Guyana Rate of Natural Increase

Guyana’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—has historically been modest compared to its South American neighbors. As of recent estimates, Guyana’s RNI hovers around 0.7% per year, reflecting a relatively low birth rate and a moderate death rate. In contrast, neighboring Suriname and Brazil both exhibit slightly higher RNIs, with Suriname’s rate around 1.0% and Brazil’s close to 0.6%. Venezuela, despite its ongoing economic and political crises, still maintains a higher RNI of about 1.2%, primarily due to a higher birth rate, though this is declining. Unlike its neighbors, Guyana’s population growth is further dampened by significant net emigration, which means its overall population growth rate is even lower than its RNI suggests. This combination of moderate natural increase and high out-migration distinguishes Guyana from its regional peers, where population growth is more heavily driven by natural increase.

Data from US Census International Database