General
Official Name: French Guiana
Location: South America, overseas region of France
Coordinates: 3.9339° N, 53.1258° W
Region: South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Capital: Cayenne (also the largest city)
Languages: French (official), Guyanese Creole
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Demographics
Population: 298,000 (as of 2020)
Area: 83,534 km²
Highest Point: Mont Bellevue – 851 m
Topography: Tropical forests, savannas, and mountains
Coastline: Approximately 350 km
Ethnicity: Predominantly Creole, Hmong, Bushinengé, and other immigrant communities
Climate
Climate: Tropical, with a rainy season from December to July
Average Temperature: Around 28°C year-round
Rainfall: High, particularly during the rainy season
Main Cities: Cayenne, Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Seasons: Wet season (December to July), Dry season (August to November)
Natural Environment
Major Forests: Amazon Rainforest, Tropical Wet Forest
Fauna: Jaguars, peccaries, snakes, exotic birds (like toucans and parrots)
Flora: A rich variety of tropical plants, including medicinal and rare species
Economy and Infrastructure
Main Industry: Space industry (the Guiana Space Centre is located in Kourou), fishing, agriculture (especially rice, bananas, and sugarcane)
Infrastructure: French Guiana has an international airport (Félix Eboué Airport), roads, and ferries for transportation. There are ongoing projects to improve the infrastructure, especially in remote areas.
International Links: French Guiana benefits from its status as an overseas region of France, which provides funding for development and access to European markets.
Tourist Attractions
Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands): Famous for the former penal colony, including Devil’s Island.
Kourou Spaceport: Visitors can tour the launch facilities at the Guiana Space Centre.
Nature Reserves: Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon region, including exotic wildlife and pristine ecosystems.
Cayenne: The vibrant capital city, known for its French colonial architecture, markets, and beaches.
