How did French Guiana get its name?
Identification. Christopher Columbus sighted the Guiana coast in 1498 during his third trip to the New World. The French first settled the land one hundred years later, calling it Guiana, the French form of an American Indian word that means “land of waters.”
Does France still own French Guiana?
Despite being in South America, French Guiana remains part of France and has been paralysed by protests against a lack of investment from the mainland.
Why does France own French Guiana?
French Guiana, like many other small French insular and quasi-insular territories including the nearby French West Indies, remained French because there was little interest in separating from a much larger and wealthier country willing to support the local economy and population.
What are people who live in French Guiana called?
People. French Guiana’s population is principally Creole (mixed descent, also referred to as Guianese Mulatto), with minorities of metropolitan French, Haitians, Surinamese, Antilleans, Chinese, Brazilians, South Asians, and others.
What are some interesting facts about French Guiana?
Top 10 things you didn’t know about French Guiana
- French Guiana is close to the equator.
- The French Guiana coastline was spotted in 1498.
- The Creole-speaking community are the majority in French Guiana.
- Guiana was controlled by several countries.
- French Guiana officially became a French department in 1946.
What makes Suriname unique?
Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America. The country has a coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean and the shortest coastline in South America. Suriname is one of highly diverse countries in regards to biodiversity.
What is the economy of French Guiana?
Economy – overview: Cultivation of crops is limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated; rice and manioc are the major crops. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly among younger workers.
What is the main industry in French Guiana?
Economy of French Guiana
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Unemployment | 19,2% (2001 est.) |
| Main industries | construction, space exploration, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining |
| External | |
| Exports | US$1,501 million (in 2006) |