Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Political Status: Formerly the colony of British Guiana; independent member of the Commonwealth since May 26, 1966; under republican regime instituted February 23, 1970; present constitution approved February 11, 1980, with effect from October 6.

Area: 83,000 sq. mi. (214,969 sq. km.).

Population: 751,223 (2002C); 754,000 (2008E).

Major Urban Center (metropolitan area, 2003E): GEORGETOWN (231,000).

Official Language: English.

Monetary Unit: Guyana Dollar (market rate December 1, 2009: 203.49 dollars = $1US).

President: Bharrat JAGDEO (People’s Progressive Party/Civic); sworn in August 11, 1999, to succeed Samuel A. (Sam) HINDS (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic), who had been elevated from Prime Minister to Provisional President upon the resignation of Janet JAGAN (People’s Progressive Party) for health reasons on August 1; elected on March 19, 2001, and sworn in for a second ...