Guyana: flag, capital, currency and history
Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Georgetown. The currency is the Guyanese dollar. Languages spoken include English.
Quick facts about Guyana
- Official name
- Co-operative Republic of Guyana
- Capital
- Georgetown
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Guyanese dollar (GYD, $)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +592
- Internet domain
- .gy
- Area
- 214,969 km² (83,000 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Guyanese
- National day
- Independence Day, May 26
Flag of Guyana
Download the flag of Guyana as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇬🇾.
History of Guyana
The area between the Orinoco and Amazon basins was home to Indigenous peoples such as the Arawak and Carib before Europeans arrived. The Dutch established settlements in the early 17th century, and the colonies of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice later passed to Britain, which united them as British Guiana in 1831. Sugar plantations relied first on enslaved Africans and later on indentured workers, many from India. Guyana became independent in 1966 and a republic in 1970. It is the only English-speaking country in South America.
Key dates
- 1610sThe Dutch establish early trading and settlement posts in the Essequibo region.
- 1814Britain acquires the Dutch colonies of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty.
- 1831The three colonies are united as British Guiana.
- 1838Full emancipation ends the apprenticeship system following the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
- 1966Guyana becomes independent from the United Kingdom on 26 May.
- 1970Guyana is proclaimed a Co-operative Republic on 23 February.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Guyana
Guyana uses the Guyanese dollar (GYD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Guyana
Celebrations observed in Guyana, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
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 (GYD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Guyana?
Languages used in Guyana include English.
What is the calling code of Guyana?
The international calling code of Guyana is +592. Its internet domain is .gy.
Which countries border Guyana?
Guyana shares land borders with Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.
On which continent is Guyana?
Guyana is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Guyana?
Guyana marks Independence Day on May 26.
Neighbours of Guyana
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).