Montsinéry-Tonnegrande

Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is a commune located in the overseas department of French Guiana, with its prefecture in Cayenne. The commune is situated near the Approuague River and is part of the Arrondissement of Cayenne, which also includes the communes of Roura, Regina, and Sinnamary. Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is bordered by the communes of Kourou to the north and Sinnamary to the south, and is near the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, which is used by the European Space Agency and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales.

Geography

Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is located in the northern part of French Guiana, near the Atlantic Ocean and the Approuague River, which flows into the Ocean. The commune is part of the Guiana Shield, a region of Precambrian rock that covers much of French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana. The geology of the area is characterized by granite and gneiss rocks, which are rich in minerals such as gold, iron, and tungsten. The climate of Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, similar to the climate of Cayenne and other parts of French Guiana.

History

The history of Montsinéry-Tonnegrande dates back to the 18th century, when the area was first settled by French colonizers from France, who established plantations and trading posts along the Approuague River. The commune was officially established in 1870, and was named after the Montsinéry and Tonnegrande rivers, which flow through the area. During World War II, Montsinéry-Tonnegrande was an important location for the Free French Forces, who used the area as a base for operations against the Vichy France government. The commune is also near the Devil's Island, which was used as a penal colony by the French government from 1852 to 1953.

Demographics

As of the 2019 census, the population of Montsinéry-Tonnegrande was approximately 3,000 people, with a population density of 2 people per square kilometer. The commune has a diverse population, with people of French, African, and Amerindian descent, similar to the population of Cayenne and other parts of French Guiana. The language spoken in the commune is primarily French, although many people also speak Creole and other local languages. The religion practiced in the commune is primarily Christianity, with a significant Catholic Church presence, as well as Protestantism and other Christian denominations.

Economy

The economy of Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as sugar cane, bananas, and rice being grown in the area. The commune is also home to a number of mining operations, with gold, iron, and tungsten being extracted from the granite and gneiss rocks in the area. The Guiana Space Centre in nearby Kourou is also an important contributor to the local economy, with many people employed in the space industry. The commune is also near the Port of Cayenne, which is an important port for the export of goods such as timber, minerals, and agricultural products.

Culture

The culture of Montsinéry-Tonnegrande is a unique blend of French, African, and Amerindian influences, with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and art. The commune is home to a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Carnival of Cayenne and the Festival of French Guiana. The cuisine of the commune is also diverse, with popular dishes such as bouillon, colombo, and poulet boucané being served in local restaurants. The commune is also near the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises in Cayenne, which showcases the history and culture of French Guiana and the surrounding region. Category:Communes of French Guiana