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Dutch
and British colonization made an indelible mark on Guyana,
leaving behind a now dilapidated colonial capital, a volatile
mix of peoples and a curious political geography. The country's
natural attractions, however, are impressive, unspoiled and
on a scale that dwarfs human endeavor. Guyana has immense
falls, vast tropical rainforest and savanna teeming with wildlife.
If the government doesn't destroy the environment in a bid
to pay off its huge foreign debt, Guyana could be the eco-tourism
destination of the future. Right now, it's the place for independent,
rugged, Indiana Jones types who don't mind visiting a country
that everybody else thinks is in Africa.
Population:
770,000
Area: 215,000 sq km (83,850 sq mi)
Capital city: Georgetown (pop 350,000)
People: 51% East Indian, 43% Afro-Guyanese, 4% Amerindian, 2%
European & Chinese
Language: English, Creole, Hindi and Urdu
Religion: 57% Christian, 33% Hindu, 9% Muslim
Government: Democracy
Prime Minister: Samuel Hinds
President: Bharrat Jagdeo
GDP:
US$1.8 billion
GDP per head: US$2500
Inflation: 15.5%
Major industries: Sugar, bauxite, alumina, gold, rice, timber
and shrimp
Major trading partners: UK, USA, Canada, France and Japan
Guyana
Flight from UK
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