It is our pleasure to introduce our newest International Relocation Center destination: Guyana!
Guyana is the fourth-smallest country on the South American mainland, and it is characterized by pristine rainforests, exotic wildlife, and a rich blend of Caribbean and South American culture. It is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and one can spot influences from Africa, Portugal, China, and India in the country’s cuisine, population, and culture. Vestiges of its colonial past can also be felt due to the Dutch, British, and French influences that still shape the culture today.
Despite its location on the South American continent, Guyana is considered part of the Caribbean region, and this distinction extends to the country’s relaxed, leisurely atmosphere. Weekends are devoted to visiting friends and family, and socializing at restaurants, pubs, and local sporting events is a popular past time.
In recent years the country’s economy has developed rapidly, and the agriculture, manufacturing, and mining industries in particular have drawn expatriates and business travelers from around the globe. Guyana has also become a hub for tourism, as the exotic wildlife and varied topography has led to the emergence of a well-developed ecotourism industry.
Expatriate life in Guyana is typically situated in the country’s capital city of Georgetown. With a population of over 235,000 residents, Georgetown is the largest city in Guyana by a wide margin; nearly one third of the country’s population resides within the city. The capital serves as the country’s main hub for commerce, government, and entertainment. It is also the location of Stabroek Market—the largest outdoor market in the country.
With lush rainforests and expansive savannas, modern housing complexes and crowded slums, quiet parks and bustling marketplaces, Guyana offers a rich diversity of peoples, places, and experiences!
For a complete guide to Guyana, as well as 197 other destinations worldwide, consult Living Abroad’s International Relocation Center. Here we cover top-level concerns such as immigration procedures, customs requirements, and housing areas as well as more nuanced topics including cross-cultural understanding and navigating a foreign business environment. Each destination report also features a Country Resources section filled with helpful links.
Written by James Cafferty, International Content Manager
