a French colony in South America, situated between Dutch Guiana and Brazil and having an area of about 30,500 sq. mi. This territory resembles British Guiana in its physical features, climate and vegetable productions, with the addition, in the latter case, of pepper, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Less than one-third of the country is under cultivation, owing to the peculiarly unfavorable climatic conditions. The colony includes the island of Cayenne, celebrated for the pepper bearing that name. Off the coast is Devil's Island, famous as the place of imprisonment of Captain Dreyfus. Gold has been found in considerable quantities and constitutes the chief article of export. The colony is governed through a governor, appointed at Paris, and a privy council of seven members, besides a representative council of sixteen members. It also sends one delegate to the French Chamber of Deputies. It is held at a financial loss to France. The capital is Cayenne. Population, 32,908, of whom about 10,000 are convicts.