- estimated at 956,044 at the end of 2024
(Georgetown, 12th January, 2026)- The Bureau of Statistics is pleased to announce the release of the Preliminary Results of the Guyana National Population and Housing Census 2022, which provides key insights into the changing demographics and trends in the population. These findings offer a snapshot of key areas and will be further refined in a more detailed final report in a subsequent release.
The preliminary results include: the population count, population by region, by sex, the household count and average size, population density, local and foreign-born populations, and building stock.
The Census is not only the most extensive national data collection exercise but also a massive logistical undertaking. This was the first Census in Guyana, which was executed utilising Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology (Tablets), and it marks a progression in the leveraging of technology to enhance data collection and processing.
Census data production involves rigorous design and testing of the questionnaires; an extensive Enumeration process; verification, validation and analysis of the data collected; visualisation and reporting of findings; and lastly, making the data available to all stakeholders. Extensive methodology and quality control measures were employed to ensure accurate data collection and processing.
Population count
The population count of Guyana was 878,674 on Census night (midnight to 6 am on September 15, 2022), 131,719 more than the 2012 Census count of 746,955. This represents a 17.63 percent increase in the population size from 2012 to 2022. The Bureau also estimates the population to have further increased to 956,044 persons at the end of 2024 after accounting for natural growth and net migration since 2022.
All regions experienced a growth in population between 2012 and 2022. Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) continues to have the largest population share, 39.58 per cent with 347,759 people. Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) replaced Region 6, as the second-highest populated region, accounting for 16.38 percent of the total population with 143,884 people.
Meanwhile, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) continues to be the least populated with 1.55 percent of the population share and 13,598 people.
Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) recorded the highest intercensal annual growth rate of 5.14 percent followed by Region 1 (Barima-Waini) with 3.49 percent and Region 3 with 2.93 percent.
The preliminary population count in coastal regions is 765,852, accounting for 87.16 percent of the total population, while the population in Hinterland regions is 112,822, accounting for 12.84 percent of the total population.
Household count and size
On the household front, the Preliminary findings of the Census show a total of 271,946 households countrywide, compared to 204,625 households in 2012, with region 4 recording the highest number of households at 112,876.
The national average household size is estimated to be 3.23 persons per household, compared to 3.65 in 2012. The average household size refers to the number of persons per household. The results show a general decline in the average household size across the regions when compared to 2012 household sizes.
Population Density
Meanwhile, the overall national population density increased from 3.47 persons per square kilometre in 2012 to 4.09 persons in 2022. Population density is an average measure of how many people live within a given unit of area (such as a square kilometre).
Region 4 continues to be the most densely populated region with 155.81 persons per square kilometre. With a population density of 38.32 persons per square kilometre, Region 3 was the second most densely populated region. Region 9 was the least densely populated, with 0.52 persons per square kilometre.
Population by sex
Preliminary findings of the 2022 Census show that Guyana’s population of 878,674 consisted of 50.18 percent (440,882) males and 49.82 percent (437,792) females, thus giving a sex ratio of 101 males per 100 females which is a reversal of the position in 2012 which found 99 males per 100 females.
In the hinterland regions, the overall sex ratio was higher (113 males per 100 females) than in coastal regions, with 99 males per 100 females, an increase in males in both geographic areas from the 2012 census.
Local and foreign-born population
The foreign-born population comprises anyone who is not a Guyanese at birth but resides in Guyana and includes persons who have become Guyanese through naturalisation. Conversely, locals are those born in Guyana or abroad to Guyanese parents.
Overall, in 2022, the preliminary findings show Guyana’s local population at 96.93 percent of the resident population, while the foreign-born represented 3.07 percent. This compares to 98.90 percent and 1.10 percent respectively in 2012.
Building stock
Buildings are classified as Occupied, Vacant, Closed, Under construction, Dilapidated or “Not stated”. Compared to 2012, the national building stock grew by 42.02 percent from 219,509 in 2012 to 311,742 in 2022. In 2022, the hinterland regions (1, 7, 8 and 9) constituted 11.42 percent of the building stock while the coastal region was 88.58 percent.
Of the 311,742 buildings nationwide, about 80.99 percent (252,474) were occupied buildings, buildings under construction accounted for 4.47 percent (13,942) and dilapidated buildings accounted for 1.41 percent (4,381) of the building stock. The remaining 13.13 percent or about 40,945 buildings numerically were reported as vacant, closed or not stated. They were identified either as vacant buildings (8.47 percent) or closed buildings (4.45 percent) or not stated (0.21 percent).
Region 4 had the most unoccupied buildings (21,319), followed by Region 6 (9,377), while Region 8 had the least number of unoccupied buildings (817).
Building stock grew across the regions, with the most notable growth (105.17 percent) in Region 7 followed by 92.88 percent in Region 1, and 88.5 percent in Region 8. The Region with the least growth (22.89 percent) is Region 6.
Rigor and Confidentiality
The Bureau of Statistics appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we have worked diligently to finalise the preliminary findings of the Census. While we understand there has been great anticipation for this Census data, it was essential to take the necessary time to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability of the data.
This census, conducted every 10 years, provides essential data for policymaking, resource allocation, and understanding demographic trends. The Bureau’s careful and methodological approach allowed us to provide the most meaningful and precise insights, which will serve as a foundation for informed decision-making in policy and planning.
It should be noted that Census data is collected, analysed, and made available in an aggregated format, while ensuring that individual information is treated with the strictest of confidence.
Provisions under Chapter 19:09 of the Statistics Act ensure that the data is only used for analytical purposes and that any individual data is protected and never made public.
Census data is a public resource, and everyone has a stake in understanding and utilising it. Persons can access the full preliminary report at statisticsguyana.gov.gy/census/.