French Guiana Country Report

French Guiana is an overseas department of France which is located on the north Atlantic coast of South America, where it borders Brazil and Suriname. It is the only territory within South America to remain governed by a parent nation. The territory, while not a country, is considered to be an equal region of France and is thus fully integrated within the nation’s political representative framework. French Guiana is part of the European Union and its official currency is the euro. These factors, along with its internationally significant Guiana Space Center and central government subsidization, have made the region among the most prosperous entities in South America in terms of nominal GDP per capita. French Guiana has good relations with its neighbors as well as with mainland France.

Travel to French Guiana poses a limited range of security concerns when compared to its geographical neighbors. There is no real risk of the territory becoming involved in any regional conflict, and the terrorism threat is lower than in mainland France. However, crime is a concern and the region is susceptible to widespread public unrest.

There are no major concerns regarding most air travel to and within French Guiana. Due to French Guiana’s peripheral status and reduced connectivity, cybercrime is a far lesser issue for the department than it is for metropolitan France. Because of its small size, the country is limited to a handful of major roads and highways. In general, roads vary greatly in quality. Basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel availability are highly reliable in areas along the coast but variable to non-existent in the interior.

The climate in French Guiana is tropical year-round. There is some concern that contamination from mining may cause public health issues, but otherwise the territory is subject to few manmade hazards. Seismic events are not an issue. Flooding can occur at any time of year after multiple days of storms, particularly affecting populated areas along or near rivers.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including yellow fever, are the major non-routine epidemiological concern in the country. Medical facilities are only adequate in the capital Cayenne, and generally only serve to address up to moderate health problems. Most major medications can be obtained in some form in Cayenne, but supplies are limited outside the capital and a handful of other major cities. Tap water in most larger cities and towns is potable, but may not be so in other areas – particularly in the interior.

French Guiana is an equal region of France and is thus fully integrated within the country's political representative framework. It participates in France's semi-presidential democratic system which is determined by the Constitution of the French Fifth Republic. French Guiana is also part of the European Union and its official currency is the euro, although it is not in the Schengen area. Whilst the local government faces political challenges from separatist forces, these groups do not generally receive popular support. Levels of corruption in French Guiana are considerably lower than regional averages.