The Kourou (French pronunciation: [kuru]) is a river in French Guiana, discharging into the Atlantic Ocean. It is 144 km (89 mi) long.[1] The town of Kourou is located at its estuary, which is generally used as a pleasure port.

Kourou
American black vultures on the shore of the Kourou River
Kourou (river) is located in French Guiana
Kourou (river)
Location
CountryFrench Guiana
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationAmazon Rainforest
MouthAtlantic Ocean
 • coordinates
5°9′10″N 52°37′45″W / 5.15278°N 52.62917°W / 5.15278; -52.62917
Length144 km (89 mi)
Basin size2,000 km2 (770 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • average3,000 m3/s (110,000 cu ft/s)

Like the river Amazon, it has brown, muddy waters due to sediments picked up from the forest. A great many different fish species live in the river and are used in the local diet.

Like many Guyanaise rivers, it is polluted by mercury, as a result of clandestine gold mining.

References

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  1. ^ Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - kourou, le (fleuve) (913-0400)".