From a geographical point of view, it would seem logical to think that France share your greatest land border with its European neighbors, such as Germany or Spain.
However, the largest border extension of the French country is not in Europe, but in South America, where the region of French Guiana plays its own role. This territory, which has remained an integral part of France for centuries, is key to understanding this unexpected geopolitical link between the two continents.
The largest land border with France is not in Europe
THE France’s longest land border is in Brazilwith an extension of 730.4 kilometersseparating French Guiana from the Brazilian state of Amapá.
The demarcation line begins at the Guyanese shield, at the crossroads of Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana, and extends east to the Atlantic Ocean. Along this border, Two main segments can be identified:
- mountainous boundary: in the Tumucumaque mountain range, which defines the first border section.
- Oyapoque River: which delimits the last 427 kilometers of this natural border to its mouth in the Atlantic.
History of the border with Brazil, the largest border with France
The configuration of this border has been the subject of dispute for centuries. The dispute over the exact delimitation dates back to Treaty of Utrecht of 1713where France and Portugal established the Oyapoque River as the border between their territories in South America.
However, After Brazil’s independence in the 19th century, disagreements arose over the choice of river.in reality, the “Oyapoque”, since European maps of the time also identified the Araguari River under this name.
He territorial conflict between France and Brazil extended to the international arbitration of 1900where Switzerland resolved the dispute in favor of Brazil.
As a result, approximately 260,000 square kilometers occupied by French settlers passed into Brazilian hands.
French Guiana today: a French overseas department
Today, the French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France. Being part of the French Republic, it also belongs to the European Union as an outermost region.
This means that, administratively and politically, French Guiana is governed by the same governmental structure as any other region of French European territory.
The geographical location of French Guiana, in the northeast of South America, next to the Amazon rainforest, gives it very different characteristics from the rest of France. This territory has significant biodiversity and its economic development faces challenges such as lack of infrastructure, unemployment and poverty.
Geographical characteristics and crossing points between France and Brazil
The Amazon region of French Guiana is an area of dense and humid junglewhich makes the border between France and Brazil distant and difficult to cross. However, there is only one land border post that connects the two countries: the bridge over the Oyapoque riverwhich connects the cities of Saint-Georges (in French Guiana) and Oiapoque (in Brazil).
This bridge was inaugurated in 2017 and facilitates transit between the two countries, which was previously only possible by boat.
This border post It is fundamental for trade and relations between the two countries in the regioneven if access remains limited due to the geographical conditions of the area.
Other aspects featured from the border
- jungle environment: Most of the border passes through jungle areas, with limited land access.
- Presence of indigenous peoples: The region is home to indigenous communities who use the Oyapoque River for their travel.
- Migration: Many Brazilians pass through French Guiana in search of work, while the French tend to shop in Brazil due to lower prices.
Strategic importance of French Guiana
French Guiana is not only important for its border with Brazil, but it is also the location of the Kourou Spaceportone of the most important launch facilities in Europe.
This base is used by the European Space Agency and was crucial for satellite launches and other missions since 1968. The proximity to the equator makes Kourou a strategic location for rocket launches, taking advantage of the Earth’s rotation.
Besides Kourou, This region is also known for its history as a penal colonynotably the famous Devil’s Island, where France sent prisoners in the 19th century.
