Guyana

flag of Guyana map of Guyana

On August 23, 2007 Guyana and the MCC signed a two-year, $6.7 million threshold program agreement that sought to improve Guyana’s performance on MCC’s Fiscal Policy indicator. Specifically, the grant helped the government of Guyana implement its new value-added tax (VAT) system and develop ways to assist and educate taxpayers, while at the same time helping the government better plan and control spending. Additionally, the grant helped to reduce the number of days and costs associated with starting a business by modernizing and streamlining the business registration process. The program concluded on February 23, 2010. Guyana was originally selected for the threshold program in FY2006. Learn more about the MCC's threshold program.

For comparison, review Guyana's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and its most recent PRSP Progress Report.

Country Eligibility 

In the FY2011 selection process, Guyana scored above the median on all six Ruling Justly indicators, all five Investing in People indicators, and five of six Economic Freedom indicators. Guyana is a low income country (LIC).

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2011 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2010 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2009 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2008 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2007 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2006 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2005 selection indicators

Review Guyana's performance on the FY2004 selection indicators

Learn more about the MCC's country selection process

Country Facts

Data are for 2009 (or most recent year available)

 Per capita income (GNI, current USD)

$1,450

 Poverty rate ($2 a day)

16.8%

 GDP growth (annual)

3.0%

 Population, total

762,498

 Rural population (% of total)

72%

 Life expectancy

67 yrs

 Literacy rate

N/A

Source: World Development Indicators 2010

Guyana Country Brief from the World Bank

Other U.S. Policies

Review USAID's strategy in Guyana 

Other Donors

The top three donors to Guyana in 2009 were:

Donor
Gross ODA,
2008-2009 average
(USD millions)
 IDB Sp. Fund

54

 EU Institutions

53

 United States

26

Source: OECD/DAC database
*ODA is official development assistance

Other Resources 

MCC Guyana webpage

U.S. Department of State country profile providing background on Guyana's history and U.S.-Guyana relations

World Bank projects in Guyana