French Guiana

The Flag of French Guiana

The flag of French Guiana is a symbol of the region’s unique cultural identity and natural richness. Although French Guiana is an overseas department of France and officially uses the French Tricolor, a distinctive regional flag is widely recognized and used within the territory. This flag features two diagonal halves—green on the upper hoist-side and yellow on the lower fly-side—with a red five-pointed star at the center. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the history and aspirations of French Guiana.

French Guiana Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the French Guiana Flag Image

To download an image of the French Guiana flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the French Guiana Flag

The French Guiana flag features a design rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Green Triangle: Represents the lush forests and natural environment of the region, highlighting the importance of ecological preservation.
• Yellow Triangle: Symbolizes the region’s wealth and resources, particularly gold mining and agricultural prosperity.
• Red Star: Stands for socialism and unity among the diverse population of French Guiana.
• Colors:
  • Green: (#009E60) Signifies the abundant rainforest and biodiversity.
  • Yellow: (#FEDF00) Represents hope, prosperity, and the bright future of the region.
  • Red: (#D21034) Embodies the courage and determination of the people.

The Origins and Design of the French Guiana Flag

The flag of French Guiana has evolved as a symbol of regional identity and pride. While the French national flag is officially used, the regional flag is embraced by the local population to represent their unique heritage and aspirations.

The Birth of a Regional Symbol

The regional flag was officially adopted by the General Council of French Guiana on January 29, 2010. The design reflects the natural wealth and cultural diversity of the region. The green and yellow diagonal fields symbolize the rainforest and mineral resources, respectively, while the red star represents solidarity and socialist ideals.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the French Guiana flag is deeply connected to the region’s history and environment:

• Green: Emphasizes the importance of the Amazon rainforest and the need for environmental conservation.
• Yellow: Reflects the economic potential derived from natural resources like gold and bauxite.
• Red Star: Symbolizes unity, progress, and the collective aspirations of the people.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the French Guiana flag include:

• Diagonal Division: The split between green and yellow represents the balance between nature and wealth.
• Red Star: Positioned at the intersection of the two colors, it signifies unity and common purpose.

Adoption and Official Recognition

While the regional flag is not officially recognized by the French government, it holds significant meaning for the local population. It is commonly used by regional authorities, cultural organizations, and during local events to express regional identity.

The Flag in Modern French Guianese Identity

Today, the flag of French Guiana is a powerful symbol of regional pride and cultural heritage. It is prominently displayed during festivals, sporting events, and cultural celebrations, serving as a reminder of the region’s distinct identity within the French Republic.

The Significance of the French Guiana Flag

The flag of French Guiana holds a deep significance for its people, symbolizing their rich history, cultural diversity, and connection to the natural environment. Displaying the French Guiana flag is an act of regional pride and a celebration of the area’s unique heritage.

When the Flag of French Guiana Can Be Displayed

The French Guiana flag is often displayed during regional events, cultural festivals, and by local institutions. While the French Tricolor remains the official flag, the regional flag is embraced by inhabitants to express their unique identity and solidarity.

Flag Days and Regional Celebrations

In French Guiana, there are several occasions when the regional flag is prominently displayed:

• Carnival of French Guiana: A major cultural event where the flag is displayed to celebrate local traditions and diversity.
• Regional Sports Events: The flag is used to support local teams and athletes, fostering unity and pride.
• Cultural Festivals: Various festivals throughout the year feature the flag as a symbol of heritage and identity.

Love for the Flag and Regional Pride

The people of French Guiana demonstrate their love for the flag through its display in public spaces, homes, and during community events. The flag embodies the collective spirit, environmental consciousness, and aspirations of the region’s inhabitants.

French Guiana Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1EC U+1F1EB
• UTF-16: D83C DDEC D83C DDEB

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇬🇫
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇬🇫

3. CSS

content: "\1F1EC\1F1EB";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const frenchGuianaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB";

// Java Example
String frenchGuianaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$frenchGuianaFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EB}";

// Ruby Example
french_guiana_flag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EB}"

6. Perl

my $frenchGuianaFlag = "\x{1F1EC}\x{1F1EB}";

7. Python

french_guiana_flag = "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EB"

8. C#

string frenchGuianaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB";

9. Swift

let frenchGuianaFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1EB}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *frenchGuianaFlag = @"\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EB";

11. JSON

{
  "frenchGuianaFlag": "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

french_guiana_flag=$'\U1F1EC\U1F1EB'

14. Go (Golang)

frenchGuianaFlag := "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1EB"

15. Kotlin

val frenchGuianaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDEB"

About French Guiana

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

French Guiana is 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 northeast. The geography of French Guiana includes:

• Dense tropical rainforests covering most of the territory
• The Tumuc-Humac Mountains along the southern border
• Coastal plains with mangroves and swamps
• Numerous rivers, including the Oyapock and Maroni
• A rich biodiversity with unique flora and fauna

French Guiana Map

Area and Population

French Guiana covers an area of approximately 83,534 square kilometers, making it the largest outermost region of the European Union. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 300,000 people, resulting in a low population density.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

French Guiana is known for its diverse population, comprising various ethnic groups. The ethnic composition includes:

• Creoles (of African and European descent): a significant portion of the population
• Metropolitan French: residents from mainland France
• Brazilian and Surinamese immigrants
• Indigenous Amerindian communities: Wayana, Arawak, Palikur, and others
• Hmong community: refugees from Laos who settled in the 1970s
• Other groups from the Caribbean and Asia

Name and History

Origin of the Name “French Guiana”

The name “French Guiana” distinguishes it from other regions in the Guianas, such as Guyana (formerly British Guiana) and Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana). The term “Guiana” comes from an indigenous word meaning “Land of Many Waters,” reflecting the area’s numerous rivers and abundant rainfall.

