Fastest growth in four decades Guyana’s population jumps to 878,674
Guyana’s population stood at 878,674 on the night of September 14/15, 2022, marking an increase of 131,719 persons or 17.63 per cent compared with the 2012 census, according to the Guyana National Population and Housing Census 2022 – Preliminary Report.
The Bureau of Statistics reported that the increase translates to an average annual population growth rate of 1.64 per cent over the intercensal period, a sharp turnaround from the –0.06 per cent growth recorded between 2002 and 2012. The report notes that this represents the highest population growth rate recorded in more than four decades.
Of the total population counted, 50.18 per cent (440,882) were males and 49.82 per cent (437,792) were females, giving a national sex ratio of 101 males per 100 females, compared with 99 males per 100 females in 2012. The census night count reflects Guyana’s population as at September 15, 2022, using the de facto method, where persons were enumerated at the place they spent census night.
The preliminary results were derived from visitation records and were adjusted to account for households that could not be contacted during enumeration. The Bureau explained that 11.66 per cent of the preliminary population count was attributed to estimated “no-contact persons,” while 86.80 per cent represented the reported enumerated population and 1.54 per cent persons residing in institutions.
To validate the census count, the Bureau compared the preliminary results with population estimates derived from administrative records on births, deaths, and migration. Using this method, the estimated population as of December 31, 2022, was 895,608, while the census-derived estimate for the same date was 896,094, a difference of 486 persons, or less than one per cent, which the Bureau said cross-validates the preliminary census count.
Based on natural increase and net migration after census night, the Bureau further estimated Guyana’s population to have grown to 956,044 by the end of 2024, reflecting continued population expansion beyond the census period.
The Bureau of Statistics cautioned that while the figures have undergone consistency checks and verification, they remain preliminary and are subject to minor adjustments as data processing continues, though no significant changes are expected .
