Guyana’s population is approaching the one-million mark after a decade of rapid growth, according to preliminary census data that show the country’s demographic expansion accelerating alongside a period of strong economic performance.
Guyana’s population stood at 878,674 in September 2022, up from 746,955 in 2012, an increase of 17.6%, the Bureau of Statistics said in its preliminary Population and Housing Census report released on Monday, January 12.
Using census results adjusted for births, deaths and migration, the Bureau estimated Guyana’s population at 956,044 by the end of 2024, placing the country within reach of one million people. The estimate does not account for population growth in 2025 or 2026.
The census also recorded a sharp rise in the share of foreign-born residents, who accounted for 3.07% of the population in 2022, up from 1.1% in 2012. The Bureau cautioned that the foreign-born population may be understated, noting that some migrants were reluctant to participate in the census and that administrative records show some 7000 more Venezuelan nationals were registered in Guyana between 2018 and 2022 than responded to census enumeration.
Guyana has been a destination for Venezuelan migrants fleeing their country’s prolonged economic crisis, part of a wider regional migration trend, while economic opportunities have also drawn workers, entrepreneurs and migrants in recent years.
Guyana to implement structured labor importation – Jagdeo
The data show that population growth has been driven increasingly by migration, alongside natural increase. The Bureau said net migration became a more significant contributor to population change after 2017, with natural increase accounting for 68% of the growth in the 10-year period.
Guyana’s population expansion has unfolded during a period of rapid economic transformation following the start of oil production in late 2019, which has reshaped labour demand and economic activity across the country.
The Bureau of Statistics said the preliminary findings are subject to further elucidation in a full census report with more detailed analysis to be released at a later date.
