History

Berbice Uprising of 1763 The 1763 revolt of enslaved Africans in Berbice, led by Cuffy, and why 23 February is Republic Day.
Border controversy with Venezuela Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region, from the 1899 Paris award to the case now before the International Court of Justice.
British Guiana (British rule, 1796 to 1966) How Britain took the Dutch colonies, united them as British Guiana in 1831, and ruled until independence in 1966.
Demerara rebellion of 1823 The August 1823 rising of 9,000 to 13,000 enslaved people in Demerara, led by Jack Gladstone and Quamina.
Dutch colonisation of Guyana How the Dutch built the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara between 1616 and 1814.
Guyana since 1999 From the Jagdeo presidency to the oil boom, the disputed 2020 election and President Irfaan Ali's re-election in 2025.
Indentureship (Indian, Portuguese and Chinese) How indentured workers from Madeira, India and China came to British Guiana after emancipation, and the communities they built.
Indigenous peoples of Guyana Guyana's first peoples, the nine recognised nations, their history under colonial rule and their place in Guyana today.
Jonestown (1974 to 1978) A factual account of the Peoples Temple settlement in north west Guyana and the deaths of 918 people on 18 November 1978.
National symbols of Guyana The Golden Arrowhead flag, the coat of arms, the national anthem, motto, bird and flower, and what each one means.
Road to independence (1945 to 1966) From the founding of the PPP in 1950 to independence on 26 May 1966, including the 1953 suspension of the constitution and the unrest of 1962 to 1964.
Slavery and emancipation Enslaved Africans in the Guyana colonies, the end of slavery in 1834 to 1838, and the village movement that followed.
The Burnham and Jagan eras (1964 to 1999) Two decades of PNC rule under Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte, the return of free elections in 1992, and the presidencies of Cheddi and Janet Jagan.
The Co-operative Republic (1970) Guyana became a Co-operative Republic on 23 February 1970, ending its ties to the British monarchy. Mashramani celebrates the day.
The oil era (2015 to present) The 2015 Liza discovery in the Stabroek Block, first oil in December 2019, and how oil is changing Guyana.
Timeline of Guyanese history Key dates in the history of Guyana, from the first peoples to the ICJ border hearings of 2026.