Overview of French Guiana

Profile

French Guiana is a French overseas department and region at the northern Amazon edge, facing the Atlantic, with tropical rainforest and wetland territory. The only South American area where EU law applies, using the euro as currency. Population concentrates on coast, with pristine virgin forest inland. The Guiana Space Centre at Kourou is known as Europe''s major rocket launch site, with space industry forming the economic core. Creole culture, indigenous culture, and immigrant culture intersect, with diverse cuisine and festivals held year-round. Tropical monsoon climate with very high rainfall, rich biodiversity serves as ecotourism treasure.

Official name: French Guiana (Overseas Department and Region of France)
Common name: French Guiana
Numeric code: 254
Alpha-3 code: GUF
Alpha-2 code: GF
Population: 304,000 (2023)
Population density: 3.6
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic)
National anthem: La Marseillaise
Calling code: +594
Internet TLD: .gf

History

French colonization began in 17th century, upgraded to overseas department in 1946.

Since La Ravardière''s landing in 1604, France established sugarcane plantations and trading posts here. Infamous as a penal colony in 18th–19th centuries, with offshore Devil''s Island called "Devil''s Island." Gold discovery in 1850s caused population surge but poor sanitation led to continued high mortality. After World War II in 1946, colonial system abolished and became overseas department, with space center construction beginning in 1970s. As part of EU member state France, holds European Parliament constituency, with active debate over autonomy expansion and environmental protection.

Geography & climate

North has mangrove and lowland wetlands, interior occupied by hills and virgin tropical rainforest continuing to Guiana Highlands

Tropical monsoon climate (Am)

Area: South America / 83846 km²
Capital: Cayenne
Largest city: Cayenne
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Brazil, Suriname

Natural resources

Gold, Bauxite, Gemstone quartz, Timber, Freshwater, Biodiversity, Shrimp resources, Manganese, Hydropower, Tourism resources (space center)

Politics

Government: Overseas department and region under French Republic unitary state

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 5.0 billion USD (2019)

GDP (PPP): 55.0 billion international dollars (2019)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: French Guiana Time (GFT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Creole, African descent, Maroon, Indigenous (Amerindian), Métis, European French, Haitian, Brazilian, Chinese, Indian

Life expectancy

78.0

Literacy rate

83.0

National sports

Football, Basketball, Futsal, Canoe Racing, Track and Field, Rugby, Trail Running