Guyana is the South American country whose capital is Georgetown.
Georgetown stands on Guyana’s Atlantic coast, near the mouth of the Demerara River, in the coastal region where much of the country’s population and economic activity is concentrated. It is Guyana’s largest city and the center of national government, administration, finance, and commerce. The city also hosts the headquarters of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community.
The name Georgetown dates from 1812, when the town was renamed in honor of Britain’s King George III. Before that, the settlement had Dutch and British colonial associations and was known for periods as Stabroek. Its low-lying coastal setting means canals, drainage channels, and sea defenses are important parts of the city’s landscape.
The most likely mix-up is Paramaribo, the capital of neighboring Suriname. Georgetown is in the English-speaking country of Guyana, while Paramaribo is in Dutch-speaking Suriname. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, a legacy of British colonial rule, although its population and culture reflect Indigenous, African, Indian, European, and other influences.