Guyana

B

Mining

Guyana is a major producer of bauxite; about 1.5 million tonnes were mined in 2004. Gold and diamonds are also produced.

C

Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Guyana is largely limited to processing bauxite, sugar, rice, and timber. Rum is one of the important manufactures.

D

Energy

In the mid-1990s Guyana had an installed electricity-generating capacity of about 157,000 kW, and annual production was some 779 million kWh in 2003, 99 per cent of which was generated in thermal facilities. The country has a great potential for producing hydroelectricity.

E

Currency and Banking

The monetary unit of Guyana is the Guyana dollar of 100 cents (204.15 Guyana dollars equalled US$1; early 2008). The Bank of Guyana (1965) is the central bank.

F

Commerce and Trade

The chief exports of Guyana are sugar, bauxite, gold, shrimp, rum, rice, and timber. The principal imports are petroleum products, machinery, foodstuffs, tobacco, cotton fabrics, and footwear. In 2004, imports cost an estimated US$636 million, and exports earned about US$543 million.