Guianese

Guianese is an adjective and demonym relating to Guiana, a region on the northern coast of South America. The Guianas comprise three sovereign territories: Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The term can also describe the peoples, cultures, and languages of this region. In practice, residents are referred to by national demonyms: Guyanese (Guyana), Surinamese (Suriname), and French Guianese or Guianese (French Guiana).

Geographically, Guiana proper occupies tropical coastal and interior landscapes within the Guiana Shield, featuring extensive rainforest, river systems, and high biodiversity. The region is part of the Amazon basin and has significant Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, as well as descendants of Indian, Javanese, and other migrant populations.

Languages and culture vary by territory. English is the official language of Guyana; Dutch is the official language of Suriname; French is the official language of French Guiana. Multilingualism is common, with creole languages and various Indigenous languages widely spoken. Culturally, the area is diverse, with Indo-Caribbean, Afro-Guyanese, Indigenous, Creole, and Surinamese influences shaping music, cuisine, and festivals.

Economy and notable features also differ by country. Guyana has developed offshore oil industries in the 2010s and beyond; Suriname relies on mining, agriculture, and growing oil activity; French Guiana hosts the Guiana Space Centre near Kourou and maintains an economy tied to space, government services, and regional cross-border activity. Ecotourism and biodiversity are important across the region.