What Is the Capital of Guyana?
Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana and also the most populous city in the country. In 2012, it had a population of 118,363.
Where Is the Capital of Guyana Located?
The capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, near the Demerara River estuary’s eastern bank. The landscape of the city can be described as flat coastal plains. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of marshy swamps and cane fields.
How and When Did Georgetown Become the Capital of Guyana?
Georgetown began as a small town in the 18th century, when a Dutch colony on an island in the Demerara River was captured by the British. Georgetown’s role as a capital and major town in the region began with the selection of the town as the capital of the French colony in 1782. Two years later, the Dutch recaptured the town. The town started to expand rapidly and on April 29, 1812, was named Georgetown to honor King George III. On August 24, 1842, Georgetown attained the status of a city. Since the independence of Guyana from the United Kingdom on February 23, 1970, Georgetown has served as the capital city of Guyana.
Climate of Georgetown
Georgetown experiences a hot tropical rainforest climate. However, due to the influence of North-East trade winds, temperatures hardly soar above 31 degrees Celsius. The city receives rainfall throughout the year and the monthly precipitation is over 60 mm. Thus, the city does not experience a true dry season.
Demographics of Georgetown
Georgetown has an ethnically diverse population, with Black/Africans accounting for the majority of the population. Other major ethnic groups present include mixed, East Indians, Amerindians, Portuguese, and Chinese. Christianity is the dominant religion practiced by the people of Georgetown. Other religions with a significant following are Hinduism and Islam.
Economy of Georgetown
Georgetown is the biggest commercial and manufacturing hub of Guyana. The city hosts large sugar refineries. The fact that it has a port makes it an export hub of the country, especially for timber, gold, diamonds, bauxite. The city thus accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP. Georgetown also has an international airport and a well-developed transport network that connects it to other parts of the country, as well as the world. This fact allows it to serve as the ideal location for new businesses and investments.
How to Reach Georgetown?
The capital city of Guyana is served by a well-developed transportation infrastructure. The busiest airport in the country, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, is located 41 km to the south of Georgetown. The airport connects the city with international destinations worldwide. A smaller airport, the Ogle Airport, located closer to the city, connects Georgetown to Spain and a number of Caribbean countries. Private and government buses and taxis provide intracity transportation to Georgetown residents. A regular coach bus service is available that connects the city with Brazil’s Boa Vista.
