An extensive tract of country in the N. of S. America fronting the Atlantic, bordering on Venezuela on the W., and for the rest hemmed in by Brazil; it is divided into British, Dutch, and French Guiana, all fronting the sea; the physical characteristics of all three are practically the same; a fertile alluvial foreshore, with upward-sloping savannahs and forests to the unexplored highlands, dense with luxuriant primeval forest; rivers numerous, climate humid and hot, with a plentiful rainfall; vegetation, fauna, etc., of the richest tropical nature; timber, balsams, medicinal barks, fruits, cane-sugar, rice, cereals, etc., are the chief products; also some gold. British Guiana is the most westerly, and borders on Venezuela; area, 88,650 sq. m., divided into Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo; Georgetown is the capital. Dutch Guiana or Surinam occupies the central position; area, 46,058 sq. m.; capital Paramaribo. French Guiana or Cayenne lies to the E.; area, 31,000 sq. m; capital, Cayenne.