Oyapock

The Oyapock River, also known as the Oiapoque River in Portuguese or the Oyapoc River in French, forms part of the border between French Guiana and Brazil. It flows generally northeast from its source in the Tumuc-Humac Mountains to its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. The river is approximately 549 kilometers (341 miles) long.

The Oyapock River Bridge, officially named the "Bridge over the Oyapock," spans the river, connecting Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock in French Guiana and Oiapoque in Brazil. Its construction and opening in 2011 and 2020, respectively, marked a significant improvement in infrastructure and trade between the two countries, although border control and immigration procedures remain in place.

Historically, the precise location of the border along the Oyapock River was a source of dispute between France and Brazil, contributing to territorial conflicts. The Treaty of Arbitration of 1900, overseen by Switzerland, definitively established the Oyapock as the boundary.

The Oyapock River and its surrounding area are characterized by dense rainforest and significant biodiversity. The ecosystem supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The river itself serves as a vital transportation route for local communities and plays a crucial role in their livelihoods, including fishing and small-scale commerce.