Oyapock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oyapock |
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View of the Oyapock River from Brazil toward French Guiana
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Guyane Oyapock River map
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| Countries | Brazil and France |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tumuk Humak Mountains |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean 04°14′08″N 51°36′53″W / 4.23556°N 51.61472°W |
| Length | 403 km (250 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Bridges | Oyapock River Bridge |
The Oyapock River is a long river in South America. It is about 403 kilometers (250 miles) long. This river forms most of the natural border between two places. These are French Guiana, which is an overseas department of France, and the Brazilian state of Amapá.
Contents
Where the Oyapock River Flows
The Oyapock River starts in the Tumuk Humak Mountains. These mountains are also known as Tumucumaque. The river then flows through a type of forest called the Guianan moist forests.
Finally, the Oyapock River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Where it meets the ocean, it forms a wide bay. This bay is next to a place called Cape Orange.
The Northernmost Point of Brazil
The mouth of the Oyapock River is the northern end of Brazil's coastline. This is where the border between Brazil and French Guiana reaches the ocean. However, the actual northernmost point of Brazil's coast is nearby Cape Orange.
Sometimes, people used to think the Oyapock or Cape Orange was the northernmost point of all Brazil. But this is not true. The real northernmost point in Brazil is far inland. It is on Monte Caburaí, in the state of Roraima. This spot is hundreds of kilometers away from the Oyapock River.
History of the Oyapock River
It is believed that Vicente Yáñez Pinzón was the first European to see the Oyapock River. This happened in the early 1500s. Over time, the river has been called by many different names. Some of these names include Japoc, Yapoc, Iapoco, and Wiapoco. It was even called the Vicente Pinzón River.
Early English settlers, like Robert Harcourt in 1608, came to the river. Dutch settlers, like Jan van Ryen in 1627, also made early settlements here. The name "Oiapoque" has been the official name since 1900. This was decided after a disagreement about the border between Brazil and France was settled.
Towns and Villages Along the River
There are a few towns and small villages located along the Oyapock River. On the Brazilian side, you will find the town of Oiapoque. On the French Guiana side, there is Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock.
Other smaller villages are also found along the river banks. These include places like Camopi and Clevelândia do Norte.
The Oyapock River Bridge
A bridge called the Oyapock River Bridge crosses the river. This bridge connects the Brazilian town of Oiapoque with the French town of Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock. It is the first land connection between French Guiana and another country.
The bridge was finished in 2011. However, it stayed closed for several years. There were delays in payments for building the bridge. Also, there were some issues with customs staff in Brazil. There were also minor disagreements between the Brazilian and French governments.
The bridge finally opened to the public on March 20, 2017. This was after an opening ceremony on March 18, 2017.
See also
- Rings of Chariklo, one of which is named "Oiapoque" after the river.
- List of rivers of French Guiana
- List of rivers of the Americas by coastline
