Guyana — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Guyana: capital Georgetown, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Guyana is in South America. Its capital is Georgetown.

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons May to August and November to January

Mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in the south

Guyana has Kaieteur Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America.

Over 80% of Guyana is covered in pristine rainforest, making it one of the most forested countries on Earth.

1616: Dutch establish the first European settlement

1814: Britain formally acquires the territory from the Netherlands

1838: Slavery abolished; indentured laborers from India begin arriving

1966: Guyana gains independence from the United Kingdom

2015: Massive offshore oil reserves discovered by ExxonMobil

2020: Oil production begins, transforming the country's economy