Kourou (river)

Kourou
American black vultures on the shore of the Kourou River
Country	French Guiana
Basin features
Main source	Amazon Rainforest
River mouth	Atlantic Ocean 5°9′10″N 52°37′45″W / 5.15278°N 52.62917°W / 5.15278; -52.62917Coordinates: 5°9′10″N 52°37′45″W / 5.15278°N 52.62917°W / 5.15278; -52.62917
Basin size	2,000 km2 (770 sq mi)
Physical characteristics
Length	112 km (70 mi)
Discharge	Average rate: 3,000 m3/s (110,000 cu ft/s)

The Kourou is a 112 km long river in French Guiana. The town of Kourou is located at its estuary, which is generally used as a pleasure port.

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.