Guyana’s population has climbed to its highest level in modern history, signalling a major demographic turnaround after years of decline, according to preliminary results of the 2022 National Population and Housing Census released Monday.
The Bureau of Statistics said the population stood at 878,674 on Census Day, Sept. 15, 2022, a 17.6% increase from the 746,955 recorded in 2012. The agency estimates the population grew further to about 956,044 by the end of 2024, reflecting sustained growth driven by economic expansion and increased migration.
The findings were presented at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where President Mohamed Irfaan Ali received the first copy of the preliminary report ahead of its public release. Officials described the census as the country’s most comprehensive data-gathering exercise, providing a foundation for national planning and investment decisions.
All 10 administrative regions recorded population growth. Region Four, Demerara-Mahaica, remained the most populous with 347,759 residents, while Region Three, Essequibo Islands–West Demerara, became the second most populous for the first time, followed by Region Six, East Berbice–Corentyne.
The data show a shift in the population’s gender balance, with males accounting for 50.18% compared with 49.8% females, reversing a previous pattern in which women slightly outnumbered men. The proportion of foreign-born residents also rose to 3.07%, up from 1.10% in 2012, reflecting increased migration as economic opportunities expand.
Housing growth mirrored population gains. The census recorded 311,742 buildings nationwide in 2022, up 42% from a decade earlier. About 81% were occupied, while roughly 4.5% were still under construction.
The census identified 271,946 households, up nearly 3% from 2012, while average household size declined from 3.65 to 3.23 people, continuing a trend toward smaller households.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Ashni Singh said the preliminary results mark an important step in producing credible national statistics and will guide policymaking across sectors including infrastructure, social services and investment planning. He said more detailed analytical reports will be released later this year.
The Bureau of Statistics said census data are essential to long-term planning in areas such as education, health care, housing and utilities, ensuring development keeps pace with rapid population growth.