requested by immigration officers. Citizens of some countries do require visas and should apply in advance at a Guyanese diplomatic mission. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of departure.

Getting Around

Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown connects Guyana to North America and the Caribbean. Domestically, Roraima Airways and other operators fly from Georgetown to Kaieteur Falls and interior airstrips serving lodges and villages. Road travel outside Georgetown is mostly on unpaved roads requiring 4x4 vehicles. Minibuses serve routes between coastal towns affordably. The interior is largely only accessible by small plane or boat, and many eco-lodges coordinate transfers for guests. Ferries cross the Demerara and Berbice rivers at Georgetown, as no bridges span these major waterways in all sections.

Safety Notes

Georgetown has elevated crime rates, including armed robbery and carjacking, and travelers should exercise heightened caution in the city, particularly after dark and in areas away from the main hotels and commercial districts. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying cameras or phones on the street, and use trusted taxis rather than hailing vehicles from the roadside. Interior regions are generally safer, though river travel carries risks in high water conditions. Malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present, especially inland; take prophylaxis and use insect repellent consistently.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Guyana.

Guyanese dollar (GYD) $
Updated: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.052243
AAVE 0.000054
ADA 0.019017
AED 0.017559
AFN 0.298875
AKT 0.005931
ALGO 0.044526
ALL 0.392406
AMD 1.759688
AMP 5.714611
ANG 0.008614
AOA 4.392013
APE 0.033154
APT 0.005064
AR 0.002238
ARB 0.040909
ARS 6.675185
ATOM 0.002324
ATS 0.056517
AUD 0.006699
AVAX 0.000518
AWG 0.008559
AXS 0.004072
AZM 40.641503
AZN 0.008128
BAKE 6.466824
BAM 0.008033
BAT 0.049351
BBD 0.009563
BCH 0.000013
BDT 0.587548
BEF 0.165686
BGN 0.008033
BHD 0.001798
BIF 14.243949
BMD 0.004781
BNB 0.000007
BND 0.006120
BOB 0.033139
BRL 0.023954
BSD 0.004781
BSV 0.000318
BSW 5.586125
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.012429
BTN 0.460869
BTT 14,861.497743
BUSD 0.004784
BWP 0.065003
BYN 0.013149
BYR 131.486209
BZD 0.009624
CAD 0.006573
CAKE 0.003382
CDF 10.972925
CELO 0.059419
CFX 0.081198
CHF 0.003757
CHZ 0.097245
CLP 4.308108
CNH 0.032532
CNY 0.032521
COMP 0.000217
COP 18.164958
CRC 2.164588
CRO 0.068421
CRV 0.020265
CSPR 1.618559
CUC 0.004781
CUP 0.114728
CVE 0.452905
CVX 0.002755
CYP 0.002404
CZK 0.099850
DAI 0.004784
DASH 0.000111
DCR 0.000284
DEM 0.008033
DFI 4.869122
DJF 0.850785
DKK 0.030692
DOGE 0.045842
DOP 0.283035
DOT 0.003829
DYDX 0.033056
DZD 0.634761
EEK 0.064264
EGLD 0.001220
EGP 0.254953
ENJ 0.111324
EOS 0.059107
ERN 0.071720
ESP 0.683387
ETB 0.752894
ETC 0.000537
ETH 0.000002
EUR 0.004107
EURC 0.004104
FEI 0.004800
FIL 0.004955
FIM 0.024421
FJD 0.010543
FKP 0.003565
FLOW 0.132504
FLR 0.572388
FRAX 0.004815
FRF 0.026942
FTT 0.014798
GALA 1.422037
GBP 0.003565
GEL 0.012773
GGP 0.003565
GHC 546.980758
GHS 0.054698
GIP 0.003565
GMD 0.353213
GMX 0.000723
GNF 41.940844
GNO 0.000040
GRD 1.399542
GRT 0.190106
GT 0.000674
GTQ 0.036450
GUSD 0.004792
HBAR 0.053118
HKD 0.037444
HNL 0.127194
HNT 0.005806
HOT 12.050636
HRK 0.030946
HT 0.032973
HTG 0.625818
HUF 1.481046
ICP 0.001851
IDR 84.749728
IEP 0.003235
ILS 0.013877
IMP 0.003565
IMX 0.028087
INJ 0.000917
INR 0.460869
IQD 6.264795
IRR 6,302.567433
ISK 0.588974
ITL 7.952723
JEP 0.003565
JMD 0.756057
JOD 0.003390
JPY 0.759916
KAS 0.138357
KAVA 0.083021
KCS 0.000597
KDA 0.574812
KES 0.618315
KGS 0.418256
KHR 19.176475
KLAY 0.091921
