Guyana is a country located on the Atlantic coast of northern South America. It is quite distinct from French Guiana, to the east, although the pair are united through their colonial history. The two are now separated by Suriname, another erstwhile colony, and all three countries share their southern borders with their larger neighbor, Brazil.
The territory controlled by Guyana lies between latitudes 1° and 9°N, and longitudes 56° and 62°W.
For administrative purposes, Guyana is divided into 10 regions, each headed by a chairman who presides over a regional democratic council. Local communities are administered by village or city councils. The regions are Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.