FACTS

Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela

Area (only Total) total: 214,970 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Terrain: mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Population: 770,794

Main Language (only first): English

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Georgetown

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-4

Independence: 26 May 1966 (from UK)

National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

February 23 Republic Day (Mashramani)

March 21 - 24 Good Friday -Easter Monday

May 1 Labour Day

March 20 Prophet's Birthday

May 5 Indian Heritage Day

May 26 Independence Day

July 4 Caricom Day

August 1 Freedom Day

October 1 Eid Al Fitr

October 28 Diwali

December 8 Eid Al Adha

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Boxing Day

Republic Day celebrations last about a week, though only the one day is a public holiday

Weekend Saturday,Sunday