Guyana: Geography

The World Factbook 1993: Guyana Geography

Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Suriname and Venezuela

Area: total area: 214,970 km2 land area: 196,850 km2 comparative area: slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries: total 2,462 km, Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline: 459 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or the outer edge of continental margin exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)

Terrain: mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Natural resources: bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 83% other: 8%

Irrigated land: 1,300 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment: flash floods a constant threat during rainy seasons; water pollution