Ouanary
Commune in French Guiana, France
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ouanary (French pronunciation: [wanaʁi]; French Guianese Creole: Wannari) is a commune of French Guiana, an overseas region and department of France located in South America. Ouanary lies at the mouth of the river Oiapoque. Ouanary is the least populated commune of French Guiana. The settlement of Ouanary is accessible only by boat,[3] helicopter, or light aircraft at Ouanary Airport, a 750 metres (2,460 ft) dirt runway.[4]
Ouanary | |
|---|---|
An overview of Ouanary, from the farm track | |
 Location of the commune (in red) within French Guiana | |
 Location of Ouanary | |
| Coordinates: 4°12′33″N 51°40′15″W | |
| Country | France |
| Overseas region and department | French Guiana |
| Arrondissement | Saint-Georges |
| Intercommunality | Est Guyanais |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2026) | Narcisse Rozé[1] |
Area 1 | 1,080 km2 (420 sq mi) |
| Population (2023)[2] | 150 |
| • Density | 0.14/km2 (0.36/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−03:00 |
| INSEE/Postal code | 97314 /97380 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
History
In 1665, the area was claimed for France by Antoine de Noël de la Trompe d'Or.[5] In the 18th century, the Jesuits used the Palikur Amerindians for labor. This includes Aruã who had fled from the island Marajó.[6] Later they were replaced by slaves from Africa. In 1852, a penal colony was established on a former coffee plantation, and was the first agricultural penal colony.[7] The colony was finally closed in 1910, and was an economic failure with many prisoners dying or becoming ill. Between 1853 and 1864, 749 prisoners died.[7] In 1950, Ouanary became a commune.
Nature
Montagne d'Argent is located in the commune.[8] In 1998, the mountain came under the protection of Conservatoire du littoral, because 22 petroglyphs had been discovered on the mountain.[9]
Economy
The economy is based on fishing and agriculture with the main crops being roucou, indigo, and sugar cane.[3]
