Guyana: History

Guyana changes hands several times between the Dutch, French, and British.

Guyana is officially declared a British colony after being occupied by the British since the Napoleonic wars in 1814.

Gold is discovered in Guyana, which leads to a boom in the economy.

Venezuela claims a large portion of Guyana.

Guyana is granted autonomy; however, Britain maintains control over internal and defense matters.

Guyana officially becomes an independent nation.

Guyana becomes a republic within the British Commonwealth.

Suriname and Guyana dispute over a maritime area after Suriname evicts an oil rig exploration that Guyana had approved. 

The UN set up a tribunal to help solve the maritime dispute between Guyana and Suriname which gave Guyana more coastline and helped strengthen its economy. 

Severe flooding hits Guyana, causing the Government to declare a state of emergency and setting the economy back by about $500 million. 

The UN tribunal rules for Guyana and Suriname to split the potentially oil-rich basin. 

A trade agreement is signed with the European Union (EU).

Guyana's multiracial opposition coalition led by David Granger wins the general election, ending 23 years of rule by the Indo-Guyanese PPP party. The PPP returns to power five years later.