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Region:
South America
Capital:
Georgetown
Population:
705,803 (July
2004 est.)
Surface
area:
214,969 sq km
Currency:
dollar
GDP
per capita:
purchasing power
parity - $4,000
(2003 est.)
Background:
Originally a
Dutch colony
in the 17th century,
by 1815 Guyana
had become a
British possession.
The abolition
of slavery led
to black settlement
of urban areas
and the importation
of indentured
servants from
India to work
the sugar plantations.
This ethnocultural
divide has persisted
and has led to
turbulent politics.
Guyana achieved
independence
from the UK in
1966, but until
the early 1990s
it was ruled
mostly by socialist-oriented
governments.
In 1992, Cheddi
JAGAN was elected
president, in
what is considered
the country's
first free and
fair election
since independence.
Upon his death
five years later,
he was succeeded
by his wife Janet,
who resigned
in 1999 due to
poor health.
Her successor,
Bharrat JAGDEO,
was reelected
in 2001.
Economy
– Overview
The Guyanese
economy exhibited
moderate economic
growth in 2001-02,
based on expansion
in the agricultural
and mining sectors,
a more favorable
atmosphere for
business initiatives,
a more realistic
exchange rate,
fairly low inflation,
and the continued
support of international
organizations.
Growth then slowed
in 2003. Chronic
problems include
a shortage of
skilled labor
and a deficient
infrastructure.
The government
is juggling a
sizable external
debt against
the urgent need
for expanded
public investment.
The bauxite mining
sector should
benefit in the
near term by
restructuring
and partial privatization.
United
Nations membership
date:
20 September
1966
New
York Mission:
Permanent Mission
of the Republic
of Guyana to
the United Nations
801 Second Avenue,
5th Floor
New York, N.Y.
10017 USA
Telephone: 212-573-5828,
5829
Fax: 212-573-6225
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