TO0J – French Guiana

Joergen, OZ0J will be active in French Guiana from December 20 to 31, 2024 as TO0J.
He will operate at 80-10 meters.
Nearest DX Point T0J
TO0J Log Searchsearch QSL passes LOTW, ClubLog OQRS.

French Guiana – In the Jungle of Europe

French Guiana is the smallest territory in South America and the largest in the European Union, and it is neither in Europe nor on an island. The territory is considered a department of France and is governed by French laws and the president. In fact, today the territory can simply be called Guiana, as there is no other country with this name. During the conquest period, there were other Guianas – “British”, “Dutch”, “Spanish” – but they were all renamed later.

French Guiana. Author – Michel Giraud-Audine.

France Abroad

Most of the region’s black residents call themselves French, and their lands belong to France. European law applies here. The official administrative center of the region is the city of Cayenne, but in practice this role is played by Paris. Residents consider the French president to be their chief, who appoints local governors. However, the people of Guyana independently elect their representatives to the Senate and Parliament of the European power through voting.

The official language of the province is French. Visitors who do not know French will have a hard time explaining themselves here – local residents do not understand English. In the south and west of the country, local dialects – Creole, Cajun and Maroon – are becoming more common. The “Taki-Tak” language, which was once formed on the basis of modified English and Dutch, is also used. However, today it is difficult to hear European tones in the speech of speakers, and one should not expect it.

The currency unit here is the Euro, the main religion is Catholicism, and service prices are about the same as in France. However, a Schengen visa alone is not enough to visit the government: the country has its own regulations. Those who wish to fly to an exotic place should have a residence permit in one of the European countries, or a French visa for more than one year. It is also possible to issue a tourist visa directly to French Guiana.

French Guiana. Author – Pascal Colin.

Centuries of history
According to archaeological data, the first settlements in the region appeared in the 5th century BC. The abundance of rivers and freshwater bodies made life in the region comfortable: the inhabitants called their country “Water Country”. Many tribes settled here and lived peacefully until the arrival of the Spanish, led by Columbus. However, the guests were not interested in this land – there were enough discoveries by then, and there was something much more interesting from the economic point of view of the land and the island.

But starting in 1604, the French began to take a more active interest in the land. These outsiders began to plant coffee trees and sugar cane and changed the unpronounceable name chosen by the locals to Guiana. Soon, French authority over the land was clearly established, but mostly formal. The Indians flatly refused to work for the conquerors: violent means would not work. To maintain the economy, African slaves had to be shipped to South America.
After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the situation became more difficult: the region was not very attractive for immigrants. However, with the arrival of the gold rush, the situation changed dramatically. Thousands of prospectors arrived here, and many died from animal attacks or insect bites in the jungle. Starting in 1852, for almost a century, the department was a penal colony for French prisoners. It was not until 1946 that the country officially got rid of this shameful title and became a formal part of France.

French Guiana. Author – Ronaldo Vieira de Carvalho.

Nature and climate

The region has a typical equatorial climate. It is very hot here, with temperatures reaching 35-37°C in the summer. Humidity is highest not only during the rainy season, but also at all other times. Rainfall is abundant here, with the rainy season lasting from January to June. Overall, the country’s climate, combined with the high risk of tropical diseases, is not too favorable for tourists.

The terrain in the area is not too steep, with the highest peak being only 851 meters. The north is dominated by lowlands with riverbeds, while the south and west are hilly. Almost the entire terrain is covered by impenetrable virgin jungle. The abundant rainfall discourages immigrants, but creates an ideal environment for the survival of local flora and fauna. There are dozens of monkey species, various predators, birds, fish, insects and rare tree species. Compared with other countries in South America, the local natural environment has been least affected by humans and has preserved its original appearance.

What awaits visitors?

Those who come to French Guiana wanting to enjoy the cleanest beaches and clear water will be disappointed. The water here is turbid and yellow due to swamps and clay. There are few sandy beaches, and even they do not seem suitable for swimming. The tourist infrastructure here is also not very developed: there are few hotels, transport functions mainly branch along the coast, and many areas are difficult to access.

But for those who appreciate not comfort but bright impressions first, French Guiana is a suitable solution. For zoologists, herpetologists, ornithologists and lovers of tropical nature, this is a real paradise. There are several large protected areas in the region. However, it should be remembered that not all wild animals are friendly and welcoming. Those who wish to get acquainted with the local fauna should maximize safety, cover the body and use the services of a guide.

Another highlight of the province is the spaceport, which is 10 km from the city of Kourou. Its proximity to the equator creates suitable conditions for rocket launches. Tourists should also visit the islands, caves, waterfalls and other natural beauties.

TO0J. Where is French Guiana located. Map.