Guyana

History

Main article: History of Guyana

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At the time the first Europeans arrived in the area around 1500, Guyana was inhabited by Arawak and Carib tribes of Amerindians. European settlement began in the early 17th century with the Dutch, who established three separate colonies; Essequibo (1616), Berbice (1627), and Demerara (1752). The British assumed control in the late 18th century and the Dutch formally ceded the area in 1814. The three became a single British colony known as British Guiana in 1831.

Related Topics:
Europe - Arawak - Carib - Amerindian - 17th century - Dutch - Essequibo - 1616 - Berbice - 1627 - Demerara - 1752 - British - 18th century - 1814 - British Guiana - 1831

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The abolition of slavery in 1834 led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured labourers from India, China and Portugal to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has on occasion led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and became the Cooperative Republic in 1970, remaining a member of the Commonwealth.

Related Topics:
Slavery - 1834 - India - China - Portugal - 1966 - Cooperative - Republic - 1970 - Commonwealth

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