What is saint-laurent-du-maroni?

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a town located in the department of French Guiana, South America. It has a population of around 40,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 4,830 km². The town is situated on the Maroni River, on the border with Suriname.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was founded in the 19th century as a French penal colony and it became the primary place for the banishment of convicts from France. During World War II, it was the stronghold of the Free French movement in South America.

Today, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a multicultural town with a mix of ethnic groups including Creoles, Maroons, Amerindians, Surinamese, and Brazilians. The town has a bustling market selling a variety of goods from the region, including fish and tropical fruits.

One of the town's main attractions is the Camp de la Transportation, a former penitentiary that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the penal colony and the lives of the prisoners who were sent there.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is also a gateway to the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's main spaceport located in Kourou, which is a major contributor to the local economy.