French Guiana
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 254
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 14 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Guiana
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Guianan
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.gf
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+594
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Cayenne
ISO Alpha-2
GF
ISO Alpha-3
GUF
UN Code
254
Geographic Coordinates
4,-53
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
83,534#117 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
254,541#185 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
Approximately 4 people per square kilometer (2023 estimate)
Highest Point (m)
Mont Saint-Michel (851 m)
Lowest Point (m)
Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
Land Use
Primarily forest, with some agricultural land
Irrigated Land
Small percentage of land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
378 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid
Natural Resources
Bauxite, timber, gold, petroleum, hydropower, fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Brazil, Suriname
Major Rivers
Maroni River, Oyapock River, Sinnamary River
Major Lakes
French Guiana has few significant natural lakes.
Government Type
Overseas territory of France
Administrative Divisions
Arrondissements and communes
Legal System
French law
Chief of State
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is the head of state.
Head of Government
The Prefect, Thierry Queffelec, represents the French government.
Cabinet
The French government's ministers oversee French Guiana's administration.
Elections
Elections are held for local and European Parliament representation.
Judicial Branch
French judicial system
Legislative Branch
French National Assembly and Senate
Major Political Parties
Various French political parties are represented.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)
Figures for nominal GDP are typically included with France.
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
Figures for PPP GDP are typically included with France.
GDP per Capita (US$)
Figures for GDP per capita are typically included with France.
GDP - Agriculture (%)
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GDP - Industry (%)
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GDP - Services (%)
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Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation data is typically included with France.
Labor Force (people)
Labor force statistics are typically included with France.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment rate information is typically included with France.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt figures are typically included with France.
Budget
Budget information is typically included with France.
Exports (US$ billion)
Export data is typically included with France.
Imports (US$ billion)
Import data is typically included with France.
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are typically managed as part of France.
Currency Exchange
French Guiana uses the Euro (EUR). Exchange rates are available from banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Information on GDP by sector is typically included with France.
Major Industries
Major industries include construction, tourism, and space activities.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners are typically included with France.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners are typically included with France.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy rates are high and comparable to France.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)
Birth rates are relatively high.
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)
Death rates are moderate.
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is variable, with some emigration to France.
Median Age
Median age is typically in line with France.
Urban Population (%)
A significant portion of the population lives in urban areas.
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is ongoing.
Life Expectancy (years)
Life expectancy is similar to France.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is monitored but lower than in some other Caribbean countries.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditures are handled as part of France.
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups include French, Creole, Brazilian, Haitian, and Surinamese.
Religions
The majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
Follows the French system; compulsory education ages 6-16.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Data varies, aligns with French average; likely around 16 years.
Government Education Spending
Relatively high, aligned with France.
Primary Education Access
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Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of French Guiana, affiliated with Université des Antilles.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Blend of French and indigenous cultures; strong Creole influence.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Jour de l'An (2026-01-01)
- Lundi de Pâques (2026-04-06)
- Fête du Travail (2026-05-01)
- Fête de la Victoire 1945 (2026-05-08)
- Ascension (2026-05-14)
- Lundi de Pentecôte (2026-05-25)
- Abolition de l'Esclavage (2026-06-10)
- Fête Nationale (2026-07-14)
- Assomption (2026-08-15)
- Toussaint (2026-11-01)
- Armistice de 1918 (2026-11-11)
- Noël (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Zouk, compas, and Creole music.
Traditional Food
Couac, bouyon, seafood, and tropical fruits.
Sports
Soccer, water sports, and athletics.
Major Festivals
Carnival, various cultural and religious festivals.
Famous People
Limited internationally recognized figures; mostly local artists and athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Limited publicly recognized sites; focus on indigenous heritage.
UNESCO Sites
None.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
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Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
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National Parks
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Protected Areas
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Best Time to Visit
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Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is similar to that in France.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are similar to those in France.
Number of Hospitals
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are available, though numbers vary.
Universal Healthcare
Part of the French healthcare system; access for residents.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are primarily based on the French system.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
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Emergency Number (Ambulance)
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Emergency Number (Fire)
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Crime Rate
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Safety Index
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Military Expenditure
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Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
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Infrastructure
Electricity Access
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Water Access
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Sanitation Access
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Railways
None.
Roadways
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Transportation System
Roads, air travel (domestic and international), and limited river transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY), Maripasoula Airport (MPY), Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock Airport (OYP), Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Airport (LDX)
Ports
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Public Transit
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Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)
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Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
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Tech Startups
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Innovation Index
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ICT Development Index
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TV Broadcast Stations
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Radio Broadcast Stations
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Plug Type & Voltage
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CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
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Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited; generally considered good.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution levels are a concern, particularly from mining and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is growing, with a focus on hydropower and solar.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, illegal gold mining, and pollution from agriculture are primary environmental concerns.
Natural Hazards
Subject to hurricanes, floods, and occasional earthquakes.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; landfilling is common, and recycling is limited.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in international environmental agreements through its affiliation with France and the EU.
UN Membership
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Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled by France.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
EU, Eurozone, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Subject to treaties adhered to by France and the EU.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel depends on French/EU regulations.