Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of French Guiana

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of French Guiana.

Terrain: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/FGXX0001?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 851 — Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: Bauxite, timber, gold, petroleum, kaolin, fish, niobium, tantalum, and clay. Gold mining remains one of the most economically significant industries, with both legal and informal artisanal operations widely scattered across the interior. Timber resources are substantial given that dense tropical rainforest covers approximately 90 percent of the territory. Offshore petroleum potential continues to attract exploration interest, and the fishing industry contributes meaningfully to the local economy. Kaolin deposits and other mineral resources including niobium and tantalum add further diversity to the natural resource base, though much of the interior remains underexplored due to challenging terrain and limited infrastructure.
Natural Hazards: high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding

Detailed geography