Guyana officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a sovereign state on the northern mainland of South America and borders Suriname to the West. It is, however, often considered part of the Caribbean region because of its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with other Anglo Caribbean countries and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Guyana is bordered north by the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west. 

Guyana is the only South American nation in which English is the official language. The majority of the population, however, speaks Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole language, as a first language. In addition to being part of the Anglophone Caribbean, Guyana is one of three Caribbean countries that is not an island in the West Indies. CARICOM, of which Guyana is a member, is headquartered in Guyana’s capital and largest city, Georgetown. In 2008, the country joined the Union of South American Nations as a founding member.

Mining in Guyana is a significant contributor to the economy owing to sizable reserves of bauxite, oil, gold, and diamonds. Much of these resources are found in Guyana’s Hilly Sand and Clay belt, a region that makes up 20% of the country.