Key challenges: Guyana

Aftermath of the Guyanan floods. [CAFOD]

Perched on the north-east corner of South America, Guyana faces several issues, including climate change, trade, and education. Find out more here

Guyana is surrounded by Suriname to the east, Brazil to the south, Venezuela to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.

It is the only English speaking country in the continent. Culturally Guyana is Caribbean and is part of the West Indies.

Children and young people: One-third of the population is under 18 and, although the government provides free secondary education, the severe deterioration of public education and healthcare systems limit children's prospects.

Around 80 per cent of graduates emigrate and many schools are understaffed.

Climate change: Floods have a devastating impact and, in some east coast communities, the amount of rubbish in the drainage system has also caused localised flooding.

As climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions the situation is predicted to get worse.

Trade: Dependent on sugar, rice production and mining, which together account for half the country’s GDP, the falling price of sugar and bauxite on world markets has hit hard.

Under pressure from the WTO, the European Union, which offered Guyana preferential access, is lowering the price it will pay for the country’s sugar.

Less productive sugar estates have closed and rice exports face stiff competition from other countries. The rice and sugar crisis has a devastating effect on small family-run farms and rural workers.