World Happiness Report for Guyana 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Guyana: na
- Happiness Score Guyana:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Guyana. GY.
Guyana is a country located on the northern coast of South America. It is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. Guyana is known for its rich cultural diversity, with influences from African, Indian, European, and indigenous peoples. The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, mining, and forestry.
- Guyana is home to the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls.
- It is the only English-speaking country in South America.
- Guyana is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a variety of ecosystems including rainforests, savannas, and wetlands.
- Best Times to Visit: The dry seasons from February to April and August to November are ideal for travel, with lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship or rural areas. Greet elders with respect and avoid public displays of affection.
- Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in urban areas, especially at night. Avoid carrying valuables and use licensed taxis or private transportation.
- Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Kaieteur Falls, St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown, and the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve. Explore the Indigenous communities and learn about their rich cultural heritage.
- Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like pepperpot, curry, and roti. Sample exotic fruits like soursop, sapodilla, and guava. Enjoy the street food scene in Georgetown.
Guyana – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The first inhabitants of Guyana were indigenous Amerindian groups, including the Arawak, Carib, and Warao peoples. The region was settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century, who established colonies and plantations along the coastal areas.
Kingdoms and Empires:
The territory that is now Guyana was part of the Dutch colony of Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice, which was later ceded to the British in 1814.
Colonial Period:
Guyana was a British colony from 1814 until its independence in 1966. The colonial period was marked by the establishment of a plantation economy based on the labor of enslaved Africans and indentured workers from India and other parts of the British Empire.
Independence and Modern Era:
Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966. After a period of political instability and economic challenges, Guyana transitioned to a democratic system in the 1990s. The country has faced issues related to corruption, crime, and economic development, but has also made progress in areas such as environmental conservation and regional integration.
Current Political Situation:
Guyana is a semi-presidential republic with a unicameral National Assembly. The current president is Irfaan Ali, who was elected in 2020. The main political parties are the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
International Relations:
Guyana is a member of regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and the Organization of American States (OAS). It has close ties with other countries in the region and has been involved in territorial disputes with Venezuela over the Essequibo region.
Human Development and Economy:
Guyana’s economy is largely based on agriculture, mining, and services. Major industries include sugar, rice, bauxite, and gold. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators, but challenges remain in areas such as healthcare and education.
Cultural Highlights:
Guyana has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous Amerindian, African, Indian, European, and Chinese cultures. The country has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Sir Shridath Ramphal and E.R. Braithwaite. The religious landscape is diverse, with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam being the most prevalent faiths.
Guyana faces challenges related to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change and the exploitation of its natural resources. However, the country also has opportunities to leverage its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and strategic location as a gateway to South America.
Travel Tips for Guyana
Main facts
1. Location
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south and southwest, and Suriname to the east. It is situated on the Guiana Shield, a vast plateau area that covers parts of Colombia, Venezuela, and the three Guiana nations.
2. Map References
Guyana is located in the northern part of South America, within the Guiana Shield region.
3. Area – Comparative
Guyana has a total area of 214,969 square kilometers (83,000 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of Idaho in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Guyana shares land borders with three countries, with a total border length of 2,949 kilometers (1,835 miles):
– Brazil: 1,605 km (997 miles)
– Venezuela: 789 km (490 miles)
– Suriname: 600 km (373 miles)
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Guyana has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean that stretches for approximately 459 kilometers (285 miles). The coastal region features low-lying plains and extensive mudflats.
6. Maritime Claims
Guyana claims the following maritime zones:
– Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
– Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
– Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the outer edge of the continental margin
7. Climate
Guyana has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures. The coastal regions experience hot and humid conditions, while the interior regions have a more moderate climate due to their higher elevation. There are two distinct seasons: a rainy season from May to mid-August, and a dry season from mid-August to April.
8. Terrain
Guyana’s terrain is predominantly characterized by a vast interior plateau called the Guiana Highlands, which is part of the Guiana Shield. It features rolling highlands, savannas, and low mountain ranges, with the highest point being Mount Roraima on the Brazilian border. The coastal areas consist of low coastal plains, swamps, and marshes.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Guyana is Mount Roraima, at an elevation of 2,772 meters (9,094 feet), located on the border with Brazil and Venezuela. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.
10. Natural Resources
Guyana’s major natural resources include bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, and fish.
11. Major Bodies of Water
Guyana’s most significant water bodies include the Essequibo River, the largest river in the country, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Other major rivers are the Corentyne River, which forms part of the border with Suriname, and the Demerara River, which runs through the capital city of Georgetown.
