Guyana Country Report

Guyana, known for being the only official English-speaking country in South America, shares more in common with its Caribbean island neighbors to the north and is generally considered part of the greater Caribbean region. As with Suriname and French Guiana to the east, most of Guyana's population lives along the coast, with the interior largely undeveloped. Despite containing part of the Amazon rainforest within its borders, Guyana relies primarily on agricultural and mineral exports as the mainstays for its economy. This dynamic is expected to change dramatically as the country begins to reap the profits from oil exports following major discoveries found in its offshore waters. Tourism has yet to truly take off in the country due to a lack of development and infrastructure away from coastal areas that would otherwise foment ecotourism.

The biggest risk for those with typical itineraries in Guyana involves opportunistic and sometimes violent crime in Georgetown and other towns. Those venturing into the interior, however, will have to deal with a significant lack of government presence in terms of both rule of law and infrastructure.

Guyana has had border disputes with Suriname and Venezuela. The latter dispute in particular has resulted in periodic high tensions, but no military conflict is expected. Crime in the country is generally opportunistic in nature, with violent crime an important secondary concern. There are no direct terrorism-related risks associated with travel to Guyana, nor are any expected to develop due to the country’s low profile on the world stage and lack of domestic terror groups. Protests occur occasionally in Guyana, but the general level of unrest is average.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from Guyana.

The country is limited to a handful of major roads and highways. In general, roads vary greatly in quality.

The port infrastructure considered efficient by international standards.

Basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel availability are generally reliable along the coast but variable to non-existent in the interior.

The country is currently considered both an unlikely sponsor of and unlikely target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Guyana has a tropical climate with two dry and two wet seasons; the coast is often more temperate. Water contamination has become a major issue nationwide for those areas near mining sites. The country does not experience earthquakes as frequently as other countries in the region but is still at some risk. Flooding is a chief risk in many parts of Guyana, and major disasters occur every few years.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including yellow fever, are the major non-routine epidemiological concern in the country. Healthcare facilities in the vast majority of the country are lacking, with only the capital having moderately acceptable facilities. Access to prescription medication is generally limited in Guyana. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption in Guyana is a notable problem, particularly in government. Rule of law is hindered by the amount of corruption and partiality in government. Guyana, like many Caribbean countries, is known for its political stability in spite of these persistent corruption issues. Sanctions are not a concern for the country.