Demographic

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana, also known as Guyana, has an estimated population of 767,245 as at July 2006, of which East Indian accounts for 50%, black 36%, Amerindian 7%, white, Chinese, and mixed 7%. The official language of Guyana is English but Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi and Urdu are also spoken.

Economic Overview - details »

The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in 2001-02, based on expansion in the agricultural and mining sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiatives, a more realistic exchange rate, fairly low inflation, and the continued support of international organizations. Growth slowed in 2003 and came back gradually in 2004, buoyed largely by increased export earnings; it slowed again in 2005. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. The bauxite mining sector should benefit in the near term from restructuring and partial privatization. Export earnings from agriculture and mining have fallen sharply, while the import bill has risen, driven by higher energy prices. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) in January 2006 might broaden the country's export market, primarily in the raw materials sector.

Economy - details »

The main industries in Guyana are bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles and gold mining and their agricultural products consists of sugarcane, rice, wheat and vegetable oils. The main export products are sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum and timber of which 18.9% is exported to Canada and the United States.