last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to French Guiana
Quick Overview
A French overseas department and region, French Guiana is a land of low relief, not exceeding 850 m near the Brazilian border in the Tumuc-Humac Mountains. Over three-quarters of its area is covered by the Amazon rainforest, which means the vast majority of its population lives on the coast. Although French Guiana has a long coastline, the sea is rarely visible and there is little beach culture.
French Guiana is home to a diverse population with varied origins, including Creoles, "Métros" (mainland French), "Maroons", Indigenous peoples, Haitians, Surinamese, Brazilians, Hmong, and a small Chinese community that runs much of the commerce. Overall, about a third of the population is of foreign origin, with one-fifth in an irregular situation, particularly among gold miners. Generally, French Guiana relies on support from mainland France, as well as the presence of the Kourou space centre and gold deposits. Tourism, however, remains very underdeveloped.
Key Facts
- Latitude/longitude: 4.00' N, 53.00' W.
- Local time:
- Prefecture: Cayenne.
- Nature of territory: French region and department (973).
- Official language: While French is the official language, Guianese Creole is also widely spoken.
- Currency: Euro.
- Population: 250,400 inhabitants (2014).
- Area: 83,846 km².
- Density: 3 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Montagne Bellevue (851 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 378 km.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
This piece of France in South America is off the traditional tourist trail, though it has significant attractions in the field of ecotourism.
Around 250,000 people visit French Guiana each year (247,000 in 2017), with nearly half coming from mainland France. For these visitors, the trip is usually linked to professional activities (particularly at the Kourou base) or to visiting friends or family, resulting in relatively long stays of 2 to 3 weeks for many. However, the department is far from reaching its tourism potential. To do so, French Guiana would need better air connections, more "reasonable" prices, and a shift in its image.
Essentials for Travel
- Destination: for beginner travellers.
- By air: Mainland France-Cayenne for 550 to 900 € round trip.
- Entry requirements: ID card or passport.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily budget for backpackers: 60 to 80 € per person.
- Accommodation: carbet, guesthouse, or occasionally homestay.
- Getting around: No preferred mode of transport; choices vary depending on the type of trip.
- Risks: Relatively low in terms of health and safety.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: Late August to November, or alternatively the "little March summer" (March/early April).
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays .
Addresses in Mainland France
- French Guiana Tourism Committee: 1 rue Clapeyron, 75008 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 42 94 15 16. Open to the public by appointment.
Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec
Check with the French representations in each country or the aforementioned websites.
Socio-Economic Statistics
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +1.4% (2013)
- "Official" unemployment: 21.3% (2013)
- Population below the poverty line: ()
- Life expectancy: 78.6 years (2012)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: ()
- Population growth: ()
- Literacy rate: ()
- Urban population: ()
Sources: Insee and others.