KMF 2.020629
KNC 0.033301
KPW 4.303108
KRW 7.196749
KSM 0.000960
KWD 0.001472
KYD 0.003977
KZT 2.243547
LAK 104.876187
LBP 428.636711
LDO 0.013425
LEO 0.000474
LINK 0.000493
LKR 1.592368
LRC 0.295025
LRD 0.876317
LSL 0.079606
LTC 0.000088
LTL 0.014181
LUF 0.165686
LUNA 0.075543
LUNC 60.831906
LVL 0.002887
LYD 0.030361
MAD 0.044003
MANA 0.054252
MBX 0.122105
MDL 0.082741
MGA 20.006753
MGF 100.033764
MINA 0.083699
MKD 0.253105
MKR 0.000003
MMK 10.037195
MNT 17.112299
MOP 0.038567
MRO 1.911693
MRU 0.191169
MTL 0.001763
MUR 0.226076
MVR 0.073846
MWK 8.321709
MXN 0.082740
MXV 0.009363
MYR 0.019003
MZM 305.385809
MZN 0.305386
NAD 0.079606
NEAR 0.002963
NEO 0.001654
NEXO 0.005376
NFT 16,905.329662
NGN 6.555512
NIO 0.175750
NLG 0.009051
NOK 0.044340
NPR 0.737735
NZD 0.008167
OKB 0.000058
OMR 0.001839
ONE 2.332605
OP 0.037241
ORDI 0.001149
PAB 0.004781
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.016363
PEPE 1,298.350675
PGK 0.021125
PHP 0.295062
PI 0.031500
PKR 1.332109
PLN 0.017424
POL 0.052600
PTE 0.823427
PYG 29.101321
QAR 0.017404
QNT 0.000064
QTUM 0.005295
ROL 213.964663
RON 0.021396
RPL 0.002755
RSD 0.482065
RUB 0.346527
RUNE 0.010684
RVN 0.865135
RWF 6.990856
SAND 0.066393
SAR 0.017930
SBD 0.038280
SCR 0.070193
SDD 286.990497
SDG 2.869905
SEK 0.044988
SGD 0.006120
SHIB 829.518904
SHP 0.003565
SIT 0.984259
SKK 0.123735
SLE 0.109516
SLL 109.515855
SNX 0.015436
SOL 0.000056
SOS 2.732227
SPL 0.000797
SRD 0.177984
SRG 177.984247
SSP 22.542218
STD 101.712128
STN 0.101712
STX 0.020016
SUI 0.004519
SVC 0.041837
SYP 0.528508
SZL 0.079606
THB 0.155969
THETA 0.024219
TJS 0.044506
TMM 83.846004
TMT 0.016769
TND 0.013886
TON 0.002376
TOP 0.011374
TRL 217,949.873044
TRX 0.013405
TRY 0.217950
TTD 0.032432
TUSD 0.004787
TVD 0.006699
TWD 0.151271
TWT 0.010006
TZS 12.441132
UAH 0.211056
UGX 18.019402
UNI 0.001354
USD 0.004781
USDC 0.004783
USDD 0.004786
USDP 0.004788
USDT 0.004786
UYU 0.191653
UZS 57.529148
VAL 7.952723
VEB 247,350,938.158205
VED 2.473399
VEF 247,339.903027
VES 2.473399
VET 0.709807
VND 125.894492
VUV 0.567707
WAVES 0.012580
WEMIX 0.017700
WOO 0.283119
WST 0.012886
XAF 2.694172
XAG 0.000063
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.012945
XCG 0.008614
XCH 0.001723
XDC 0.153811
XDR 0.003498
XEC 651.817341
XEM 7.184196
XLM 0.032569
XMR 0.000012
XOF 2.694172
XPD 0.000003
XPF 0.490124
XPT 0.000002
XRP 0.003459
XTZ 0.013984
YER 1.140922
ZAR 0.079606
ZEC 0.000008
ZIL 1.216139
ZMK 90.367214
ZMW 0.090367
ZWD 1.730365
ZWG 0.123885
ZWL 309.555553

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Guyana needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Guyana?
The capital of Guyana is Georgetown.
What currency does Guyana use?
Guyana uses the Guyanese dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Guyana?
The official language(s) of Guyana include English.
What is the population of Guyana?
Guyana has a population of approximately 772,975 people.
What region is Guyana in?
Guyana is located in Americas, specifically in the South America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Guyana?
The international dialing code for Guyana is +592.
What time zones does Guyana observe?
Guyana observes the following time zone(s): UTC-04:00.
What is the current time in Guyana?
The local time in Guyana is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Guyana?
Guyana covers a total area of 214,969 km².
How many states or provinces does Guyana have?
Guyana is divided into 11 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Guyana in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Guyana in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Guyana?
Visa requirements for citizens of Guyana vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.