Georgetown is the largest city, most important port and capital of Guyana. It is located at the mouth of the Demerara River on the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a financial services center.
One quarter of the country’s population lives in Georgetown, the capital.
When did Georgetown Become the Capital?
In 1781, the British settled in 1781 and named Georgetown in memory of George III of England, the first settlement was rebuilt by the French as Longchamps. During the subsequent Dutch invasion, he became known as Stabroek. In 1784 it became the headquarters of the combined Essequibo and Demerara colonies. In 1812, once the region was once again captured by the British, it was renamed Georgetown.
Georgetown gained official city status on August 24, 1842, under Queen Victoria.
In the following period, Guyana, a socio-economically weak British colony, was not actually affected by the First and Second World Wars, but its development slowed even further. In 1953, with the help of Britain, a period of rapid development began, but socialist-oriented (inclined) prime minister Cheddi Jagan prevented these activities. This incident could have been a disadvantage for Jagan in the upcoming elections.
However, Jagan won the great love and support of the people in 1961 as a result of his work, which enabled him to be independent in the internal affairs of Guyana. Despite all this, the political situation that developed after this date caused Forbes Burnham’s National Congress Party to take power and Jagan became an opposition. The rivalry between the two parties delayed British independence for Guyana.
After a two-year hiatus, the British efforts to bring the issue of independence back to the agenda began, and on May 26, 1966 as a member of the Commonwealth of the United Nations became a member of the Commonwealth and Georgetown became the capital of independent Guyana.
Features of Georgetown
According to 2012 data, Georgetown has a population of 24,849. Georgetown has a surface area of 70 square kilometers. The climate here is tropical. The effect of hot humid northeast winds is observed, while rainfall continues throughout the year. Two seasons are experienced when rain is seen most. These are the period from May to August and the period from November to January. Guyana means the land of waters in the native language.
In Guyana, which does not have a large economy, agriculture and some mineral products are the basic structures of the economy. The country’s export products are sugar, gold, bauxite, aluminum, rice, timber, molasses, rum and shrimp. The most important export partners are Canada, USA, Portugal and Jamaica. The most important import products are industrial goods, machinery and oil. The most important import partners are the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and the United Kingdom.
Although Georgetown does not have a unique cuisine, the culinary culture brought by Indian and Chinese immigrants to the region is very common. It offers a mix of Asian and South American cuisine, as well as Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as South American restaurants. Fast food restaurants are also very common in the country.
Important Places to See in Georgetown
Georgetown, capital of Guyana, has a year-round rainy tropical climate, as is the case throughout the country. The tropical climate is the source of the green nature of the city. In Guyana Georgetown people are friendly, warm and welcoming.
The city, where you can see the Indian and Hindu culture intensely, is small, pleasant and has preserved its natural cultural structure more than other South American cities. Guyana, which means Water Country in native language, is a great place to visit in a short time. Although its meaning is a waters country, you should take care to use bottled water in order to prevent diseases in the charming city.
Among the different places to see in Georgetown, St. George’s Cathedral draws the most attention. Additional area attractions include Promenade Gardens, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology and Guyana National Museum.