Guyana: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Guyana — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
779,004
#161 of 197 countries
Area
214,969 km²
#86 of 248 countries
Density
3.6 / km²
#233 of 245 countries

Guyana has a population of 779,004 spread across 214,969 km², giving it an average density of 3.6 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.

Demographics

Median Age
28.7
Life Expectancy
72.4 yrs
Literacy Rate
85.6%
Government
parliamentary republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Population Trends

How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.

Age Structure Over Time
Population Growth Rate (%)
Urban vs Rural (%)
Birth & Death Rates (per 1,000)

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Guyana is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 37% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$20,474
Cost of Living
37% of US
Inflation
2.8%
GDP per Capita (USD)
GDP Growth (%)
Inflation Rate (%)
Employment
GDP/Capita (PPP)
$70,300
Unemployment
10.2%

Tourism

Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 4.2% of Guyana's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.

Tourism % of Exports
4.2%
Air Passengers
7,512
International Tourist Arrivals
Tourism Receipts (USD)
Air Passengers Carried
Tourism as % of Exports

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Guyana has 1.39 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.

Physicians
1.39/1k
Hospital Beds
3.24/1k
Health Spend
$505/person
Infant Mortality
23.8/1k
Immunization
99%
Safe Drinking Water
95.6%
Basic Sanitation
91.3%
Health Expenditure per Capita (USD)
Hospital Beds per 1,000

Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure

Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Guyana, 82% of the population uses the internet — expect widely available WiFi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. There are 113 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.

Internet Users
81.7%
Mobile Subs
113/100
Broadband
12.9/100
Electricity Access
98.9%
Internet Users (%)
Urbanization (%)

Source: World Bank Open Data