Guyana
Guyana
Capital city description
Georgetown, the capital and biggest city of Guyana, is located on the Atlantic coast of the country on the Demerara River Estuary's east bank. Savannah lands, cane fields, and marshy swamps surround the city. Georgetown is often nicknamed the 'Garden City of the Caribbean.' The parliament and legislative buildings of Guyana are located in the city. Georgetown is home to a seaport, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport/Timehri, the country's major international airport, is also only an hour's distance from the city. The headquarters of the CARICOM is also housed in the town.
Some points of tourist interest are located in Georgetown. These include the National Library, St. George's Anglican Cathedral, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Georgetown Lighthouse, Roman Catholic Brickdam Cathedral, Splashmins Fun Park, National Museum of Guyana, etc.
Climate
Guyana has a warm, humid equatorial climate with heavy rains and scarce seasonal differences in temperature. Along the country's coast, the constant heat and humidity are mitigated by the breath of the trade winds. Temperatures remain throughout the year between 23 ° C and 30 ° C. In Guyana, the hottest months are between August and October.
The climate of the country is characterized by a weak seasonal temperature range and by heavy rains.
In the state of Guyana, the rains are heavier on the plateau and along the coasts. Guyana typically has two distinct rainy seasons; the first rainy season includes May and mid-August. While the second rainy season affects the months between mid-November and mid-January
Languages spoken
The official language of Guyana is English, which is the only South American country with English as the official language. Guyanese Creole is widely spoken in Guyana.
Guyanese Hindustani are retained and spoken by some Indo-Guyanese for cultural and religious reasons. Guyanese Bhojpuri may be used by older generations, folk songs, or in a limited way at home. In contrast, standard Hindi is used in religious service, writing, and passively through the consumption of Hindi film exports from India.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- The American InternaGuyana is home to the world’s largest single-drop waterfall – the Kaieteur Falls. The falls have a total length of 251 meters, and it is amongst the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with an average water flow rate of 663 cubic meters per second.
- Even though Guyana has plenty of forest cover, its ancient soil is infertile, and most of its population lives in coastal areas.
- Guyana is home to the world’s fourth longest floating bridge, the 1,851 meters long Demerara Harbour Bridge. The bridge is located on the Demerara River near Georgetown. The world’s sixth-longest floating bridge, the Berbice Bridge, is also found in the country. It is 1,571 meters long.
- Guyana has three central geographical regions. One is a low-lying coastal plain, the other is a savannah zone, and the third is a mountainous region.
- About three-quarter of Guyana is forested. And of this area, 60% is considered as primary forest. Some parts of the rainforests in Guyana are almost inaccessible to humans.
Unique Customs/Traditions
The culture of Guyana is a complex mixture of traditions of various ethnic groups such as Indians, Indians, Africans, Europeans, and natives of South-East Asia.
Concerning all Guyanese, they love their homeland and are proud of their dissimilarity to other countries.
Even neighboring communities in Guyana are pretty different from each other, and this is often visible in the shape of their inhabitants and the cultural traditions of residents. Each community is proud of its differences from its neighbors, strongly emphasizing it and resting on a rich history, architecture, or his countrymen, one way or another glorified the area.
The Guyanese do not bother most of these stories, and significant events are usually the "legends of old deep." Any local "stars" to succeed away from home is essential for them to belong to the roots of the phenomenon of the earth. In addition, each community is often linked to thousands of related neighbors and cultural ties, which often causes very kindly clarify the "authorship" of a subject of pride.
Guyanese, by nature, a very calm and balanced. Even the traditional to the region, "Creole temperament," is here a softened tone.
Guyanese do not have the habit of holding public display depth of her grief and her real feelings, but do not turn in on themselves - they try not to burden those around him, masking his feelings with laughter or irony. At first, it surprised as a man, only that their behavior you severe problems, five minutes later started up a dance, only hearing the music.
Many Guyanese are very fond of birds. Even go with them to work and walk, tied to a cage with a favorite, or putting a bike in the car. It was strange, unaccustomed, to see how people walk the streets with birds in tiny cages instead of bags.
In everyday communication, residents are very mobile and artistic. The characteristic features of the Guyanese temperament are wont to illustrate what has been said by a copious flow of body language and sayings and various allegories.
Many Guyanese, who inhabit the country's inner regions, still speak the languages of local ethnic groups, and living in the coastal strip, Asians make extensive use of Cantonese and Hindi or Urdu, often non-dominant during various religious ceremonies and in everyday life.
Most Guyanese in everyday life use Creole dialect, known as "kreoleze." Since most of the words still retain some semblance of English, it's even more confusing to the uninitiated visitor. However, the "literary English" for most Guyanese is not the problem, so they usually try to explain all the tourist potential of local interpretations of concepts. If you ask again or clarify the meaning, the Guyanese kindly repeat what was said in typical English.
Hospitality also has an important place in the local way of life, so inviting guests to unfamiliar people or tourists is normal. It is worth bearing in mind that Guyana is a prosperous country, although fewer people slightly reduce the severity.
