Inini

Territory of Inini
Territoire de L'Inini
French colony

1930–1946


Flag

Inini (green) and French Guiana (beige).
Capital Saint-Élie
Languages French
Political structure Colony
Historical era Interbellum · World War II
   Separated from French Guiana 6 July 1930
   Reintegrated 19 March 1946
Population
   1941 est. 5,000 
Currency French franc

Inini was an inland territory of French Guiana, administered separately between 6 July 1930 and 19 March 1946, after which all of French Guiana became a department of France. Its capital was Saint-Élie.

The purpose was to develop the interior separately from the coastal area around Cayenne. The labor force consisted of 500 Annamite prisoners who had revolted against French rule in Indochina and were brought in 1931. The plan did not work out, owing to the difficulties of railroad construction in the interior. The ruins of the three prisons used may still be seen.

Postage stamps

During this period, the postage stamps of French Guiana were overprinted with several variations on "TERRITOIRE DE L'ININI" and the omnibus issues for the Colonial Arts Exhibition in 1937 and the New York World's Fair in 1939 included stamps inscribed "ININI". Despite the limited audience, the stamps of Inini are commonly available at minimal prices today.

Coordinates: 3°N 53°W / 3°N 53°W / 3; -53


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