A French colony used as a space launch platform for European Space Agency satellites.

Cayenne was settled in 1637 by a French company. Later the Dutch drove them out but the French returned in 1664. The English attacked in 1667 and the Dutch returned in 1676.

The French title was assured in 1700. Except for a Portuguese occupation from 1809 until 1817 French possession has been continuous since.

There were Penal colonies there from 1852 of which Devil's Island was the most notorious - but it has been closed since 1945.

The European Space Agency's launching site at Kourou is now the major employer in the country.

The territory has a very small population (about 70,000) and is largely undeveloped. There is also mining and some sugar growing.

French

Patois

Papillon - Charriere Papillon Papillon

French colonial administration.

European subsidies. The Space launch facility is the main employer.

The Coasts might be suitable sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants to produce non-carbon emitting energy, fresh water and mitigation of Hurricanes. These could supply electricity, fresh water and cooling facilities, with employment in such enterprises as fish farms. A payment for climate mitigation and carbon credits would help to finance them.