Industries of French Guiana: Mining, Space, and Services

Primary Sector

• Gold Mining: ~10% of GDP; artisanal and industrial operations.
• Forestry: Tropical timber (selective logging under sustainability pressure).
• Agriculture: Bananas, rice, cassava, sugarcane; limited by poor soils.

Secondary Sector

• Manufacturing: Agro-processing (sugar, rum), construction materials.
• Construction: Driven by infrastructure and housing demand.

Tertiary Sector (Largest)

• Space Industry: Guiana Space Centre (CSG) – Europe's spaceport; major employer and tech hub.
• Public Administration: Largest employer (French state services).
• Tourism: Eco-tourism (Amazon rainforest, Kaw Marshes, Îles du Salut).
• Telecommunications: Submarine cable hub linking South America, Europe, Africa.

Challenges

Remoteness, high cost of living, dependence on French subsidies, and environmental constraints limit diversification.