Five things to know about Guyana

Here are five key facts about the English-speaking South American country Guyana, where legislative elections will be held on September 1.

– English-speaking in South America –

A former Dutch and British colony, Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and a member of the British Commonwealth.

Initially occupied by the Netherlands, the country, which is about the size of Kansas, was ceded to Britain in the 19th century.

After the abolition of slavery, the British brought labourers from India to work on sugar cane plantations there.

Today, the population of over 800,000 remains divided ethnically between communities of African and Indian descent.

– Slavery heirs –

In 2023, Guyana was the site of high-profile protests against heirs of slaveowners who had come to th