The Essequibo-Demerara Occidental Islands is one of the 10 administrative regions into which the Republic of Guyana is divided. It delineates with the Atlantic Ocean in its northern zone, with Alto Demerara-Berbice to the south and with the regions of Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Pomeroon-Supenaam to the west. Its western part is claimed by neighboring Venezuela as part of its territory called Guayana Esequiba. Its capital is Vreed en Hoop, being other important cities Parika, Schoon Ord and Uitvlugt. According to the 2002 census, the population amounted to 103,261 inhabitants, spread over an area of 3,755 km². This territory includes numerous islands located at the mouth of the Essequibo River. These include Isla Leguán, Isla Hog or Isla Guaquenám.
The 2010 population estimate refers to 110,363 inhabitants.