Guyana

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On the northern coast of South America is a small country that until recently has largely remained hidden in the shadows of its more conspicuous neighbors, Brazil and Venezuela. But with the discovery of more than 11 billion barrels of oil reserves, this obscure Caribbean outpost is on course to become one of the largest per capita oil producers in the world.

Known as the “Land of Many Waters,” Guyana is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, while boasting some of the highest levels of biodiversity. With the influx of money and attention, this tropical hideaway, which has won numerous awards for its sensitive approach to tourism and development, is unlikely to remain a secret much longer.

Guyana features one of the largest stretches of untouched rainforest on the planet and the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, which is more than four times taller than Niagara Falls.

This Caribbean sanctuary is home to a number of massive wildlife species, including the world’s largest scaled freshwater fish, the world’s largest anteater, and the world’s largest river otter.

With revenue from new oil exports, Guyana’s economy grew by 62 percent last year. By 2027, energy producers in the country expect to surpass 1 million barrels per day of oil and gas output.

Guyana is doubling efforts to boost its non-oil economy. The government is investing in massive infrastructure projects, including new roads, power plants, and houses, all the while maintaining single-digit inflation.