Forgotten World (233): French Guiana
Only around 200,000 live in French Guiana, but the ethnically-diverse population enjoys one of the higher standards of living on the South American continent. The French social security system is in force and subsidies from Paris prop up the economy. It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that in January 2010 voters rejected the option of increased autonomy in a referendum with 69.8% voting against on a turnout of 48%.
A former penal settlement, Kourou, is home to a European Space Agency rocket launch site. The facility has been a boon to the local economy, accounting for a significant slice of GDP, and has given the territory a strategic value.