Overview |
On the north coast of South America, French Guiana is part of
the French Republic and visitors to this region can experience a
world of foreign cultures, sights and cuisine. The capital city of
French Guiana is Cayenne, a very picturesque holiday destination,
and the Center Spatial Guyanais (space centre) in the city of
Kourou is another popular attraction.
French Guiana was originally inhabited by indigenous Americans and
settled by the French in the 17th century. Today it is administered
by a French representative based in Cayenne. As part of the
European Union, the currency used in French Guiana is the Euro, and
the main industries are fishing, gold mining and timber, while
eco-tourism is a growing enterprise.
The French Guiana population of 221,500 is made up of various
ethnicities, the majority being Guianese Creole, Maroon, Amerindian
and French. Most people in French Guiana inhabit the coastal areas,
which are more developed. While French is the official language,
Creole is widely spoken. The main religion is Roman Catholic but
the Maroons and Amerindians have their own religions.