French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France. Information for France may be included below:

FATF Status

France is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in France was undertaken in 2022. According to that Evaluation, France was deemed Compliant for 19 and Largely Compliant for 18 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was rated Highly Effective for 3 and Substantially Effective for 6 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

French Guiana, as an overseas department of France, is subject to French laws aimed at combating corruption, including the 2017 "Loi Sapin II," which established an anti-corruption agency and enhanced transparency measures. Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of enforcement, particularly in cases involving foreign bribery, as highlighted by the OECD's findings that many recommendations for improvement have not been fully implemented. Overall, while the legal framework is robust, challenges persist in ensuring accountability and addressing corruption in public procurement and political funding.

French Guiana's economy is primarily driven by the Guiana Space Centre, which plays a crucial role in local employment and contributes significantly to the region's GDP, estimated at approximately US$4.93 billion in 2019. Although the economy experienced robust growth from the 1960s to the 2000s, it has faced challenges since 2013, with average growth slowing to +1.2% per year and high unemployment rates fluctuating between 17% and 24%.

The investment climate in French Guiana benefits from its status as an overseas department of France, which offers a stable legal framework and access to EU markets. However, high unemployment rates, social unrest, and reliance on subsidies from mainland France pose challenges that may deter potential investors. Despite these issues, there are investment opportunities in sectors like eco-tourism and agriculture, although the overall climate remains cautious due to economic vulnerabilities.