French Guiana

French Guiana was discovered by the Spanish in 1496, who established a few settlements in 1503 and 1504. The French first moved in a century later. Numerous changes in control followed over the next 200 years, alternating between France, Britain, the Netherlands +show all and Portugal, until the territory was finally confirmed as French in 1817. The colony enjoyed a brief period of prosperity in the 1850s when gold was discovered, but afterwards went into a decline from which it has never fully recovered. rench Guiana was finally given French Overseas Department status in 1946, under which the territory effectively became an integral part of the French nation. 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. -show less