I.

Introduction

Guyana, in full, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, republic on the northern coast of South America, formerly British Guiana, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Suriname, on the south by Brazil, and on the west by Brazil and Venezuela. There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela regarding the region west of the Essequibo river; likewise, Suriname claims a small triangular portion of south-east Guyana. The country achieved independence on May 26, 1966. Guyana has an area of 214,969 sq km (83,000 sq mi); its coastline is about 435 km (270 mi) long. The capital is Georgetown.