ve but not well
organized

International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CCC,
CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol,
IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU,
WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Ali Odeen ISHMAEL
chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900, 6901
consulate(s) general: New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador David L. HOBBS
embassy: 99-100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown
mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown
telephone: [592] (2) 54900 through 54909, 57960 through 57969
FAX: [592] (2) 58497

Flag: green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
side) superimposed on a long yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow
black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow white border
between the yellow and the green

Economy
-------

Economic overview: In 1995, Guyana, one of the poorest countries
in the Western Hemisphere, posted its fifth straight year of
economic growth of 5% or better, with the advance led by gold mining
and by production of rice, sugar, and forestry products for export.
Favorable factors include recovery in the key agricultural and
mining sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiative,
a more realistic exchange rate, a sharp drop in the inflation rate,
and the continued support of international organizations. Serious
underlying economic problems will continue. Electric power has been
in short supply and constitutes a major barrier to future gains in
national output. The government must persist in efforts to manage
its $2 billion external debt, control inflation, and extend the
privatization program.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.6 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 5.1% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $2,200 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 26.5%
industry: 27.8%
services: 45.7% (1993 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.1% (1995)

Labor force: 268,000
by occupation: industry and commerce 44.5%, agriculture 33.8%,
services 21.7%
note: public-sector employment amounts to 60%-80% of the total labor
force (1985)

Unemployment rate: 12% (1992 est.)

Budget:
reven