The Guyanese dollar, denoted by GYD, is the official currency used in Guyana. Little information is available about the currency.
Travel Notes
The import and export of local currency is limited to G$200. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared in writing on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported and declared. The Guyanese Dollar is not negotiable abroad.
Sovereign Ratings for Guyana
Guyana is not rated.
What does it look like?
Political Structure
The Guyanese government is led by the president, who appoints and supervises the prime minister and other ministers. The president is not directly elected, but instead, each party presenting a slate of candidates for the assembly must designate?in advance?a leader who will become president if that party gets the majority of votes.
The legislative area of the government is its unicameral parliament, the National Assembly, which consists of 53 members chosen on the basis of proportional representation from national lists named by the political parties. An additional 12 members are elected by regional councils at the same time as the National Assembly.
The highest judicial body of the Guyanese government is the Court of Appeal, headed by a chancellor of the judiciary. The second level is the High Court, presided over by a chief justice. The chancellor and the chief justice are appointed by the president.
Guyana is a full & participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Prominent Figures
President: Bharrat Jagdeo
Prime Minister: Samuel Hinds
First Vice President: N/A
Second Vice President: Reepu Daman Persaud
Attorney General: Doodnauth Singh
Governor, Bank of Guyana: Dolly S. Singh
Ambassador to the US: Bayney Karran
Key Economic Factors
Economic Overview: Guyana's economy saw significant economic growth at the turn of the century in 2001-02 due to its expansion of agricultural and mining sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiatives, a more realistic exchange rate, relatively low inflation and the continued support of international organizations. Growth slowed a year later in 2003 but revived itself in 2004, buoyed largely by increased export earnings. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a lacking infrastructure. Today, Guyana is juggling a sizable external debt against the pressing need fir expanded public investment. The bauxite mining sector should benefit in the near future from restructuring and fractional privatization.
Industries: Bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles and gold mining.
Agricultural Products: Sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils, beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, fish and shrimp.
Export Commodities: Sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum and timber.
Import Commodities: Manufactures, machinery, petroleum and food.
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