French Guiana

SHORT INFORMATION

Currency of French Guiana

The official currency is the Euro. French Guiana is the most expensive among all South American countries. Traveling to French Guiana’s interiors is expensive, so plan your trip. The budget traveler would find it hard to get by with less than US$55 a day.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

French Guiana — Festivals and Events

Festivals in French Guiana are celebrated with lots of cheerful traditions, cultural performances, music, drinking, and all-day feasts. Most events are based on religious observances and origins, but there are also many secular celebrations. The months of January and February come alive with Mardi Gras spirit and throughout the year, many other interesting holidays commemorate historic dates, including the abolition of slavery.

SHORT INFORMATION

Education System in French Guiana

Education in French Guiana is compulsory for all children between ages 6 and 16, and the medium of tuition is French because the country is an overseas department of France. Enrollment at primary school which lasts for 5 years is almost 100%, except for in remoter rural areas where facilities are sometimes sparse.