Brief History of Guyana

Experience Historic Guyana , Naturally

Sir Walter Raleigh and his writings about the legend of El Dorado, a city of gold hidden somewhere in South America drummed up interest in the region. As its attraction grew, the area changed hands several times between the French, Dutch and the British, enduring colonisation, the establishment of sugar plantations, and a period of African slavery and indentured labour. British Guiana eventually gained independence from Britain in May 1966 and became the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in 1970. The footprints of the colonising powers are still apparent today in Guyanese architecture, names of the streets, towns, landmarks and most importantly, in the mixture of its people. A relatively young nation of 40 years, Guyana boasts a multicultural society diverse in history, race, culture and religion but is the most sparsely populated country in the region. Our Buildings reflect our History.

"History teaches everything including the future."
Lamartine