What is the terrain and geography like in Guyana?
The mountain region includes the Pakaraima Range, which lies along the western boundary between the Waini and Rupununi Rivers; a sandstone plateau 22 miles long and more than 9,000 feet above sea level; and the Kanaku Mountains, which lie on both sides of the Rupununi River near the Brazilian border.
The intermediate region, to the east and south of the coastal and mountain regions, is the largest of the three areas. It is mainly tropical forest and jungle, except for the Rupununi savanna on the southwestern border with Brazil. Large rivers and their tributaries form a vast network of waterways. Rapids and falls hinder navigation and development along the larger rivers. The principal rivers are the Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice, and Corentyne. The Cuyuni, Mazaruni, and Rupununi are major tributaries of the Essequibo River.
Guyana's climate is typical of most tropical countries. Humidity ranges from an average low of 68% in October to 77% in May, and an average high of 79% in October to 86% in May through August. The average annual mean (AAM) is 73% in the afternoons and 83% in the mornings. Minimum temperatures in Georgetown, on the coast, range between 22-26°C (71-80°F) year around, with an AAM low of 75. Maximum temperatures range between 28-32°C (83-90°F), year around, with an AAM high of 86. The sea breezes (east-northeast trade winds) significantly mitigate the heat on the coast.
The coastal area typically has two wet seasons: May to mid-August, when about 40% of the total annual precipitation falls, and December to mid-January, which receive another 20%. However, occasional rain may fall at any time of the year. Georgetown and the coast average 90 inches of rainfall annually; in the interior, 60-150 inches occur.
Guyana's climate is typical of most tropical countries. Humidity ranges from an average low of 68% in October to 77% in May, and an average high of 79% in October to 86% in May through August. The average annual mean (AAM) is 73% in the afternoons and 83% in the mornings. Minimum temperatures in Georgetown, on the coast, range between 22-26°C (71-80°F) year around, with an AAM low of 75. Maximum temperatures range between 28-32°C (83-90°F), year around, with an AAM high of 86. The sea breezes (east-northeast trade winds) significantly mitigate the heat on the coast.
The coastal area typically has two wet seasons: May to mid-August, when about 40% of the total annual precipitation falls, and December to mid-January, which receive another 20%. However, occasional rain may fall at any time of the year. Georgetown and the coast average 90 inches of rainfall annually; in the interior, 60-150 inches occur.
Geographic Location | South America |
Total Area |
83,000 Square Miles 214,969 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
76,003 Square Miles 196,849 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
6,996 Square Miles 18,120 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
1,832 Miles 2,949 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
580 Square Miles 1,501 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km |
Coastline |
285 Miles 459 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 5 00 N, 59 00 W |
Terrain | mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south |
Highest Point | 2,835 Meters |
Highest Point Location | Mount Roraima 2,835 m |
Lowest Point Location | Atlantic Ocean 0 m |
Natural Resources | bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish |
Time Zone | UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |