Guyana

Guyana is a true melting pot of cultures that offers a diverse geography, people and cultures. All work together to form a flavor like no other country in South America. Guyana is located on the east coast of South America and is the only country in South America with English being its main language. Guyana was owned by the British and Dutch and gained its independence in 1966. It is about the size of Great Britain. It is full of natural resources including its vast rainforests, about 70% of the total area of Guyana is covered with rainforests, are home to greenheart and mora trees, anteaters, monkeys, and beautifully colored birds, rice fields, sugarcane, and gold reserves. In 2015, oil fields were discovered in its offshore Stabroek Block which promises to bring riches to the country. Guyana is known for its famous Kaieteur Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, almost five times higher than Niagara Falls, and drops 741 feet straight down then another 81 feet over rock to the bottom. Guyana's historic architecture reflects the country's British colonial past and most of the houses were built with the local woods from the rainforests.

The melting pot includes six cultures: Amerindians, Europeans, East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese, and Africans. The major religions of Guyana are Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Each culture brings the most delicious dishes such as pepper pot, chow mein, curry chicken and staples such as cassava, eddoes, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fish and all seafood, goat, lamb, and duck are some of the common meats. Some of the local drinks made from fresh fruits and vegetables include pine drink, ginger beer, sorrel, mauby, and peanut punch. 

​It is worth visiting Guyana for the scenery, the rainforests, the foods and the many cultural experiences you’ll enjoy. If you can’t get there, be sure to visit “little Guyana” located in many areas of Queens such as Richmond Hill, to get a taste of its flavor. Although it has so many things that differ, their motto is “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.