SaintLaurentduMaroni

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a commune in French Guiana, an overseas department of France. It is located on the western border of French Guiana, across the Maroni River from Suriname. The town's name comes from Saint Lawrence, its patron saint, and the Maroni River. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is the second-largest commune in French Guiana by population, after Cayenne.

Historically, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was established in the 19th century as a penal colony. The most famous institution was the penal camp, which housed thousands of prisoners, including many political prisoners. While the penal colony is no longer in operation, its legacy is still visible in the town's architecture and history. The former prison buildings are now a significant historical site and a tourist attraction.

The economy of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is diverse, with agriculture, fishing, and commerce playing important roles. It serves as a commercial hub for the western part of French Guiana and has a significant population of various ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples, Creoles, Hmong, and Surinamese immigrants. The town is a gateway to the interior of French Guiana and a starting point for many expeditions into the rainforest. It is accessible by road and by river. The town's proximity to Suriname also makes it a point of cultural exchange and trade.