By Guyana Tourism Authority
GEOGRAPHY
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north , and Venezuela , Brazil and Suriname , Guyana is South America ’ s best kept secret . Miles of golden savannahs , pristine virgin rainforest , hundreds of kilometres of coastline , and a hilly sand and clay region – Guyana has it all . Of the country ’ s population of 746,955 ( 2012 census ), 87 % lives along the coast , leaving the country ’ s lush interior untouched and ripe for exploration .
Although no larger than Great Britain or Oregon in the USA , with 18 % of the world ’ s tropical forests , it is one of the four regions in the world that makes up the 270 million hectares of Guiana Shield . With breathtaking waterfalls , mighty rivers , and a large diversity of wildlife and bird species , Guyana has emerged as a playground of the 21st century explorers and travellers .
REGIONS
Guyana ’ s landscape can be divided broadly into four main areas , known as our Natural Regions . The low coastal plains on the northern edge of the country are made up of marsh and swamp , with enormous mud flats stretching into the sea .
The hilly sand and clay area is the smallest natural region area of the country and found along the coast . The forested highlands in the interior of the country offer a more dramatic setting , with dense tropical rainforest , mountains and plateaus , interspersed with eco-lodges and indigenous villages found nestling among its lush greenery .
The Pakaraima Mountains guard the western border , with the famous Mount Roraima – the nation ’ s tallest peak ( 2762 meters ) – proudly keeping its head above the clouds . The Kaieteur Plateau lies on the southern edge of the Pakaraimas , from where the Kaieteur Falls plunge down 741 feet as one the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the world .
On the southern edge , the expansive Kanuku Mountain Range and Acarai Mountains can be found . These mountains welcome you into the interiors savannahs of Guyana known locally as the Rupununi . The vast and golden landscape is home to a plethora of adventures waiting to be had .
The entire country is fragmented into 10 administrative regions .
● Region 1 – Barima Waini
● Region 2 – Pomeroon-Supenaam
● Region 3 – Essequibo Islands-West Demerara
● Region 4 – Demerara- Mahaica
● Region 5 – Mahaica-Berbice
● Region 6 – East Berbice – Corentyne
● Region 7 – Cuyuni-Mazaruni
● Region 8 – Potaro-Siparuni
● Region 9 – Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo
● Region 10 – Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice
78 | TOURISM GUYANA 2024