Map of French Guiana - Devil's Island, South American Countries, French Guiana Map Facts

FRENCH GUIANA

A Brief Description Fast Facts Flag Landforms Lat/Long Links Maps Time Traveler Info Weather

French Guiana Map, South American Territories

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A Brief Description

Many native American peoples occupied the northern edges of South America for centuries. Then, in 1498, this land was visited by Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to this New World.

As word of his discoveries spread across the European continent, intrepid Dutch and French citizens made the arduous ocean journey to this far away place, and attempted to build settlements at the beginnings of the 16th century. They were hopelessly unprepared for the inhospitable jungle conditions, and many died at the hands of territorial Indians and tropical disease.

Indigenous perils aside, aggressive exploration continued, as even the English, Portuguese and Spanish ventured in to search for unsubstantiated treasures - never in fact, found here. Regardless, powerful countries continued their efforts to control the area, some by force, others by negotiation, but in the end it was the persistent French who prevailed.

In the mid-1800s, after decades of struggle and thousands of deaths, several French plantations were operating somewhat successfully along the northern coastline, unfortunately on the backs of African slaves. France ended African slavery in the middle of the 19th century, and shortly thereafter, plantation life and all related profits from same collapsed.

Then facing severe prison overcrowding at home, the French government decided to make French Guiana a penal colony, and over time, they shipped many thousands of prisoners to Iles du Salut, and the now infamous Devil's Island.

In 1946, France gave French Guiana Overseas Department status, under which it's effectively an integral part of the French nation; represented in the French national assembly and senate, and governed by a prefect and an elected council.

Today, more than 90% of the population is still concentrated along the coastal areas, adjacent to the cities of Cayenne and Kourou, where incidentally, the European Space Agency has a satellite launch site.

Iles du Salit, and Devil's Island Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures

Name French Guiana

(long form) Department of Guiana

Population 195,506

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Cayenne (66,149)

Currency Euro (EUR)

Currency Converter here

Languages French

Flag here

National Day July 14

Religions Catholic

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)

4º 56' N, 52º 20' W

Relative Location French Guiana is positioned in the northern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northeastern edge of South America, and bordered by Suriname, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 235 miles (378 km)

Land Areas

(land) 34,421 sq miles (89,150 sq km)

(water) 714 sq miles (1,850 sq km)

(TOTAL) 35,135 sq miles (91,000 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms A narrow coastal strip fronts the Atlantic Ocean coastline of French Guiana; to the south, the land is literally an unsettled wilderness, covered by a dense jungle and parts of the Amazon rain forest, and dissected by dozens and dozens of rivers. Offshore islands include Iles du Salut (and Devil's Island).

French Guiana's land begins to gently rise in the central regions of the country, ending at the base of the Tumac-Humac Mountains, along its southern border with Brazil.

French Guinea is a land of rivers, many flowing north from the southern mountains; major ones include the Maroni and Lawa, forming its (disputed) border with Suriname; the Oyapok, forming a long natural border with Brazil, and the Approuaque, Camopi, Mana and Tompok.

The Barrage de Petit-Saut hydroelectric dam in the far north eventually formed a large artificial lake to the northeast of St Elie.

Highest Pt. Bellevue de l'Inini - 2,792 ft. (851 m)

Lowest Pt. Atlantic Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions French Guiana is divided into two arrondissements - Cayenne and Saint-Laurent Du Maroni - and 19 cantons and 22 towns and villages.

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Maps

French Guiana (large color) Map here

French Guiana Outline Map here

French Guiana CIA version here

French Guiana Maps at UT here

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South America (Bodies of Water) here!

South America (Capital Cities) here!

South America (Landforms) here!

South America (Outline) here!

South America (Country Test) here!

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World Outline Maps (printable) here

World Time Zone Map here

Recommended Links

French Guiana (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Embassy of France (Washington, DC) here

French Guiana Photos here

French Guiana Tourism Board here

Ruins on the infamous Devil's Island Travel the World through Poster Art!

Time and Weather

Climate Located just north of the Equator, tropical French Guiana's weather is hot and humid throughout the year.

In Cayenne, the capital city, average daily high temperatures reach into the mid- 80s, with some days reaching well into the low 90s. Tradewinds frequently moderate the coastal areas, reducing afternoon humidity.

Rainfall amounts vary, but in general terms, the dry season runs (June - November), while the wet (or heaviest rains) occur (December - May).

Traveler Info

Attractions: On the international tourism scene, French Guiana, the oldest overseas possession of France, is not a well-known destination. However, it should be, as the biodiversity of this tropical wildlife paradise has few peers on the planet.

Major attractions include a series of nature preserves, featuring thousands of extraordinary animal and plant species; beautiful, unspoiled beaches; quality game fishing; scuba diving venues; adventure tours into the Amazon rain forest, and much, much more.

Additional points-of-interest include notorious the Devil's Island, and tours of its one-time penal colony remain; the culture, history and museums of Cayenne; a visit to Kourou and the European Space Agency communication satellite launch center.

Country Dialing Code 594

Electricity French Guyana - 220/127 volts AC (50 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings here

PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS

NOTE: Before making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding all passport and visa requirements. The experienced people at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!

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