Guyana

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: 763,099 (2012E—UN); 741,908 (2012E—U.S. Census).

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

Official Language: English.

Monetary Unit: Guyanese Dollar (market rate November 5, 2012: 203.70 dollars = $1US).

President: Donald Ramotar (People’s Progressive Party/Civic); sworn in December 3, 2011, to succeed Bharrat Jagdeo (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic), who had been in office since August 11, 1999.

Prime Minister: Samuel A. (Sam) HINDS (Civic); sworn in December 19, 1997, succeeding Janet JAGAN (People’s Progressive Party); reappointed by the president on August 11, 1999; April 4, ...