Background Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966 and became a republic in 1970. In 1989 Guyana launched an Economic Recovery Program, which marked a dramatic reversal from a state-controlled, socialist economy towards a more open, free market system. Results through the first decade have proven encouraging.

NOTE: The information regarding Guyana on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Guyana Introduction 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Guyana Introduction 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.