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Île Royale, once administrative headquarters of Îles du Salut penal settlement
© Wayne Walton
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Prison in paradise: Île du Diable, where political prisoners were once held
© Wayne Walton
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Ruins of prison on Île Royale: not exactly maximum security these days
© Wayne Walton
French Guiana: Overview
French Guiana is a country of pristine rainforests that has both the luck and misfortune of being colonized by France. It's the wealthiest region of this South American corner, meaning that everyone from Brazil to Suriname tries to cross its borders in the hope of high-paying jobs and decent unemployment benefits.




