<P> Guyana (pronounced / ɡaɪˈɑːnə / or / ɡaɪˈænə /), officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a country on the northern mainland of South America . It is, however, often considered part of the Caribbean region because of its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with other Anglo - Caribbean countries and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Guyana is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west . With 215,000 square kilometres (83,000 sq mi), Guyana is the third - smallest sovereign state on mainland South America after Uruguay and Suriname . </P> <P> The region known as "the Guianas" consists of the large shield landmass north of the Amazon River and east of the Orinoco River known as the "land of many waters". Originally inhabited by many indigenous groups, Guyana was settled by the Dutch before coming under British control in the late 18th century . It was governed as British Guiana, with a mostly plantation - style economy until the 1950s . It gained independence in 1966, and officially became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970 . The legacy of British rule is reflected in the country's political administration and diverse population, which includes Indian, African, Amerindian, and multiracial groups . </P> <P> Guyana is the only South American nation in which English is the official language . The majority of the population, however, speak Guyanese Creole, an English - based creole language, as a first language . Guyana is part of the Anglophone Caribbean . CARICOM, of which Guyana is a member, is headquartered in Guyana's capital and largest city, Georgetown . In 2008, the country joined the Union of South American Nations as a founding member . </P> <P> The name "Guyana" derives from Guiana, the original name for the region that formerly included Guyana (British Guiana), Suriname (Dutch Guiana), French Guiana, and parts of Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil . According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "Guyana" comes from an indigenous Amerindian language and means "land of many waters". </P>

What is the only english speaking country in south america