2. French Guiana was home to an infamous penal colony from the 1850s. What was the name of this colony?
From Quiz French Guiana: is it a Country?
Answer:
Devil's Island
Perhaps the most famous, or infamous penal, colony, among those mentioned, is Devil's Island, officially named Bagne de Cayenne, located in French Guiana. Devil's Island is the name given to a penal complex with four prison units, one near the capital, and three offshore destined for the most dangerous prisoners: Isle Royale, Isle St. Joseph, and Devil's Island. The establishment of this colony was determined by Napoleon III in 1854. It is estimated that around 80,000 people, including criminals, spies, and political prisoners, passed through these prisons.
The publication of René Belbenoit's book "Dry Guillotine: Fifteen Years Among the Living Dead", 1938, exposed this inhuman prison system worldwide. Soon after its publication, the French government started procedures to close this complex. The beginning of World War II delayed the measures, but between 1946 and 1953 the units were gradually closed.
Robinson Crusoe, Saint-Marguerite, and Robben Islands were famous prisons located in Chile, France, and South Africa, respectively.