Will oil prove to be a blessing or a curse for Guyana?
Stephen Sackur reports from the country with the fastest growing economy in the world
Guyana in South America is transforming itself into one of the world鈥檚 biggest producers of offshore oil and gas. As a result, Guyana is experiencing soaring economic growth.
The US energy giant ExxonMobil is pumping more than 600,000 barrels a day from reservoirs 150km off the Guyanese coast. But the vast fossil fuel riches have prompted neighbouring Venezuela to revive a claim to much of Guyana's territory.
The Venezuelan parliament has approved a law creating a federal state in the disputed area of Essequibo, which makes up two thirds of the total of the land currently controlled by Guyana. The Guyanese government condemned this as a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty.
Guyana is home to globally significant ecosystems 鈥� over 80% of its landmass is covered by pristine rainforests. It is also one of the countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by global warming.
Stephen Sackur went on the road in Guyana to report on an oil bonanza that is raising regional tensions and environmental concerns.
