Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
The country became independent on 26 May 1966 after a constitutional process involving political negotiations and elections. It was previously known as British Guiana, a British colony on the northern coast of South America. Independence Day is observed annually on 26 May.
Guyana initially became an independent state within the Commonwealth. In 1970, it became a republic while retaining membership in the Commonwealth. Its capital, Georgetown, is located on the Atlantic coast and remains the center of national administration.
Guyana’s independence date is sometimes confused with the date it became a republic. Those are separate milestones: independence occurred in 1966, while the republic was proclaimed four years later. Guyana is culturally and historically distinctive in South America because English remains its official language.