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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.045843
AAVE 0.000026
ADA 0.017937
AED 0.017569
AFN 0.308534
AKT 0.006039
ALGO 0.036532
ALL 0.391127
AMD 1.733050
AMP 7.561152
ANG 0.008614
AOA 4.389775
APE 0.028517
APT 0.006053
AR 0.001069
ARB 0.023796
ARS 7.330200
ATOM 0.002747
ATS 0.058863
AUD 0.006896
AVAX 0.000439
AWG 0.008563
AXS 0.003652
AZM 40.665052
AZN 0.008133
BAKE 19.921596
BAM 0.008367
BAT 0.046578
BBD 0.009568
BCH 0.000015
BDT 0.588297
BEF 0.172565
BGN 0.008367
BHD 0.001799
BIF 14.418619
BMD 0.004784
BNB 0.000006
BND 0.006133
BOB 0.057298
BRL 0.024977
BSD 0.004784
BSV 0.000239
BSW 11.516587
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.067503
BTG 0.007231
BTN 0.461390
BTT 12,775.282571
BUSD 0.004773
BWP 0.066074
BYN 0.014379
BYR 93.633648
BZD 0.009629
CAD 0.006834
CAKE 0.001915
CDF 11.058303
CELO 0.045493
CFX 0.088719
CHF 0.003971
CHZ 0.286240
CLP 4.687599
CNH 0.032104
CNY 0.032078
COMP 0.000191
COP 15.693554
CRC 2.191556
CRO 0.070071
CRV 0.012492
CSPR 1.855832
CUC 0.004777
CUP 0.114564
CVE 0.471709
CVX 0.002054
CYP 0.002504
CZK 0.104495
DAI 0.004778
DASH 0.000080
DCR 0.000260
DEM 0.008367
DFI 7.231293
DJF 0.853131
DKK 0.031972
DOGE 0.050208
DOP 0.286365
DOT 0.003943
DYDX 0.033050
DZD 0.639585
EEK 0.066933
EGLD 0.001071
EGP 0.251857
ENJ 0.143116
EOS 0.049613
ERN 0.071761
ESP 0.711760
ETB 0.781054
ETC 0.000534
ETH 0.000002
EUR 0.004278
EURC 0.004270
FEI 0.004777
FIL 0.004561
FIM 0.025434
FJD 0.010783
FKP 0.003622
FLOW 0.151288
FLR 0.662261
FRAX 0.004820
FRF 0.028060
FTT 0.018711
GALA 1.929119
GBP 0.003622
GEL 0.012416
GGP 0.003622
GHC 560.893348
GHS 0.056089
GIP 0.003622
GMD 0.354361
GMX 0.000570
GNF 42.106881
GNO 0.000040
GRD 1.457649
GRT 0.159837
GT 0.000431
GTQ 0.036557
GUSD 0.004786
HBAR 0.046375
HKD 0.037539
HNL 0.128742
HNT 0.008327
HOT 10.684879
HRK 0.032231
HT 0.132478
HTG 0.626015
HUF 1.577308
ICP 0.001470
IDR 85.832461
IEP 0.003369
ILS 0.014600
IMP 0.003622
IMX 0.026330
INJ 0.000633
INR 0.461390
IQD 6.263458
IRR 8,343.615522
ISK 0.586853
ITL 8.282909
JEP 0.003622
JMD 0.756758
JOD 0.003392
JPY 0.756240
KAS 0.112027
KAVA 0.069456
KCS 0.000638
KDA 0.514837
KES 0.616143
KGS 0.418389
KHR 19.396070
KLAY 0.126867
KMF 2.104523
KNC 0.033993
KPW 4.299506
KRW 6.442089
KSM 0.000928
KWD 0.001478
KYD 0.003970
KZT 2.145647
LAK 107.826183
LBP 428.871595
LDO 0.010260
LEO 0.000536
LINK 0.000339
LKR 1.581046
LRC 0.454651
LRD 0.821537
LSL 0.080058
LTC 0.000068
LTL 0.014770
LUF 0.172565
LUNA 0.094276
LUNC 90.961233
LVL 0.003006
LYD 0.030616
MAD 0.047165
MANA 0.047093
MBX 0.160754
MDL 0.085413
MGA 21.319233
MGF 106.596164
MINA 0.029882
MKD 0.261992
MKR 0.000002
MMK 10.042841
MNT 17.218750
MOP 0.038665
MRO 1.921291
MRU 0.192129
MTL 0.001836
MUR 0.231774
MVR 0.073959
MWK 8.289549
MXN 0.087205
MXV 0.009896
MYR 0.019557
MZM 305.378049
MZN 0.305378
NAD 0.080058
NEAR 0.000981
NEO 0.001879
NEXO 0.005563
NFT 19,903.077730
NGN 6.349002
NIO 0.175771
NLG 0.009427
NOK 0.046234
NPR 0.738570
NZD 0.008557
OKB 0.000038
OMR 0.001841
ONE 0.032724
OP 0.036526
ORDI 0.001060
PAB 0.004784
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.016555
PEPE 1,089.509557
PGK 0.021489
PHP 0.300159
PI 0.055075
PKR 1.324670
PLN 0.018770
POL 0.044064
PTE 0.857615
PYG 27.931718
QAR 0.017414
QNT 0.000019
QTUM 0.004871
ROL 228.613800
RON 0.022861
RPL 0.002507
RSD 0.499839
RUB 0.401191
RUNE 0.006122
RVN 2.005953
RWF 7.066807
SAND 0.065534
SAR 0.017940
SBD 0.038601
SCR 0.068211
SDD 287.162031
SDG 2.871620
SEK 0.048248
SGD 0.006133
SHIB 810.567020
SHP 0.003622
SIT 1.025124
SKK 0.128872
SLE 0.110249
SLL 110.248743
SNX 0.019025
SOL 0.000040
SOS 2.726323
SPL 0.000797
SRD 0.180913
SRG 180.912771
SSP 27.329286
STD 105.703982
STN 0.105704
STX 0.012123
SUI 0.003928
SVC 0.041860
SYP 62.113506
SZL 0.080058
THB 0.161166
THETA 0.021126
TJS 0.044050
TMM 83.720452
TMT 0.016744
TND 0.014306
TOP 0.011496
TRL 235,181.674982
TRX 0.014259
TRY 0.235182
TTD 0.032418
TUSD 0.004779
TVD 0.006896
TWD 0.152148
TWT 0.008421
TZS 12.590922
UAH 0.215149
UGX 19.081224
UNI 0.000531
USD 0.004784
USDC 0.004778
USDD 0.004780
USDP 0.004786
USDT 0.004779
UYU 0.192676
UZS 56.342018
VAL 8.282909
VEB 414,823,489.466157
VED 4.148235
VEF 414,823.489466
VES 4.148235
VET 0.550378
VND 124.451687
VUV 0.576183
WAVES 0.015901
WEMIX 0.024489
WOO 0.354715
WST 0.013272
XAF 2.806030
XAG 0.000079
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.012948
XCG 0.008614
XCH 0.003038
XDC 0.145413
XDR 0.003533
XEC 588.885863
XEM 8.367249
XLM 0.021472
XMR 0.000009
XOF 2.806030
XPD 0.000004
XPF 0.510473
XPT 0.000003
XRP 0.003177
XTZ 0.014565
YER 1.130912
ZAR 0.080058
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 1.335035
ZMK 93.955366
ZMW 0.093955
ZWD 1.731345
ZWG 0.128051
ZWL 319.965254

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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.