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A third of the population of Guyana is descended from African slaves, imported by the Dutch to work on sugar plantations. Around half are the descendants of indentured Indian agricultural workers brought in by the British after slavery was abolished. The population therefore comprises groups of persons with nationality backgrounds from Europe (especially the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Portugal), Africa, China, India, and the Middle East, with the Aboriginal Indians as the indigenous population. English is the official language of Guyana. In addition, Amerindian languages are spoken by a small minority, while Guyanese Creole (an English-based creole with African and Indian syntax) is widely spoken. In addition to English, other languages of Guyana include Hindustani, Guyanese Creole, Akawaio, Wai-Wai, Arawak and Macushi. |
Man living on the Potaro river in central Guyana | 
Women near Bartica | 
Woman in Georgetown |
Amerindian man on the Essequibo river in central Guyana | 
Man smoking a cigarette in central Guyana | 
People in the streets of Georgetown |
Muslim women in Georgetown | 
Woman with a colorful hairdo in Bartica | 
Young Amerindian woman in central Guyana |
