Guyana Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Georgetown

Area:  214,969 sq km

Climate:  tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Population:  744,768 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Government-Economy

Government type: republic

National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Independence Day: 26 May 1966 (from the UK)

Currency: Guyanese dollars (GYD); 100GYD = 0.49 USD; 1 USD = 206.19 GYD

GDP: $5.069 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $6,800 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Guyana

Obtaining a Visa

Nationals from North America, Australia and European Union countries (except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) do not need a visa to enter Guyana.

Visa types and costs: Tourist $30 (single-entry); Business $40 (single-entry); Business $50 (multiple-entry, three months); Business $75 (multiple-entry, one year).

Housing

Link for hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs:

http://www.guyana-tourism.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=13

Health

Mains water is normally chlorinated in main cities, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Hospital treatment in Georgetown is free, but doctors will charge for an appointment. Medical care and prescription drugs are limited and sanitary conditions are poor in many medical facilities. Travelers are advised to bring prescription medicines sufficient for their length of stay.

Money

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by larger hotels, restaurants, car hire and tour operators; however, foreign credit cards cannot be used in Guyanian ATMs.

US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Guyana.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Transportation

Public transport: http://www.travelguyana.org/public_transportation.php