12. Natural Hazards
Guyana is susceptible to flooding and droughts in the interior regions, as well as occasional hurricanes along the coastal areas.
13. Geography – Notes
Guyana is known for its rich biodiversity, with vast areas of rainforests, savannas, and wetlands that are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The country’s geography, with its remote interior regions and dense forests, has also played a role in shaping its cultural and economic development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 83.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 2,384. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 8.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 4.860416-58.93018.
- Capital: The capital of Guyana is Georgetown, Guyana
- Major Cities:
- Georgetown – Population: 235,017
- Linden – Population: 44,690
- New Amsterdam – Population: 35,039
- Bartica – Population: 11,157
- Population: 782,766
- Area(Km2): 214969
- Population Density( P/Km²):4. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:592
- Official Language(s):Guyana is English (official) 60%, Guyanese Creole 38.2%, Caribbean Hindustani 10.3%
- Currency: GYD
Main Economic Indicators
Guyana has a small, developing economy based primarily on agriculture, mining, and services. Its GDP is around $7 billion, and the economy faces challenges such as high debt, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor. The government aims to promote economic diversification and attract foreign investment, particularly in the newly discovered oil and gas sector.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 5.6% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 0.7% (Source: World Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 19.5%
Industry: 34.2%
Services: 46.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Sugar, rice, shrimp, fish, fruits, vegetables
Industrial Products: Gold, bauxite, alumina, rum, cement, timber
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 331,000 (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 165th in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: -$359 million (Source: World Bank)
2020: -$279 million (Source: World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: 124th in the world (2021 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $3.4 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Canada, UAE, United States, Panama, Jamaica
Main Commodities: Gold, alumina, bauxite, shrimp, rice, sugar
Imports: $2.6 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Suriname, Japan
Main Commodities: Machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.1 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 12.4 tonnes (2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$4,280,443,645. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 30.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.90. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.98. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 11.85%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
For the nationality: Guyanese (noun and adjective).
Ethnic Groups
- East Indian: 39.8%
- Black/African Ancestry: 29.3%
- Mixed: 19.9%
- Amerindian: 10.5%
- Other: 0.5%
Religions
- Protestant Christian: 34.8%
- Hindu: 24.8%
- Muslim: 7.1%
- Roman Catholic: 7%
- Other Christian: 0.5%
- Other: 0.9%
- None: 20.8%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 26.69%
- 15-64 years: 66.73%
- 65 years and over: 6.58%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 49.8%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 39.9%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 9.9%
Median Age
Total: 27.7 years
Males: 27.3 years
Females: 28.1 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 21.9%
- Alcohol Consumption (Liters per capita): 7.8
- Tobacco Use: 13.8%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 69.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 88.32%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:19.97. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.46. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 36.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 208,912. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):40.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Guyana’s military is divided into two main branches: the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana People’s Militia. The GDF serves as the country’s standing military and includes the Ground Corps, Air Corps, and Coast Guard. The Guyana People’s Militia is a part-time, reserve force tasked with supporting the GDF during emergencies.
The Guyana Police Force is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement throughout the country.
Military Expenditures
Guyana’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP over the last five years:
- 2018: 1.1%
- 2019: 1.2%
- 2020: 1.5%
- 2021: 1.6%
- 2022: 1.7%
Guyana’s military spending ranks 122nd globally, according to the latest available data.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Guyana is approximately 3,600, with the following breakdown:
- Ground Corps: 2,800
- Air Corps: 300
- Coast Guard: 500
The Guyana Police Force has an estimated strength of 4,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Guyana’s military equipment primarily consists of light infantry weapons, armored personnel carriers, and utility helicopters. The country’s inventory includes:
- Infantry weapons: AK-47 assault rifles, RPG-7 rocket launchers
- Armored vehicles: BTR-60 and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers
- Aircraft: Bell 412 utility helicopters, Cessna 337 surveillance aircraft
There are no major ongoing or announced military acquisition or development programs at this time.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The age range for voluntary military service in Guyana is 18-25 years. Military service is not mandatory.
Military Deployments
Guyana does not currently have any overseas military deployments or participation in major international peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Military Notes
Guyana’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense and maintaining effective border security, particularly along the disputed borders with Venezuela and Suriname. The country’s military does not play a significant role in international security operations.
Guyana is a member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the CARICOM Regional Security System, which facilitate regional cooperation on security matters.
- Armed Forces Size: 3400. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.8
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 56.20%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.