an independent republic on the NE coast of South America: a former British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 706,116; 82,978 sq. mi. (214,913 sq. km). Capital: Georgetown.
an island in SE Asia, off the W coast of the Malay Peninsula. 110 sq. mi. (285 sq. km).
2.
a state including this island and parts of the adjacent mainland: now part of Malaysia; formerly one of the Straits Settlements and part of the former Federation of Malaya. 911,586; 400 sq. mi. (1036 sq. km). Capital: Georgetown.
Former name (until 1812): Stabroek the capital and chief port of Guyana, at the mouth of the Demerara River: became capital of the Dutch colonies of Essequibo and Demerara in 1784; seat of the University of Guyana. Pop: 237 000 (2005 est)