French Guiana : colony Located in South America, the French Guiana is a modern day colony, region, and overseas department for France. It was discovered by European explorers in the 16th Century and fell into French control with efforts of force and negotiation on the native inhabitants. In the 18th century plantations along the coast were a success due to African slaves, but the plantations collapsed when France ended African slavery in the mid-19th century. The French Guiana then became a penal colony where prisoners were held. In 1946 France granted the French Guiana with the status of Overseas Department, making it a part of the French nation and represented by French government. It is also a satellite launch site for the European Space Agency.
The French Guiana is a good example of how colonies still exist in the world today and can fare well with consent and care of its owner nation. Although it is considered its own country, it is run by and legally belongs to the France which makes it one of the wealthiest places in South America.