Where is French Guiana located?

What countries border French Guiana?

French Guiana Weather

What is the current weather in French Guiana?


French Guiana Facts and Culture

What is French Guiana famous for?

  • Family: Family ties are important due to the historic Catholic influence.  Families in the cities enjoy modern conveniences while those who... More
  • Personal Apperance: Western style of clothing is worn with women in Cayenne being quite fashion conscious following the french style of clothing... More
  • Recreation: Water sports are popular including fishing and swimming.  A favorite past time is going to the beaches for picnics as... More
  • Diet: As a result of varied ethnic backgrounds there is a wide variety of foods especially Indian and Chinese. Seafood dishes... More
  • Visiting: People enjoy social visits and family occasions are important. More

French Guiana Facts

What is the capital of French Guiana?

Capital Cayenne
Government Type NA
Currency Euro (EUR)
Total Area 35,135 Square Miles
91,000 Square Kilometers
Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Language French
GDP - per capita (PPP) $0.00 (USD)

French Guiana Demographics

What is the population of French Guiana?

Ethnic Groups Black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
Nationality Noun French Guianese (singular and plural)
Urban Population 0.000000

French Guiana Government

What type of government does French Guiana have?

Executive Branch Chief of State: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Ange MANCINI (since 31 July 2002)


Head of Government: President of the General Council Pierre DESERT (since 26 March 2004); President of the Regional Council Antoine KARAM (since 22 March 1992)


Cabinet: NA


Elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General and Regional Councils are appointed by the members of those councils
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal
National Holiday Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); Note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)
Constitution 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Independence None (Overseas department of France)

French Guiana Video

One Man Wolf Pack-YouTube 4K Drone Footage FRENCH GUIANA (CAYENNE · SAINT-LAURENT-DU-MARONI)

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French Guiana Geography

What environmental issues does French Guiana have?

Climate Tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation
Border Countries Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km
Environment - Current Issues NA
Terrain Low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

French Guiana Economy

How big is the French Guiana economy?

Economic Overview The economy is tied closely to the larger French economy through subsidies and imports. Besides the French space center at Kourou (which accounts for 25% of GDP), fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities. Forest and woodland cover 90% of the country. The large reserves of tropical hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry that provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation of crops is limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated; rice and manioc are the major crops. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly among younger workers.
Industries Construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining
Currency Name and Code Euro (EUR)
Export Partners France 62%, Switzerland 7%, US 2%
Import Partners France 63%, US, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy

French Guiana News and Current Events

What current events are happening in French Guiana?
Source: Google News

French Guiana Travel Information

What makes French Guiana a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

French Guiana is an overseas department of France. It is a sparsely populated tropical area located on the northeast coast of South America. French is the predominant language; English is not widely spoken. Tourist facilities are available, especially in the larger cities such as Cayenne and Kourou, but in some instances are not highly developed, and in the interior are almost non-existent.

Crime

An increase in criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft, and in rare instances a stabbing or shooting, has been reported by Americans traveling in French Guiana, particularly in its major cities. Petty street crime occurs throughout the major cities. Individuals should make sure to keep valuables out of sight, especially if left unattended in an automobile. There have been occasional reports that the local police have not been responsive to U.S. citizen victims of crime.

Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. It is important to know that not only are bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in French Guiana, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. For example, one can be prosecuted under U.S. law for buying pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if arrested in French Guiana, U.S. citizens have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. Embassy, located in Paramaribo, Suriname, of your arrest. U.S. citizens arrested in French Guiana also may request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities forward communications from you to the nearest U.S. embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical care within French Guiana is limited, and hospital facilities are available only in major urban areas. Patients' rooms in hospitals are primarily open-air facilities; instead of glass panes, hospital windows are fitted with wooden slats. The Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon is the only full-service hospital in French Guyana. It has the only intensive care and trauma units in the country. Prescription and over the counter medicines can be purchased from pharmacies in the larger cities, however U.S. brands or names may not be available. Portions of French Guiana periodically experience outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Appropriate precautions, including mosquito nets, are recommended outside of the major cities.

Safety and Security

The Government of France maintains a threat rating system known locally as "Vigipirate." This system is similar to the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System. Under this plan, in times of heightened security concerns, the Government of France augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and government installations. Over the last year in France, there have been numerous arrests of suspected Islamic militants involved in various terrorist plots. France maintains open borders with its European neighbors, allowing the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country with anonymity, including via air travel to French Guiana. Although Americans have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France within the past few years, travelers should maintain vigilance. They should immediately report unattended packages observed in public places or any other suspicious activities. French law enforcement authorities are proactive and will respond appropriately. If there is a security incident or suspicious package, do not linger in the area to observe.

Although violent civil disorder is rare in France, in the past, student demonstrations, labor protests, and other demonstrations have developed into violent confrontations between demonstrators and police. Although the distance of French Guiana from "la Métropole," the part of France located on the European continent, keeps it relatively isolated from civil disturbances and domestic issues, Americans are advised to avoid street demonstrations, particularly if riot police are on the scene.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in French Guiana, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning French Guiana is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Primary roads in French Guiana are well paved and well maintained. Emergency call boxes are available at regular intervals on the main highways. Usually, lane markings and sign placements are not as clear as in the United States. Roads in rural areas are less developed. Roads leading to more remote regions in the interior are often improved dirt roads. French Guiana has a relatively moderate to high volume of traffic and police enforce traffic safety. Night driving can be dangerous, especially in the remote interior regions or on less-developed rural roads. Public transportation in the form of taxis and vans is relatively safe.

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