The French Overseas Department of French Guiana has the benefit of an ideal geographical situation, set between the Caribbean and the Amazon. Little wonder, then, that its environment is so rich. Visitors may have the privilege of observing a great many protected species in carefully preserved areas.

French Guiana is also home to a colourful blend of different cultural backgrounds. A native land, a land of exploration and a land of enslavement, the extraordinary history of French Guiana has left its traces in every sector of today’s society and can still be sensed in a number of almost mythical places: Iles du Salut, which include the infamous Devil’s Island where political prisoners were held, Mount Favard, the Saint-Laurent du Maroni transportation camp and the Iracoubo Church.

French Guiana is also a land of social progress and a symbol of modernity as is demonstrated in Kourou, the main European Space Centre.

From encounters with authentic cultures, to watching the birth of the leatherback turtles, from life as a convict in a penal colony to travelling by canoe down majestic rivers, from panning for gold to watching toucans fly or following the vapour trail of Ariane, French Guiana has a lot to offer.

83,534 sq km (32,253 sq miles).

178,000 (2005 estimate).

2.1 per sq km.

Cayenne. Population: 50,594 (1999).

French Guiana is an Overseas Department of France and, as such, is an integral part of the French Republic.

The official language is French, though most of the population speak a Creole patois. English is also widely spoken.

Roman Catholic majority, although there are other Christian churches.

GMT - 3.

Conservative casual wear is suitable almost everywhere. On beaches, modest beachwear is preferred.

220/127 volts AC, 50Hz.

President Nicolas Sarkozy since 2007, represented locally by Prefect Ange Mancini since 2002.