The National Bureau of Statistics is facing renewed criticism after announcing that Guyana’s estimated population has surpassed one million people, even though the agency has yet to release the complete results of the 2022 National Population and Housing Census. According to figures highlighted by the Bureau, Guyana’s population reached an estimated 1,025,334 at the end of 2025, up from 956,044 one year earlier. The Bureau also reported that 61 percent of the population is under the age of 35 and described the country’s youthful demographic as an opportunity for economic growth and workforce expansion.

However, the announcement has triggered skepticism among some members of the public, researchers and commentators, who argue that the Bureau has yet to establish the credibility necessary for such significant demographic updates. Critics point out that nearly four years after the 2022 census was conducted, the Bureau has still not released the complete official census report, including detailed demographic and ethnic data that many observers have been awaiting. One local member of the private sector who depends on accurate and timely data to plan for his several businesses stated that,”this delay appears to be political interference and I am deeply skeptical about any numbers released by this body. I will await updated reports from the world bank, UNESCO or IDB.

Another commentator said, “If the Bureau cannot release the official census in a timely manner, and cannot explain the full results to the public, why should citizens accept this convenient population update without question? The Bureau must release the complete census report or continue to lose credibility.”