Guyana is a small country that has many natural attractions for a fun trip. You can immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the country for a relaxing journey. One of the welcoming facts about Guyana is that its weather is moderate, so you’ll never feel too hot or too cold.
If you want to learn more interesting Guyana facts, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the top things you need to know about this country.
Historical Facts About Guyana
Guyana Was Inhabited By Semi-Nomadic Tribes
The small country was inhabited by different semi-nomadic tribes during the early era. The Arawaks and Caribs were the two primary Amerindian tribes that were prominent in this country.
Some of the people lived as hunters for survival. Meanwhile, other people worked as fishermen for food and commercial trading purposes.
The Country Is A Former British Colony
One of the fun facts about Guyana is that it was a former British colony. The country had relations with many colonial European powers, such as France, Britain, and Netherlands. Guyana became part of the colony in 1831.
The country continued under British rule until 1966. That was when it gained complete independence and official status as a country.
Guyana Became Highly Famous In 1978 Due To The Jonestown Massacre
There have been many significant events in Guyana’s past, but the Jonestown Massacre remains at the top. It’s one of the saddest Guyana facts because 918 people committed suicide while following a religious cult leader.
The mass suicide took place in Jonestown, hence its name. Jim Jones was the cult leader who incited this mass suicide.
The Only South American Country With English As Official Language
Despite having been colonized by different countries previously, English remains to be the main language of Guyana.
What’s interesting though is that it is the only South American country where people speak English as a first language. Most countries in South America have Spanish as their primary language of communication.
Cultural Facts About Guyana
It’s always useful to learn some interesting Guyanese cultural facts that will help enhance your experience in the country.
Guyana Has No UNESCO World Heritage Site
This probably comes as a surprise but the country doesn’t have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2000, the nation nominated its highest waterfall to UNESCO for getting the status, but that did not happen.
It has been hundreds of years since Guyana became a country, but it still does not have any UNESCO Sites. However, don’t let that stop you from exploring this country that still has many natural wonders.
Arranged Marriages Are Highly Common Here
Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the common religions of this country. People follow their cultural and religious teachings in the region strictly. This is why arranged marriages are common in Guyana.
You’ll rarely come across people who have gotten married after falling in love in Guyana.
It’s Home To Six Ethnic Groups
One of the most exciting Guyanese facts is that the country has a diverse culture. It’s home to six ethnic groups, which include the Indigenous, African, Chinese, East Indian, Portuguese, and European groups.
Most people also live in harmony with one another, and there are fewer religious conflicts in Guyana than in many other countries. The diverse groups also mean that there are many structures in Guyana showcasing different cultures.
Guyana Pepperpot Is A Famous Dish In The Region
One of the most delicious Guyana food dishes you’ll encounter in the region is Pepperpot.
This meal is mainly consumed on Christmas in the country, but some places also offer it on their daily menu. The dish is a stew made of beef, lamb, or pork.
Pepper and cinnamon are also added to the meal with other traditional seasonings. You can enjoy the dish with bread or rice when in Guyana.
Simple Facts About Guyana For Kids
Here are some fun Guyana facts for kids that can spark their interest in this underrated country.
Guyana Means “The Land Of Many Waters” In Amerindian
Did you know that the country’s name means ‘the land of many waters’? The nation got this name because it contains many networks of rivers that add to its beauty.
Essequibo is the longest river in Guyana and this natural landmark draws plenty of visitors.
Mashramani Is One Of The Top Annual Festivals In Guyana
Guyana became a Republic in 1970. Mashramani or Mash is a festival that is held annually to commemorate the event. It falls on 23rd February every year.
People participating in the festival usually wear costumes in the colors of the Guyana flag. Parades also happen all around the nation, and this is one of the best times to visit this country.
The Country Has Produced Many Famous Cricketers
Guyana may not have an official cricket team, but it has produced many cricketers that play for the West Indies.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the most famous player that comes from Guyana. He’s the second West Indian to have more than 10,000 test runs after Brian Lara.
Useful Guyana Facts For Travelers
It’s good to know some helpful information about a country before visiting it. So here are some Guyana fun facts for travelers.
The Highest Point In Guyana Is Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Guyana. It’s the country’s highest point and offers a unique view of the region. You can challenge yourself to climb the mountain if you seek an adrenaline rush on your trips.
World’s Longest Single-Drop Waterfall Is In Guyana
One of the top Guyana facts is that it has the widest and highest single-drop waterfall. Some people also call the Kaieteur Waterfall the quietest waterfall. It’s also five times bigger than Niagra Falls, which is one of the wonders of the world.
It Has A Rich Wildlife
The country has diverse wildlife, with jaguars being the national animal. Many rare species of giant otters are found only in Guyana. A rare harpy eagle species can also be also seen in this country.
Other interesting animals commonly found in Guyana include Leatherback turtles, anteaters, and pacas. These amazing animals in Guyana are one of the key reasons people visit the country.
Be sure to take advantage of this biodiversity on your trip to observe and snap some photos of the incredible wildlife.
Guyana Has Two Rainy Seasons
One of the important facts about Guyana that you should know about is the rainy seasons of the region. Yes, seasons with an ‘s’ because there are two periods. Various flash floods can occur during those times, therefore, they may not be the best time to visit Guyana.
The first rainy season in this country happens from May to mid-August. Meanwhile, the second season takes place between November to mid-January.
Common Facts About Guyana
Let’s take a look at some general Guyana facts that every traveler should know about.
The Arrowhead Flag Is Symbolic
An interesting thing to note about the colors of the Guyana flag is that they represent different things. For example, green represents the country’s jungles, while white is for the rivers.
Red symbolizes the zeal and sacrifice that has been put into building the nation. Meanwhile, black marks the perseverance of the country’s people.
Slavery Was Banned In Guyana Before Most Other Countries
Slavery was common in many countries during the early era because of the high demand. Guyana is one of the first nations to ban this practice. People were prohibited from keeping slaves in the country since 1834.
Georgetown Is The Capital City
Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana with high significance. Since the early era, this place has been a commercial trading center of the nation. It’s also home to many attractions in Guyana, which is why Georgetown gets a high inflow of tourists every year.
Other Interesting Facts About Guyana
Untouched Rainforest Covers 80% Of The Country
One of the amazing facts about Guyana for nature lovers is that most of the country is covered in virgin rainforests. This is a primary reason behind the rich wildlife of Guyana. The rainforest of Guyana is also independent of the Amazon rainforests.
Guyana Is Below Sea-Level
Many people do not know that Guyana actually sits about 6 feet below sea level t. The seawall is a 280 miles defense system that protects the coastal plain from flooding. This wall has also become a famous spot for tourists and locals to hang out in Guyana casually.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Guyana
Guyana is still a relatively undiscovered destination. However, the country has rich scenery and many natural wonders that are worth exploring. These are just some of the interesting facts about Guyana and you can bet there are much more to uncover.
Since the tourist inflow to Guyana is much lesser than in other countries, it is also one of the best places to visit if you want to experience authentic local vibes while enjoying a peaceful holiday.