formerly (1784–1812) Stabroek
City (pop., 1999 est.: 275,000), capital of Guyana.
The country's chief port, it lies on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Demerara River . It was founded by the British in 1781 and named after George III ; it was largely rebuilt by the French by 1784. Known during the Dutch occupation as Stabroek, it was established as the seat of government of the combined colonies of Essequibo and Demerara in 1784. When the British regained control in 1812, the name was changed back to Georgetown. The modern city is the chief commercial and manufacturing centre of Guyana.