54 Interesting Facts about Guyana

Last updated on February 2nd, 2022

31. Amerindians were the original inhabitants of the region.

32. The constitution of Guyana was laid out on 6 October 1980.

33. The citizens of several countries do not require a visa to enter Guyana. These include Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Italy, Jamaica, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France and many others countries.

34. There are no railways in Guyana – neither international nor domestic services. Moreover, there are no roads links between Guyana and Venezuela.

35. Minibusses are the cheapest mode of transportation throughout Guyana.

36. The average temperature in Guyana ranges between 75 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit.

37. Mashramani is an annual festival celebrated in Guyana in commemoration of the Birth of the Republic. Mashramani translates to “the celebration after hard work”. The festival is usually held on 23^rd of February except for in 2016 when it was celebrated on 26^th May, on Guyana’s 50^th Independence Anniversary.

38. Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is 5 times the height of Niagara Falls. Other waterfalls in the country include: Orinduik falls, Kumerau Falls and 52 Drop Falls (series of 52 rapids on Cuyuni River).

39. Mount Ayanganna is the second highest mountain in Guyana after Mount Roraima.

40. Guyana is famous for locally made beautiful craft which includes paintings, wallets, sun hats, costume jewelry and many other items. The country also boasts some exceptional gold jewelry.

41. As the majority of the items are imported from other countries, the cost of living in Guyana is relatively high.

42. Dishes from the Indian subcontinent are localized. Food in the region is also influenced by the creole.

43. Chinese restaurants are common as people like to eat Chinese dishes including chow mein and lo mein.

44. A great variety of food option exists in Georgetown, the country’s capital city. Menu options in restaurants in smaller towns are often limited to creole dishes.

45. The Dark rum is a popular drink in the country. Because of the high humidity and steady temperature in Guyana, the aging process of the rum in Guyana is supposedly greatly increased. Thus, for example, an 8-year-old rum has a maturity equal to that of a 16-year-old rum in other countries.

46. Banks beer is the national beer of the country.

47. Mauby is a famous drink which is commonly available throughout the country. It is made from tree bark. Some other common drinks also include sugarcane juice and coconut water.

48. Guyana receives an average rainfall of 91 mm.

49. In the last ten years, the literacy rate has gone down in the country.

50. People from developing and poor countries come to Guyana in search of work. However, the high cost of living in Guyana makes it difficult for the expatriate to survive in the country.

51. In Guyana, male homosexuality is illegal. One could be sentenced to life in prison if charges are proved. It is also an offense in the country to cross-dress.

52. Tap water in the country is not safe for drinking.

53. Malaria is widespread throughout most of Guyana. Yellow fever is endemic to Guyana. Travelers to this area should get properly vaccinated beforehand to avoid health issues.

54. Georgetown Public Hospital is the country’s largest hospital situated in its capital city. However, the facilities in the hospital are still basic and need improvement.

Guyana – country at a glance