Get to know about Guyana.

 The country of Guyana definitely has some interesting facts when it comes to its history, culture, and politics. First and foremost Guyana is home to six ethnic groups, which include Africa, Chinese, European, Indigenous, and East Indian. It was astounding how these cultures live together in harmony and celebrate each other's cultures if it's their own! This explains the quote Guyana goes by which is "One People, One Nation, One Destiny". They love to celebrate each other's culture with a variety of festivals. Of course, the motto isn't always easy to go by sense the long tension between the two largest groups the Indo-Guyanese and the Afro-Guyanese. The Guyanan culture is definitely unique. South Asians make up the largest group in the small country at about two-fifths of the population. Their ancestors came to the country from India to replace Africans in plantation work. Today, they remain in plantation agriculture and many are independent farmers and landowners that are doing quite well in trading. Afro-Guyanese is an independent peasantry or town dweller. The indigenous are grouped into coastal or interior groups and mostly in the forest areas.  Like the South Asians, the Chinese and Portuguese came into the country as laborers but are mostly in business and or other professions. Another interesting fact about Guyana is the legendary myth of 'El Dorado'. The legend evolved from a tradition from the Musica in Columbia. Whose king had so much gold that he would cover himself in the gold dust and dive in Lake Guatavita. 

When it comes to religion, Christianity is the dominant religion. 57.4% of Guyanese are Christain. The growth of the religion spread like wildfire during the colonial era. The work of Christain missionaries helped spread the Gospel throughout the country. The second-largest religion is Hinduism that makes up 28.4% of the population. The religion came from India and even though the popularity of Hinduism has fallen, the Hindus of Guyana still do big celebrations every year.  What was interesting is that the official language of the country is English. Guyana has become the world's newest oil-exporting nation since the country has a lot of oil and other nations want a piece of the action. There have been some disputes over the control of the oil, the elevated economic expectations, and the managing of the oil. 

What topic stands out to me the most are the tensions between the Indo-Guyanese and the Afro-Guyanese. Also the celebration of cultures with dance and music. 

“Guyana.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/guyana/. 

“The Colorful Festivals of Guyana.” Emerging Destinations, emergingdestinations.com/the-colorful-festivals-of-guyana/. 

Nag, Oishimaya Sen. “Religious Beliefs In Guyana.” WorldAtlas, WorldAtlas, 18 Apr. 2018, www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-beliefs-in-guyana.html.