French Guiana

The population is mainly comprised of Black or Mulatto, Whites, E. Indians, Chinese, Amerindians, and others. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic. French is the official language with some Creole. French Guiana ’s economy is mainly dependent on France for imports and subsidies, but its industries include forestry and fishing. Rum is also produced from locally grown sugarcane.

Cayenne , the capital city and port, is located on Cayenne Island and holds the majority of the population. It has a good museum. Saint-Laurent, located inland from there, is a second major area of importance, being one of French Guiana ’s business centres. It was once the site of a transportation camp where prisoners were housed before being transferred to other colonies. Tours of the area are available.

The town of Kourou is another former penal colony. It is a small town but has a beach and is an interesting place to visit. The French Foreign Legion is situated in this area. Kourou is also the location of a European Space Centre satellite launch site and many of the employees live in the area.

The town of Sinnamary has retained its Creole charm and is a place where Creole food and souvenirs of crafts such as woodcarvings, embroidery, baskets and pottery can be found.

The Iles du Salut are located approximately 10 miles from the coast of Kourou and are the place for sport fishing. The archipelago comprises Ile Royale, Ile St. Joseph and Devil’s Island , which are all accessible by boat. The islands are now an interesting place for hiking where remains of the prisons can be seen, and also for exploring and swimming in the clear waters.

There is something for everyone who enjoys adventure in French Guiana . Activities include swimming, sailing, fishing, water sports, canoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, river trips and golf.

Mount Favard , approx. 40 miles SE of Cayenne, is a place for walking and exploring remains of the country’s pre-Columbian period when it was inhabited by many native Indians such as the Carib and Arawaks.

For nature lovers there is a wide variety of species of flora and fauna to be found, including many protected species, such as anteaters, spider monkeys, armadillos, flamingos, scarlet ibis and macaws. Montjoly beach and les Hattes beach are places where the huge leatherback turtles can be see. There are some wildlife reserves, including the The Kaw swamps area which is a good place to see the wildlife, as well as many beautiful waterfalls where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Facts
Chief of State: Jacques Chirac of France (1995)
Prefect: Ange MANCINI (2002)
Capital: Cayenne (61,000 population approx.)
Population: 200,000 approx.
Time Zone: UTC -3
Currency: Euro
Country Dialling Code: 594

Climate / Weather
As French Guiana is situated just above the equator, there is not much temperature variation. The climate is tropical, humid and hot.

Health
Travel Insurance for travel to French Guiana
We recommend purchasing World Wide (exc. USA & Canada) Travel Insurance for cover.

Links
www.tourisme-guyane.com This site is by the French Guiana Tourism Board and has a lot of good information about the country and things to see and do if you are planning a visit.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.