History

The history of French Guiana is rich and complex, beginning with the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region long before European arrival. Key historical events include:

• Colonization by the French in the 17th century
• Use as a penal colony from the 1850s to 1953, including the infamous Devil’s Island
• Becoming an overseas department of France in 1946
• The establishment of the Guiana Space Center in 1964, making it a key location for European space launches
• Modern movements for greater autonomy and social development

Government and Politics

Capital

Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana. It is the largest city and serves as the administrative and economic center of the region.

Government and Politics

French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France, meaning it is fully integrated into the French state. It is represented in the French National Assembly and Senate. The local government includes:

• A Prefect appointed by the French government
• A Territorial Collectivity formed by merging the General and Regional Councils

As part of France, French Guiana is subject to French law and participates in European Union affairs.

Values and Culture

French Guiana’s culture is a blend of French, African, Amerindian, and Asian influences. Core values include community, diversity, and a close relationship with nature.

Religion

The predominant religion is Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, due to French influence. Other religions practiced include:

• Protestantism
• Indigenous beliefs
• Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam among immigrant communities

Holidays

Major public holidays in French Guiana align with French national holidays and include:

• Bastille Day on July 14
• Armistice Day on November 11
• Labor Day on May 1
• Religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated

Additionally, Carnival is a significant cultural event, celebrated with parades and traditional music.

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of French Guiana is French. Other languages spoken include:

• Guianese Creole
• Indigenous languages like Arawak and Palikur
• Languages of immigrant communities, such as Portuguese and Hmong

Society and Sports

French Guiana has a multicultural society with a strong emphasis on community events and festivals. Popular sports include:

• Football (soccer)
• Basketball
• Traditional games and water sports

Safety

Safety in French Guiana varies by area. While urban centers may experience some crime, rural areas are generally safe. The French government provides law enforcement and security services.

Economy and Currency

Economy

French Guiana’s economy is closely tied to France and the European Union. Key economic sectors include:

• Aerospace: The Guiana Space Center is a major employer and economic driver
• Gold mining
• Fishing and forestry
• Agriculture: crops like rice, cassava, and tropical fruits

The region relies heavily on subsidies and imports from mainland France.

Currency

The official currency of French Guiana is the Euro (€), as it is part of France and the Eurozone.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

French Guiana’s culture is a vibrant mix of traditions. Artistic expressions include:

• Music: blending African rhythms, French melodies, and indigenous sounds
• Dance: traditional dances performed during festivals
• Artisan crafts: including wood carving, basket weaving, and textile arts

Cuisine

The cuisine of French Guiana reflects its multicultural population, featuring:

• Creole dishes like Colombo (a curry stew)
• Seafood, including fish and shrimp
• Cassava-based foods
• French pastries and bread

Spices and tropical ingredients are commonly used, creating a unique culinary experience.

National Anthem

As an overseas department of France, the national anthem is “La Marseillaise,” the same as that of France.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

French Guiana has a developing transportation network that includes:

• Roads connecting major towns and cities
• Ferry services along the rivers
• Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport for international and regional flights
• No railways currently in operation

Time Zone

French Guiana operates on French Guiana Time (GFT), which is UTC−3.

Web and Phone Code

The internet country code for French Guiana is “.gf,” and the international dialing code is +594.

French Guiana: Things to See and Do

French Guiana offers rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and unique experiences for travelers. Here are some top things to see and do:

Explore Natural Reserves

Discover the untouched natural beauty of French Guiana’s rainforests.

• Guiana Amazonian Park: One of the largest national parks in France, home to diverse wildlife and indigenous communities.
• Kaw-Roura Marshes Nature Reserve: A vast wetland area ideal for birdwatching and spotting caimans.

Visit the Guiana Space Center

Experience Europe’s gateway to space.

• Kourou Spaceport: Tour the facilities where satellites are launched aboard Ariane rockets.
• Space Museum: Learn about space exploration and the technology behind it.

Discover Historical Sites

Learn about French Guiana’s past.

• Devil’s Island (Îles du Salut): Visit the former penal colony made famous by the book and film “Papillon.”
• Fort Cépérou: Explore the ruins overlooking Cayenne, offering panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy Cultural Festivals

Immerse yourself in local traditions.

• Carnival: One of the longest carnivals in the world, featuring masked balls, parades, and music from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday.
• Maroon Festivals: Celebrations of Maroon culture with traditional music and dance.

Experience Local Markets

Engage with the local community and sample regional products.

• Cayenne Market: Buy fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted items.
• Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Market: Explore this vibrant market in a town rich with history.

Adventure Activities

Take part in outdoor adventures.

• River Excursions: Navigate the Maroni or Oyapock rivers to visit remote villages.
• Jungle Trekking: Guided tours through the rainforest to observe wildlife and plants.

Relax on Beaches

Enjoy the Atlantic coastline.

• Montjoly Beach: A popular spot near Cayenne for swimming and turtle watching.
• Les Hattes Beach: Known for being a nesting site for leatherback turtles.

Visit Indigenous Villages

Learn about the native cultures.

• Camopi: An Amerindian village offering insights into traditional lifestyles.
• Saül: A remote village in the heart of the rainforest, accessible by plane.