People & Culture of Guyana

The original inhabitants of the territory were Amerindians. However, to meet the labour needs of the plantation economy, slaves were brought in large numbers during the 18th and early 19th centuries from West Africa to work on the cotton and sugar plantations. When slavery was abolished in 1834 the former slaves refused to work for their former masters, even for wages. They left the plantations and established their own village communities. Immigrants were therefore brought in to work, first from Europe (Germany, Malta and Portugal), then China, and eventually in large numbers from India.

Today the country's population reflects its immigrant history with Africans, East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese, Europeans, and Amerindians living side by side. The majority of Afro-Guyanese are Christian, usually Anglican, and there's also a handful of Black Muslims. Most of the East Indian population is Hindu, but there's a sizeable Muslim minority.

Guyanese food is distinctive and usually based on seafood or creole dishes like pepperpot, a spicy stew cooked in bitter cassava juice. Added to this are East Indian dishes such as curries and roti. Chinese food is also common. Beverages include Banks beer, local rum, brandy and whisky, and delicious fruit punches.