Uniform of the locals is rather traditional and often relatively informal. To comply with local decency enough to wear the same thing as the Guyanese themselves (although this is unlikely to succeed because clothing often reflects ethnicity). They are traced to the disapproval of shorts and short skirts. On the beaches and hotels within the bathing suits are not prohibited, but access to the city in them is not recommended.
On Sundays, going to church for local people dress up so solemnly, so when visiting places of worship, they should not wear jeans or a T-shirt, even if it's a weekday, and the service is not provided. It is trendy sportswear, but it is a sign of low social status and show it in public places is simply silly. Etiquette is always a tie and light shirt or jacket and trousers or a severe long skirt in business. Business suits in the traditional sense are not very popular - too hot and humid, but within large office buildings, where the great air-conditioning system, they are recommended.
Handshake - quite the usual form of greeting among locals. Well-known people at the meeting can hug or kiss to share, concerning such strangers are not allowed.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| University of Guyana | The University of Guyana is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica. Established and officially recognized by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana, the University of Guyana (UG) is a coeducational Guyanese higher education institution. University of Guyana (UG) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. University of Guyana (UG) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. | |
| Texila American University, Guyana | Texila American University, Guyana is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of East Bank Demerara, Demerara-Mahaica. This institution also has a branch campus in Georgetown. Established in 2010 and officially recognized by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana. Texila American University, Guyana (TAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Texila American University, Guyana (TAU) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, and administrative services. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. | |
| Lincoln American University | Lincoln American University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in Kingston, Demerara-Mahaica. Founded in 2016 and officially recognized by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana, Lincoln American University (LAU) is a coeducational Guyanese higher education institution. Lincoln American University (LAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Lincoln American University (LAU) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including administrative services. | |
| Lincoln American University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in Kingston, Demerara-Mahaica. Founded in 2016 and officially recognized by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana, Lincoln American University (LAU) is a coeducational Guyanese higher education institution. Lincoln American University (LAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Lincoln American University (LAU) also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including administrative services. | The American International School of Medicine is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the small city of Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica. Established in 1999 and officially recognized by the National Accreditation Council Guyana. American International School of Medicine (AISM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. AISM also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, and administrative services. | |
Festivals & Events
Mashramani
Date: 23rd of February
Mashramani is the Amerindian word for “celebration after hard cooperative work,” This festive holiday, also called Republic Day, has been celebrated on the 23rd of February every year since Guyana became a republic nation in 1970.
It is celebrated with float parades, masquerade bands, steel bands, and all sorts of colorful costumes, along with the calypso, chutney, and soca music competitions that make this holiday unique and a lot of fun.
.Phagwah
Date: March
Phagwah, also known as Holi, is a Hindu holiday dedicated to the festival of spring and celebrated among all Guyanese. The festival is celebrated by adorning friends and family with water or dry and wet colors applied with powders. Some people throw the colorful powders and water on passers-by.
There’s plenty of music, dance, and eating traditional Indian sweet treats like Gulab jamoon, barfi, jalebi, and mettai, among others.
Guyana Carnival
Date: May
May welcomes Guyana Carnival to the capital city of Georgetown. One of the newer festivals in Guyana, this five-day event showcases the Caribbean culture of Guyana.
During this period, there are concerts with international soca artists, fetes, fashion shows, and a massive parade on the last day filled with revelers in their Carnival Costumes.
Diwali
Date: October or November
The ‘festival of lights, also known as Diwali, is a significant event among both Hindus and the majority of the non-Hindu population of Guyana as well. Homes are decorated by placing little candles called Diyas all around the yard to light up the darkest night of the year.
During the festival, the family and friends get together and enjoy tasty sweetmeats – locally made sweet treats like mettai and Gulab jamoon, among others. The night before, locals came out in numbers to enjoy the annual Diwali motorcade.
Rupununi Rodeo
Date: Easter Weekend
One of Guyana’s largest events, the Rupununi Rodeo, is held in Lethem during the Easter weekend. The festival commemorates the ranching history and lifestyle of the region.
It is the time when vaqueros showcase their skills in bareback bronc riding, team roping, bull-riding, barrel-racing, and more. Most people can be seen decked out in their best cowboy boots and hats. Much local beer, food, music, local craft offerings, and parties add to the experience.
Bartica Easter Regatta
Date: Easter Weekend
The Bartica Easter Regatta is another popular Easter weekend activity that dates back to 1947 and has since remained a staple event in Guyana. Bartica, meaning 'red earth,' lies at the confluence of the Essequibo, Cuyuni, and Mazaruni Rivers and is popularly known as the gateway to Guyana's gold and diamond mining regions.
Powerboat racing, street jams, music, and even a pageant amp up the weekend, making it one of Guyana's best cultural travel destinations.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Date: Eid-ul-Fitr
Guyana celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr, the Islamic holy month of fasting during May and June. Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ is a religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide that celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Indulging in excellent food, religious ceremonies, and connecting with friends and family are some of the key highlights of the day.
