Guyana was first colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and later ruled by the British for nearly 200 years, until gaining independence in 1966. Guyana has been deeply shaped by colonialism and slavery, resulting in an ethnically and religiously diverse nation. The population is primarily divided between Indo-Guyanese (descendants of indentured laborers who mostly practice Hinduism and Islam), and Afro-Guyanese (descendants of enslaved Africans, mostly Christian). Indigenous peoples comprise about 10 per cent of the population and remain politically, socially, and economically marginalized, with limited say over their lands, cultures, and natural resources. They also face landlessness and frequent unauthorized encroachment on their land for resource extraction.

Politics are dominated by two rival parties: the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC). Both parties are left-leaning, though support is driven more by ethnic-religious identity than ideology, a legacy of Dutch and British colonial rule. While the PPP appeals to the majority Indo-Guyanese population, the PNC is supported by people of Afro-Guyanese descent.

Over 80 per cent of Guyana’s territory is covered by rainforest. Guyana has long been a net-zero carbon emitter, a status which might be impacted by the growing oil industry. The country’s turn to oil exploitation has faced criticism and led local environmental organizations to pursue litigation related to threats to the environment. Control over oil-driven growth and its use to reduce inequality has been central to recent political debates. In 2024, the government announced a series of measures intended to distribute oil wealth and address rising living costs, including a one-time cash payment, the elimination of tuition fees, and an increase in the monthly minimum wage. The measures were criticised by opposition members, who saw them as short-term solutions.

Despite efforts to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks— through increased anti-money laundering measures and the creation of a new agency to oversee audits of state-run firms— corruption remains a challenge. Although the country has a history of credible elections, allegations of improper vote tabulation in the 2020 national election sparked widespread condemnation, with a court-ordered recount leading to the PPP being declared the winner. 

While gender equality is enshrined in the constitution and legal protections exist for women’s rights and political participation, enforcement remains weak. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and barriers to employment and basic rights persist at alarming rates. In 2023, the government passed the country’s Domestic Violence Act, introducing stronger penalties and criminalizing domestic abuse. Homosexuality remains criminalized, and the LGBTQIA+ community faces discrimination and violence. 

Looking ahead, it will be important to follow the impact of recently announced measures to distribute oil wealth on Guyana’s performance in Basic Welfare and Economic Equality. Given the increased cash-flow brought by oil revenues, and accusations of corruption involving public servants, Absence of Corruption is also a factor to watch. With elections approaching and in light of the previously contested elections, Credible Elections will also be critical to observe.

Last Updated: July 2025