Verified Facts
The population of Guyana is composed of a diverse mix of ethnic groups, with a total of approximately 772,975 people living in the country, according to the latest verified estimates.
Quick Facts
Population Overview
Guyana has a relatively small population, with a total of approximately 772,975 people, which is roughly 0.01% of the total population of South America. The population growth rate is relatively low, at 0.6% per annum, which is attributed to a combination of factors including a declining fertility rate and emigration. The urban population accounts for approximately 28.7% of the total population, with the majority living in the capital city, Georgetown. The country has experienced significant migration patterns, with many Guyanese emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in search of better economic opportunities.
The population of Guyana is also characterized by a relatively young age structure, with a median age of 25.5 years. This has implications for the country's economy and social services, as a significant proportion of the population is in the working-age group. However, the country also faces challenges related to emigration, with many skilled and educated individuals leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
The population density of Guyana is relatively low, at 3.6 people per square kilometer, which is one of the lowest in the region. This is due to the country's large land area and relatively small population. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 69.3 years, which is lower than the average for the region. The fertility rate is 2.4 children per woman, which is higher than the average for the region.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group | Percentage | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Indian | 39.8% | Coastal regions | Descendants of indentured servants from India |
| Black/African | 29.3% | Coastal regions | Descendants of enslaved Africans |
| Mixed | 19.9% | Urban areas | Mixed ancestry, including European, African, and indigenous |
| Amerindian | 10.5% | Interior regions | Indigenous peoples, including the Wai Wai and Makushi |
| Chinese | 0.7% | Urban areas | Descendants of Chinese immigrants |
| European | 0.2% | Urban areas | Descendants of European colonizers |
| Other | 0.6% | Urban areas | Includes people of other ethnicities, such as Portuguese and Lebanese |
The ethnic diversity of Guyana is a significant aspect of the country's cultural identity. The various ethnic groups have contributed to the country's rich cultural heritage, with influences from India, Africa, Europe, and indigenous America. However, the country has also experienced ethnic tensions and conflicts, particularly between the East Indian and Black/African communities. Despite these challenges, the country has made significant progress in promoting ethnic relations and diversity, with a number of initiatives aimed at promoting cultural understanding and exchange.
Languages
- English is the official language of Guyana and is widely spoken throughout the country.
- Regional languages, such as Guyanese Creole, are also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas.
- Amerindian languages, such as Wai Wai and Makushi, are spoken by the indigenous population in the interior regions.
- Hindi and Urdu are also spoken by the East Indian community, particularly in rural areas.
- Akawaio and Patamona are endangered languages spoken by the indigenous population in the interior regions.
Religions
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 57.4% | Includes Catholic, Anglican, and other denominations |
| Hinduism | 28.4% | Primarily practiced by the East Indian community |
| Islam | 6.8% | Primarily practiced by the East Indian community |
| Other | 4.3% | Includes Bahai, Rastafarian, and other minority religions |
| None | 3.1% | Includes people who do not identify with a particular religion |
The religious diversity of Guyana is an important aspect of the country's cultural identity. The country has a long history of religious freedom, with the constitution guaranteeing the right to freedom of worship. The various religious communities have contributed to the country's rich cultural heritage, with influences from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths. However, the country has also experienced interfaith tensions and conflicts, particularly between the Christian and Hindu communities. Despite these challenges, the country has made significant progress in promoting interfaith relations and understanding, with a number of initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation between the different religious communities.
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 24.5% | Significant proportion of the population is in the dependent age group |
| 15-24 | 20.5% | Significant proportion of the population is in the youth age group, with implications for education and employment |
| 25-54 | 45.5% | Majority of the population is in the working-age group, with implications for the economy and social services |
| 55-64 | 6.5% | Significant proportion of the population is in the pre-retirement age group, with implications for pension and healthcare services |
| 65+ | 3.0% | Small proportion of the population is in the elderly age group, with implications for healthcare and social services |
Urbanization & Major Cities
- The urban population accounts for approximately 28.7% of the total population, with the majority living in the capital city, Georgetown.
- Linden and New Amsterdam are other major urban centers, with significant economic and cultural importance.
- The country has experienced significant migration trends, with many Guyanese emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in search of better economic opportunities.
- The diaspora community is significant, with many Guyanese living abroad and maintaining strong ties with their country of origin.
- Bartica and Mahaica are other major towns, with significant economic and cultural importance, particularly in the areas of mining and agriculture.