The Biggest Cities In Guyana

Where Is Guyana?

Guyana is a sovereign nation located in South America’s northern mainland. Due to the country’s close connection to the culture, politics, and history of the Caribbean countries, Guyana is also included in the Caribbean Region. The country is bordered by Brazil to the southwest and south, Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east. The Atlantic Ocean borders the country to the north. Today, Guyana is inhabited by several different ethnic groups including Africans, Indian, Amerindians, and others. Here, English is the official language. However, a majority of the people speak English-based creole languages.

Guyana has one major city, Georgetown, which is the capital of the country. Several other towns and villages are present here. Linden and New Amsterdam are the second and third biggest cities in the country. Here, we discuss some of the biggest cities in Guyana and their major characteristics.

The Three Biggest Cities In Guyana

Georgetown

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 as 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 within the city. The city is also a major economic center in the country and accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP.

Several 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, and others.

Linden

Linden is Guyana’s second biggest urban center and the Upper Demerara-Berbice region’s capital. In 1970, Linden was upgraded to the status of a town. The town is based on the banks of the Demerara River. Bauxite mining is the most important economic activity carried out in Linden. The bauxite mining activity in the region is nearly a century old activity. A tourist attraction near Linden is the Gluck Island, an uninhabited island located off Rockstone in the Essequibo River. It is one of the rare places where one can witness the blossoming of the Victoria Regia Water Lily. Big caimans and giant otters can also be spotted on this island. Over 200 species of birds including colorful macaws and parrots also visit the Gluck Island.

New Amsterdam

New Amsterdam is the third biggest town in Guyana and is located in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region of the country. The town is based on the eastern bank of the Berbice River near the mouth of the river as it enters the Atlantic Ocean. The town serves as an important port in the country. Many old colonial buildings are present here. A National Heritage Site, the Mission Chapel is also located in New Amsterdam. Several educational institutions, hotels, and a government run hospital are hosted by the city.