Fact 1: Guyana Is the Only English Speaking Country in South America
Despite being located in South America, Guyana is the only country on the continent where English is the official language. This linguistic anomaly can be traced back to its colonial past, where it was under British rule until 1966.
Fact 2: It’s Home to Kaieteur Falls, the World’s Largest Single-Drop Waterfall
Located in the Kaieteur National Park, Kaieteur Falls is the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume. The falls are approximately four times higher than Niagara Falls and twice the height of Victoria Falls. Its impressive drop is a whopping 741 feet.
Fact 3: The Place of Many Waters
The word “Guyana” is derived from an indigenous Amerindian language, which means "land of many waters". This is fitting considering the country's numerous rivers, creeks, and tributaries, including the Demerara, the Berbice, and the Essequibo River, the longest river in the country.
Fact 4: Guyana Boasts an Impressive Biodiversity
Guyana is known for its vast and diverse ecosystems, boasting an impressive biodiversity that includes more than 8,000 plant species, 814 bird species, 225 mammal species, and hundreds of reptile and amphibian species. It is even home to species thought to be extinct elsewhere.
Fact 5: First Country Declared to be a Green State
In keeping with its incredible biodiversity, Guyana is the first country declared to be a "green state". It is committed to maintaining sustainable development and environmental governance, with over 70% of its natural habitat intact and untouched.
Fact 6: Georgetown- A City That Lies Below Sea Level
Guyana's capital, Georgetown, sits below sea level during high tide. To keep the waters of the Atlantic Ocean out, a system of sea walls and canals were constructed which are considered a marvel of Dutch engineering from the colonial era.
Fact 7: Birthplace of El Dorado
The myth of El Dorado, the city of gold, was born in Guyana. Spanish explorers in the 1500s believed that the country's ruler covered himself in gold dust during ceremonies. Despite expeditions to locate this wealthy city, the fabled El Dorado was never found.
Fact 8: Home to a Unique Multicultural Cuisine
Guyana’s cuisine is a flavorful meld of African, East Indian, Amerindian and Chinese influences, reflecting its multicultural population mix. Specialties like pepperpot, a spicy meat stew, and cook-up rice, a one-pot dish with beans, rice, and meat, are popular dishes.
Fact 9: Incredible Population Diversity
Guyana's population is incredibly diverse, with people of African, Indian, Amerindian, Chinese, and Portuguese descent. This blend of cultures has resulted in a unique cultural mosaic in terms of religion, festivals, and food.
Fact 10: Land of Many Giant Species
Guyana is home to many giant species, including the anaconda, the world's heaviest snake, the Arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fishes, and the Harpy Eagle, one of the world's largest and most powerful birds of prey.
Fact 11: Largest Exporter of Gold in South America
Despite the mythical El Dorado never being found, today Guyana is the third-largest exporter of gold in South America. Gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, and timber make up the majority of Guyana's export economy.
Fact 12: Land without Trains
There are no trains in Guyana. The last train service was withdrawn in the 1970s due to lack of maintenance and the development of more cost-effective transportation methods. However, the remnants of the railway system can still be found in the capital, Georgetown.
Fact 13: Home to the 2007 CWC Matches
Guyana was one of the host countries for the 2007 Cricket World Cup matches. Cricket is just as fervently followed in Guyana as it is in the rest of the Caribbean, with the Providence Stadium in Georgetown built specifically for these matches.
Fact 14: Abundant Endangered Sea Turtles
Guyana’s 270 miles of Atlantic coastline are essential nesting grounds for four endangered species of sea turtles – the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley. Shell Beach, in particular, is famous for its turtle-watching opportunities.
Fact 15: Notorious for the Jonestown Massacre
Guyana gained widespread international attention in 1978 as the site of the infamous Jonestown massacre, where over 900 followers of the cult "Peoples Temple," led by Jim Jones, committed mass suicide in their remote agricultural commune.
Fact 16: Vibrant Festivals
Guyana plays host to numerous vibrant festivals throughout the year, most notably Mashramani (an Amerindian word meaning ‘celebration after hard work’), which is Guyana’s colorful Carnival, celebrated on Republic day (23 February).
Fact 17: Unique Architecture
Guyana's multicultural history is reflected in its architecture. Its capital, Georgetown, is particularly noteworthy for its charming colonial architecture, wide tree-lined boulevards, and bustling markets, earning it the nickname "Garden City of the Caribbean".
Fact 18: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Emotionally expressive, Guyanese people are known for their hospitality and warmth. They readily invite visitors into their homes and share their customs and traditions, making the travel experience in Guyana an enriched one.
Fact 19: Known for the “Cock of the Rock” Bird
The Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, a brightly-colored bird known for its unique mating dance, is one of the most famous bird species in Guyana. Birdwatchers from all over the world visit the country just to catch a glimpse of this fascinating avian creature.
Fact 20: Strong Influence of Creole
While English is the official language, Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole language, is widely spoken. This language has influences from African and East Indian languages and has significantly shaped Guyana's linguistic landscape.