Guyana

Jermyn, Leslie. Guyana. Part of the Cultures of the World series. 2000. 128p. ISBN 9780761409946. Available at 988.1 JER on the library shelves.

Nestled between Venezuela, Brasil and Surinane, and peculiar in many ways, Guyana is a small country in South America that is populated by a mix of different populations, from descendants of African slaves, British and Dutch plantation owners, Portuguese and Indian laborers. Brought together by colonial forces keen on exploiting sugar plantations, these different ethnic groups have mixed together to create a unique culture that remains separate from each other as they live and work in the same country.

Religious diversity and tolerance really sets Guyana apart. Poor in resources but rich in people, the country continues to struggle from the lasting effects of several dictatorships that have hampered economic development and affected social cohesion. Majestic tourist attractions have attracted a growing tourist trade, which carries environmental consequences.