Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current local time?
Guyana follows Guyana Time (GYT), which is UTC-4, and does not observe DST.
Does Guyana observe Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
No, Guyana does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The nation stays on GYT (UTC-4) throughout the year.
How does the local time compare to neighboring countries?
Guyana shares its zone with countries such as Suriname and French Guiana, which also follow GYT (UTC-4). However, Venezuela, its neighbor to the west, follows Venezuela Time (VET), which is UTC-4:30.
What is the time difference with the United States?
Guyana is 1 hour ahead of ET in the U.S. and 2 hours ahead of CT.
What are some major industries?
The economy is based on several industries:
Oil and Gas: The country has discovered significant offshore oil reserves, which have transformed the economy in recent years.
Agriculture: Agriculture remains a key sector, with rice, sugar, and bananas being major exports.
Mining: Gold and bauxite mining are significant industries, and the country has substantial mineral resources.
Forestry: Timber and wood products are also key exports, with vast rainforests providing a rich resource base.
Oil and Gas: The country has discovered significant offshore oil reserves, which have transformed the economy in recent years.
Agriculture: Agriculture remains a key sector, with rice, sugar, and bananas being major exports.
Mining: Gold and bauxite mining are significant industries, and the country has substantial mineral resources.
Forestry: Timber and wood products are also key exports, with vast rainforests providing a rich resource base.
What is some local trivia or geography?
The nation is known for its unique geography and cultural diversity:
Geography: The country is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and features a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, rainforests, and savannahs.
Kaieteur Falls: The country is home to one of the world’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, Kaieteur Falls, which is located in the heart of the rainforest.
Diversity: The population is culturally diverse, with ethnic groups including Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, and European-descended communities.
Geography: The country is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and features a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, rainforests, and savannahs.
Kaieteur Falls: The country is home to one of the world’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, Kaieteur Falls, which is located in the heart of the rainforest.
Diversity: The population is culturally diverse, with ethnic groups including Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, and European-descended communities.
What are some cultural insights?
There is a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse population:
Language: English is the official language, but Guyanese Creole is widely spoken, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups.
Religion: The country has a mix of religious practices, with Christianity being the largest religion, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
Festivals: The nation celebrates several cultural festivals, including Mashramani (Republic Day), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Eid al-Fitr, and Christmas. The most notable celebration is Mashramani, a vibrant carnival held on February 23rd, marking the country’s republic status.
Language: English is the official language, but Guyanese Creole is widely spoken, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups.
Religion: The country has a mix of religious practices, with Christianity being the largest religion, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
Festivals: The nation celebrates several cultural festivals, including Mashramani (Republic Day), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Eid al-Fitr, and Christmas. The most notable celebration is Mashramani, a vibrant carnival held on February 23rd, marking the country’s republic status.
What are the national holidays?
National holidays:
New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st to mark the beginning of the new year.
Mashramani: Celebrated on February 23rd, this is Guyana’s Republic Day, commemorating the country’s status as a republic.
Good Friday: A Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Labor Day: Celebrated on May 1st to honor workers and labor rights.
Emancipation Day: Celebrated on August 1st, this holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.
Independence Day: Celebrated on May 26th, marking Guyana's independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th, this Christian holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed with family gatherings and festive meals.
New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st to mark the beginning of the new year.
Mashramani: Celebrated on February 23rd, this is Guyana’s Republic Day, commemorating the country’s status as a republic.
Good Friday: A Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Labor Day: Celebrated on May 1st to honor workers and labor rights.
Emancipation Day: Celebrated on August 1st, this holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.
Independence Day: Celebrated on May 26th, marking Guyana's independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th, this Christian holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed with family gatherings and festive meals.