Quick facts
French Guiana population overview
French Guiana is the 13th most populous of 14 countries and territories in South America. The United Nations put the population at 317,059 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of +1.7% the live estimate on this page rises by roughly 14 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 7,514 births (23.7 per 1,000 people) and 1,522 deaths (4.8 per 1,000), and net emigration of roughly 761 people. The infant mortality rate is 8.3 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population grew from 25,350 in 1950 to 313,333 in 2025 — a change of +1,136%, or +3.4% per year on average. The population is at its all-time high today.
Demographically, the median age is 24.9 years; life expectancy at birth is 77.5 years.
French Guiana population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 321,230 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 317,059 |
| World rank | #185 of 238 |
| Rank in South America | #13 of 14 |
| Share of world population | 0.004% |
| Annual growth rate | +1.7% |
| Births per year est. | 7,514 |
| Deaths per year est. | 1,522 |
| Net migration per year est. | -761 |
| Birth rate | 23.7 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 4.8 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 8.3 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 92.9 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 24.9 years |
| Life expectancy | 77.5 years |
French Guiana population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 321,230 | – | – |
| 2025 | 313,333 | +21,333 | +1.4% |
| 2020 | 292,000 | +30,500 | +2.2% |
| 2015 | 261,500 | +31,000 | +2.6% |
| 2010 | 230,500 | +31,500 | +3% |
| 2005 | 199,000 | +38,000 | +4.3% |
| 2000 | 161,000 | +24,000 | +3.3% |
| 1995 | 137,000 | +22,000 | +3.6% |
| 1990 | 115,000 | +28,500 | +5.9% |
| 1985 | 86,500 | +18,250 | +4.9% |
| 1980 | 68,250 | +11,500 | +3.8% |
| 1975 | 56,750 | +8,250 | +3.2% |
| 1970 | 48,500 | +7,900 | +3.6% |
| 1965 | 40,600 | +8,450 | +4.8% |
| 1960 | 32,150 | +3,650 | +2.4% |
| 1955 | 28,500 | +3,150 | +2.4% |
| 1950 | 25,350 | – | – |
Change and annual growth are measured against the previous row; growth is annualized where rows are five years apart. The live row extrapolates the UN estimate and is not directly comparable with the UN World Population Prospects series.
About French Guiana
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for French Guiana — this is normal for small territories and a few special cases. The live counters above run on the latest UN-based estimates, and the population history below comes from the UN World Population Prospects.
Population over time
- From 25,350 in 1950 to 321,230 today — up 1,167.2%.
- The population is at its all-time high right now.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: +3.5% per year.
French Guiana in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of French Guiana in 2026?
As of October 2026, French Guiana has an estimated population of 321,230. The United Nations estimated 317,059 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the +1.7% annual growth rate.
Is the population of French Guiana growing or shrinking?
It is growing at +1.7% per year — roughly 14 more people every day. Each year there are about 7,514 births and 1,522 deaths, with net migration of -761.
What is the median age in French Guiana?
The median age is 24.9 years, and life expectancy at birth is 77.5 years.
How does French Guiana rank by population?
French Guiana is the 185th most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 13th in South America, with 0.004% of the global population.
How has the population of French Guiana changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 25,350; by 2025 it had grown to 313,333 (+1,136%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
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MayotteSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (+1.7%); births, deaths and migration counters apply the UN crude rates to the live figure. Historical series, area, GDP and other indicators are from the UN World Population Prospects; the encyclopedic summary is from Wikipedia. Figures are statistical estimates, not census counts. Page generated 2026-10-19. More about our data.