CPL Cricket
Date: August and September
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament held among Caribbean nations. Six teams, including the Guyana Amazon Warriors, play for the title each August and September. The Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is one of the CPL’s cricket teams based in Guyana. This team is the only Guyanese cricket team in the Caribbean Premier League.
CPL Cricket is the biggest party in sport in Guyana; this event started in 2013 and continues to be a significant annual highlight for locals.
Indigenous Heritage Month
Date: August and September.
Indigenous Heritage Month is held every September to honor Guyana’s Indigenous Nations, the first peoples to settle in Guyana. The celebration always commences with an indigenous religious service on the last day in August, followed by a week-long cultural extravaganza featuring various indigenous groups showcasing their food, music, arts, and crafts at the Whirlwind Village located in the National Exhibition Center in Sophia, Georgetown. Almost every indigenous village has a celebratory event. Still, the Heritage Committee selected only one village to host the annual Heritage Day celebrations on the 10th of September every year.
Attractions / Top Sights
Kaieteur National Park
When to visit: December to April
The Kaieteur National Park is home to the fantastic Kaieteur waterfalls and several other natural attractions.
The Kaieteur waterfalls are the largest single-drop waterfall in the world. It is almost five times higher than Niagara Falls! The park was created to protect the waterfalls and the surrounding flora and fauna.
Pakaraima Range and Mount Roraima
When to visit: December to April
The Pakaraima Range is situated at the border of not two but three countries. It is at the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The mountains are famous for resembling table tops and are some of the oldest formations on the planet.
Mount Roraima is the highest point, and it is a must-visit for hikers, climbers, nature lovers, and geology students! The mountain is covered by tall cliffs which go up to as much as 400 meters. Covered by clouds most of the time, Mount Roraima looks like it emerges out of the sky. The surrounding white clouds give the mountain a certain mystic charm and aura.
Orinduik Falls
When to visit: February to April
The Orinduik Falls isn’t as high as the neighboring Kaieteur waterfalls but are equally beautiful. They are surrounded by green hills that add to the visual charm.
The Orinduik Falls drops into the beautiful Ireng River in a somewhat rocky setting. It is a top-rated attraction with visiting tourists.
Shell Beach
When to visit: Between March and August
The Shell Beach has its ecosystem and is surrounded by the Atlantic Seaboard. Shell Beach, named after the shells that form its 90-mile extent, is a vital nesting ground for four marine turtle species. From March to August, four species of marine turtles, either vulnerable or endangered, come ashore to lay their eggs.
The area consists of savannahs, swamps, and mangrove forests.
Iwokrama Forest
When to visit: February
Popularly referred to as the ‘green heart’ of Guyana, the Iwokrama Forest is the place to be if you are a nature lover. It is home to many flora and fauna, some of which are listed as endangered.
The Iwokrama Forest is one of the last four pristine tropical forests in the world. The others are Amazon, New Guinea, and the Congo rainforest. It is also a haven for bird lovers with the spotting of almost 450 different species.
St. George’s Wooden Church
When to visit: December to April
St. George’s Wooden Church is entirely made out of wood known as miracle wood situated in Georgetown. This architectural gem dominates the skyline of the city with its height of 143 feet.
It is also one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. The church is built on the site of two other churches by the same name. They were smaller in size and were torn down because of poor construction.
Splashmins Fun Park
Splashmins Fun Park is spread over 164 acres amidst stunning greenery. It has water slides, picnic areas, and beautiful palm-lined walkways. However, the highlight is the artificial black water lake with contrasting white sandy beaches overlooking the greenery. It is a theme park for the whole family, especially those traveling with children.
Pandama Retreat And Winery
When to visit: Between March and August
Pandama Retreat & Winery is located on 20 acres on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The retreat allows visitors to relax in nature and enjoy the excellent selection of exotic fruit wines manufactured on the premises; it also offers a great environment and some great food. The hosts are well known for their warm welcome and hospitality.
There are cabins for those who want to stay overnight. And, of course, there is the winery itself. Unlike most wines made from grapes, the Pandama makes most of its wines from other fruits. Some of the fruits used include pineapples and guava.
Demerara Harbor Bridge
Demerara Harbor Bridge serves as the main transportation link between the west and east banks of the Demerara River; some bridge parts float at high tide.
It is quite a memorable experience to drive over the bridge. The bridge is known to make a lot of noise but is very sturdy.
Guyana Botanical Gardens And The Kissing Bridge
When to visit: February to March
The Guyana botanical garden is a well-maintained park with a small zoo inside it. The zoo has an extensive collection of animal life like two-toed sloths, capuchin monkeys, anacondas, and giant otters. There are also leopards, pumas, manatees, and parrots.
The Kissing Bridge is famous as a spot for lovers. The bridge can be quite the spot for taking some great pictures of the expanse around.