National symbols

Flag: Uses the tricolor flag of the French Republic as official flag

French Guiana Flag

Emblem: Departmental emblem with golden caiman and star on green shield

French Guiana Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • Approximately 90% of EU satellite launches are from Guiana Space Centre
  • Area nearly same as Hokkaido but population only about 300,000, sparse
  • Currency is euro, making it the only South American area where euros come from ATMs
  • Department number is "973," also marked on car license plates
  • Not northeast of mainland France, actually located west of Paris
  • National bird considered Guianan Cock-of-the-rock
  • Devil's Island was the setting for the film "Papillon"
  • Mobile phones use mainland plans without roaming needed
  • Oyapock Bridge connecting Brazil border opened in 2017
  • Official language is French but Guianese Creole frequently heard on streets