Capital: Cayenne
Location:
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname (slightly smaller than Indiana).
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in French Guiana. Americans living in or visiting French Guiana are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname, and obtain updated information on travel and security within French Guiana. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo; telephone (011) (597) 472-900. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, except local and U.S. holidays, or by appointment. In an emergency after normal business hours, American citizens may contact the duty officer by pager at (011)(597) 088-0338.
Consular Access:
As there is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in French Guiana, U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. The U.S. Embassy at Paramaribo, Suriname provides consular services, therefore it may not be immediately possible for consular officers to visit American citizens who have been detained in French Guiana.
Background:
First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana was the site of notorious penal settlements until 1951. The European Space Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou.
Ethnic Groups:
Black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
Language:
French
Currency:
FRF; EUR
French franc (FRF); euro (EUR)
Euros per US dollar - 0.7511 (March 2007), 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998), 5.8367 (1997), 5.1155 (1996)
Climate:
Tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation
Population:
177,562 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Medical:
Medical care in French Guiana is limited. Hospital facilities are available only in larger urban areas. Windows in patients' rooms frequently are not glass-paned but are fitted with wooden slats.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Fair
Primary roads in French Guiana are well paved and well maintained. Emergency call boxes are available at regular intervals on the main highways. Roads in rural areas are less developed; those leading to more remote regions in the interior are often improved dirt roads. French Guiana has a relatively moderate to high volume of traffic, and police enforce traffic safety. Night driving can be dangerous, especially in the remote interior regions or on less-developed rural roads. Public transportation in the form of taxis and vans is relatively safe.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning French Guiana driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the French National Tourist Organization offices at http://www.franceguide.com/.
