Essequibo

Essequibo is a toponym used for several related geographical and historical entities in Guyana. It refers to the Essequibo River, the coastal region and islands along its lower reaches, and the former Dutch colony of Essequibo, which together with Demerara formed part of colonial Guiana and later became part of modern Guyana.

The Essequibo River originates in the Guiana Highlands near the border with Venezuela and flows northeast across Guyana to the Atlantic Ocean. It drains a large basin and receives water from major tributaries such as the Mazaruni, Cuyuni, and Rupununi. The river traverses forested and savanna landscapes and supports a wide range of biodiversity. In its lower course, it forms a broad estuary that is home to coastal communities and several islands.

The Essequibo region includes areas along the river’s coast and several river islands, such as Leguan and Wakenaam, which are part of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara area. The region supports fishing, agriculture, and a degree of tourism, with communities occupying both the riverine and coastal zones. Indigenous peoples, along with Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities, have long inhabited the area.

Historically, the area was a Dutch colony established in the 17th century as Essequibo and Demerara. The colony became part of British Guiana in the 19th century and later the independent nation of Guyana. The Essequibo has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, dating to colonial borders. Diplomatic and legal efforts, including bilateral agreements and international proceedings, have sought a peaceful resolution, though the dispute remains unresolved.