GUIANA

GUIANA, an extensive tract of country in the N. of S. America fronting the Atlantic, bordering on Venezuela on the W., and for the rest hemmed in by Brazil.

The physical characteristics of Guiana include a fertile alluvial foreshore, with upward-sloping savannahs and forests to the unexplored highlands, dense with luxuriant primeval forest; rivers numerous, climate humid and hot, with a plentiful rainfall; vegetation, fauna, &c., of the richest tropical nature; timber, balsams, medicinal barks, fruits, cane-sugar, rice, cereals, &c., are the chief products; also some gold.

It was once divided into British, Dutch, and French Guiana, all fronting the sea.

British Guiana was the most westerly, and bordered on Venezuela; area, 88,650 sq. m., divided into Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo; GEORGETOWN was the capital.

Dutch Guiana or Surinam occupied the central position; area, 46,058 sq. m.; capital PARAMARIBO.

FRENCH GUIANA or Cayenne was in the East; area, 31,000 sq. m; capital, CAYENNE.