Foreign-born population still small but at highest level since 1980, census shows
Foreign-born residents continue to make up a small share of Guyana’s population, but the 2022 Population and Housing Census recorded the highest proportion of foreign-born persons since 1980, according to the Guyana National Population and Housing Census 2022 – Preliminary Report.
The census shows that in 2022, foreign-born persons accounted for 3.07 per cent of the total enumerated population, while 96.93 per cent were classified as local-born. This represents an increase when compared with previous censuses, where the foreign-born population accounted for 1.10 per cent in 2012, 1.26 per cent in 2002, 0.54 per cent in 1991, and less than one per cent in 1980.
Despite the increase, the Bureau of Statistics noted that the foreign-born population remains relatively small and continues to represent a minor component of the national population, consistent with long-term historical trends observed over the past five decades.
The report also cautioned that the foreign-born population may be understated, acknowledging that some segments of this group were reluctant to be enumerated during the census exercise and may also be underrepresented in administrative records.
Data presented in the report suggest that Guyana has historically functioned more as a transit point for migrants rather than a long-term destination, a pattern that has persisted since the 1980 census. The Bureau indicated that further study would be required to fully understand the dynamics influencing foreign-born populations in the country.
In terms of sex composition, the census showed that the distribution between males and females among the foreign-born population remains relatively balanced, mirroring the overall national pattern observed across successive census periods.
The Bureau emphasised that while the proportion of foreign-born residents has increased over time, it remains insignificant in relation to the total population, and should be interpreted within the broader historical and demographic context outlined in the preliminary findings .
