FRENCH GUIANA Meaning and
Definition
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French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France located on the northeastern coast of South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the south and east, Suriname to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. With a land area of approximately 83,534 square kilometers (32,253 square miles), French Guiana is the largest overseas department of France.
French Guiana is known for its diverse geography, consisting of vast rainforests, savannahs, and coastal plains. The region is home to the Guiana Amazonian Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The Maroni River and the Tumuc-Humac mountain ranges further contribute to the region's natural beauty.
As an overseas department of France, French Guiana enjoys the same rights and protection as any other French region. The official language is French, and the currency is the euro. The capital city is Cayenne, which also serves as the largest city in French Guiana. The population is primarily composed of various ethnic groups, including Creoles, Amerindians, Maroons, and people of Asian and European descent.
French Guiana's economy relies on a variety of industries, including agriculture, fishing, mining, and tourism. The region is particularly known for its high-value exports of gold, but also engages in the production of agricultural commodities such as sugarcane and bananas.
Overall, French Guiana is a unique and diverse region, combining South American influences with French culture and governance.
Etymology of FRENCH GUIANA
The word "French Guiana" is derived from the combination of two components: "French" and "Guiana".
The term "French" refers to the nationality and affiliation with France. It is derived from the Old French word "frois", which originates from the Latin word "Francus", meaning "Frank" or "free". The Franks were a historical Germanic tribe known for their freedom.
The word "Guiana" is believed to have multiple possible origins. One theory suggests that it is derived from the indigenous Arawak word "guai", meaning "land" or "region", combined with the Spanish suffix "-ana", which represents "belonging to". Another theory suggests that it originated from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani word "guyana", which means "beneficial" or "abundant".
Similar spelling words for FRENCH GUIANA
