Brazilians in French Guiana

Brazilians in French Guiana
Total population
70,000
Regions with significant populations
Cayenne · Saint-Georges
Languages
Portuguese · French, French Guiana Creole
Religion
Roman Catholicism
Related ethnic groups
Brazilian diaspora

There is a community of Brazilians living and working in French Guiana. Like in Guyana and Suriname, many of them are miners who entered French Guiana illegally to mine gold there. As of 2012, there are about 70,000 Brazilians in French Guiana.[1]

Illegal immigration

French Guiana continues to be a popular destination for illegal miners from Brazil for three reasons, the Gold price dramatic increase created a large scale gold rush in the Guianas, the strong repression organized by Brazilian security forces against illegal mining in Brazil and the lack of traceability in the French legal gold supply chain which allows an easy laundering of illegal gold.[2]

Over 15,000 illegal immigrants mainly from Brazil are said to work in over 500 non-permitted extraction sites in French Guiana. The commune of Saint-Georges, which lies on the Oyapock River (which forms the border with Brazil), opposite the Brazilian town of Oiapoque, is one of the main gateways for illegal Brazilian immigrants.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ G1 > Mundo – NOTÍCIAS – Brasileiros tentam a sorte na Guiana Francesa. G1.globo.com. Retrieved on 2012-05-19.
  2. ↑ The Scourge Of Illegal Mining In French Guiana. About.com. Mining
  3. ↑ Illegal immigration in French Guiana France 24 - International News, 2 November 2008