| Official Name: | Sawariwau |
| Other Name: | Sawari Wa'o |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Pushpin Map: | Guyana |
| Pushpin Label Position: | bottom |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Guyana |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Guyana |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo |
| Leader Title: | Toshao |
| Leader Name: | Gregory Thomas[1] |
| Population As Of: | 2017 |
| Population Total: | 521 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Population Blank1 Title: | Ethnicities |
| Population Blank2 Title: | Religions |
| Coordinates: | 2.6732°N -59.6537°W |
Sawariwau (Wapishana: Sawari Wa'o[1]) is a village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. Sawariwau is inhabited by Wapishana Amerindians.[2] It is located about 70miles south of Lethem in the Rupununi savannah.[2] The main language spoken in the village is Wapishana.[3]
The name of the village translates to grandfather spirit of fishes. Sawariwau was founded by chief Suubau,[1] and is one of the oldest Wapishana villages.[2] Father Cuthbert Cary-Elwes, SJ was the first missionary to arrive in the village, and a church was constructed in 1919.[4] [5]
Katoonarib used to be a satellite of Sawariwau, but has become independent.[6] Sawariwau was in a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (municipality) with Ireng and Lethem,[7] however the municipality was dissolved in 2012.[8] The village is again governed by a Toshao (village chief) with 11 councillors.[2] In 2013, the land was demarcated,[9] however as of 2017, the demarcation is still in dispute.[1]
The economy is based on subsistence farming and cattle ranching. The village has a primary school, a secondary school, a health centre, and a community centre.[2] Internet connection is provided via free Wi-Fi.[10] Digicel has installed a communication mast in the village.[1] The village depends on rain water for drinking. There is no electricity other than private diesel generators and solar panels.[2]