Guyana is located in the northern part of the South American continent. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the north, Suriname in the east, Venezuela towards the west and Brazil in the southern part. Guyana meaning ‘land of many waters’ has a huge system of rivers along with waterfalls.
Guyana’s cultural and historical connection with other Caribbean countries is worth a mention. Hence it is also a part of the Caribbean area.
Landform
The northern part of Guyana makes up the costal region. As a significant part of the coastal area is below the sea level, it is also called the low coastal plain. Rise in the sea level is due to global warming. Since 80 percent of the Guyana population lives in this coastal region, it is important to control the flood situation. Hence sea walls have channel gates built to control water levels during rains and high tide. This prevents households and crops from getting damaged.
One can notice the hilly sand clay belt just beneath the coastal region made up of white and brown sand. This place is covered with bushes and hardwood forests. Hills are present in this region, which measure 400 ft. in length.
The highlands in the west comprise of four mountains – Imataka lies in the northwest, Pakaraima towards the west, Kanuku in the southeast and finally Akarai in the southern region. The highlands cover about 66 percent of Guyana’s area. Interestingly, there is a peak in the Pakaraima Range called “Mount Roraima” where the borders of Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil meet.
Finally the interior grassy plains in Guyana are divided into two – Rupununi Savannahs and Intermediate Savannahs. Rupununi being expansive is around 6000 square miles in length. On the other hand, the intermediate savannahs extend only up to 2000 square miles.
Guyana has a tropical climate. But the coastal plain enjoys a pleasant climate all through the year as a result of steady winds blowing from the northeast. This country experiences monsoon twice a year - April to August is for a longer duration whereas November to January is for a shorter period.
Cuisine
Caribbean, East Indian, Chinese and British influences can be seen in Guyanese cuisine.
Indians arrived in Guyana in 1838, and the East Indians, as they are called, make up a majority of the population. Hence meats in curry sauce along with roti are popular.
From the Caribbean comes the cassava and sweet potatoes. Guyanese Pepperpot, the national dish, is made by simmering meat in spice and cassareep (an extract of the cassava root).
Chow mein, inspired by the Chinese, is popular. In the villages, people make bread at home, and also cheese and coconut rolls, and tarts, a hangover from the British days. Along the coast fresh fish and seafood are favourites.
Culture
Africans form the second largest group in Guyana after the East Indians. Though Guyana is part of the North Atlantic coast of South America, it draws inspiration from the Caribbean countries. Unlike other South American countries, English is the official language of Guyana.
You must have read To Sir With Love or watched the movie. It is the biography of E.R. Braithwaite, a Guyanese author. Theatre in the 19th century had European overtones. The 20th century gave way to African and Indian Guyanese middle class theatre. Reggae, calypso and Bollywood film music ring out from every corner of the land. Cricket and football are popular sports. Since Guyana does not have an independent international cricket team, this country is a part of the West Indies cricket team.
