Guyana’s population nears 1 million

Jan 13, 2026 News

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• males now outnumber females
• Region Three second most populated
• foreign-born population at 3.07%

By Renay Sambach

Kaieteur News – After more than three years of anticipation, the preliminary findings of the Guyana National Population and Housing Census 2022 were made public on Monday offering the most comprehensive snapshot of the country’s demographic and housing landscape in a decade.

The results provide data on the population size and distribution, household composition, population density, sex ratios, local and foreign-born populations, and building stock. It should be noted that these findings will be further refined and expanded in a final report to be released at a later date.

The preliminary report was presented by the Bureau of Statistics to Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Population count

On Census Day, September 15, 2022, Guyana’s population stood at 878,674, representing an increase of 131,719 persons or 17.63 percent when compared with the 2012 census count of 746,955.  Accounting for natural growth and net migration since 2022, the Bureau estimates the population rose to 956,044 by the end of 2024, placing Guyana close to the one-million mark.

All regions recorded population growth between 2012 and 2022. Region Four (Demerara–Mahaica) remains the most populated, accounting for 39.58 percent of the total population with 347,759 people. Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) has now replaced Region Six as the second most populated region, with 143,884 residents or 16.38 percent of the population. Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni) continues to be the least populated, with 13,598 people or 1.55 percent.

Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) recorded the highest intercensal annual growth rate at 5.14 percent, followed by Region One (Barima–Waini) at 3.49 percent and Region Three at 2.93 percent. Notably, coastal regions accounted for 765,852 people, or 87.16 percent of the population, while hinterland regions recorded 112,822 residents, representing 12.84 percent.

Local and foreign-born population

The foreign-born population includes persons not Guyanese at birth who reside in Guyana, including those who later became citizens through naturalisation. Locals are defined as persons born in Guyana or abroad to Guyanese parents.

In 2022, locals accounted for 96.93 percent of the resident population, while the foreign-born population stood at 3.07 percent. This represents an increase from 2012, when locals accounted for 98.90 percent and the foreign-born population 1.10 percent. The Bureau noted that some foreign-born residents remain unaccounted for due to undocumented status.

Household count and size

The census recorded 271,946 households nationwide, up from 204,625 in 2012. Region Four had the highest number of households at 112,876.The national average household size declined to 3.23 persons per household, compared with 3.65 in 2012. A general reduction in household size was observed across all regions.

Population density

National population density increased from 3.47 persons per square kilometre in 2012 to 4.09 in 2022. Region Four remains the most densely populated, with 155.81 persons per square kilometre, followed by Region Three with 38.32. Region Nine was the least densely populated, with 0.52 persons per square kilometre.

Population by sex

The preliminary findings show that of the 878,674 persons counted in 2022, males accounted for 50.18 per cent (440,882) and females 49.82 per cent (437,792). This resulted in a sex ratio of 101 males per 100 females, reversing the 2012 position when there were 99 males per 100 females.

In hinterland regions, the sex ratio was significantly higher at 113 males per 100 females, compared with 99 males per 100 females in coastal regions. Both geographic areas recorded increases in the male population compared with 2012.

Building stock

Guyana’s national building stock grew by 42.02 percent, increasing from 219,509 buildings in 2012 to 311,742 in 2022. Coastal regions accounted for 88.58 percent of the building stock, while hinterland regions (Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine) represented 11.42 percent.

Of the total buildings recorded, 80.99 percent (252,474) were occupied. Buildings under construction accounted for 4.47 percent (13,942), while 1.41 percent (4,381) were classified as dilapidated. The remaining 13.13 percent, or 40,945 buildings, were recorded as vacant, closed or not stated.

Region Four recorded the highest number of unoccupied buildings at 21,319, followed by Region Six with 9,377. Region Eight recorded the lowest number at 817. The most significant growth in building stock occurred in Region Seven (105.17 percent), followed by Region One (92.88 percent) and Region Eight (88.5 percent). Region Six recorded the lowest growth rate at 22.89 percent.

Moreover, Chief Statistician and Census Officer, Errol La Cruez in his address, disclosed that more than 2,000 temporary staff were engaged for the census exercise and highlighted the support received from international and regional partners, including the Caribbean Community Statistical Unit and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America.

For his part, Minister Singh said work will continue as preparations are made for the release of the final report, which “will come in due course.”

Further, the Bureau of Statistics acknowledged the high level of public anticipation surrounding the census data but stressed that adequate time was required to ensure accuracy and reliability. It outlined that a census is conducted every 10 years to support policymaking, resource allocation and analysis of demographic trends.

The 2022 exercise was Guyana’s first census conducted using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology through tablets, marking a significant advancement in data collection and processing.

 

 

 

 

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• Building stock, Household count and size, Local and foreign-born population, Population by sex, Population count, Population density

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