Kourou is a town located in French Guiana, a region on the northeastern coast of South America. It is best known for being the site of the Guiana Space Centre, a major spaceport operated by the French government. The town has a population of around 25,000 residents and serves as a hub for both local culture and space-related activities. The area around Kourou features a tropical climate, with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. It is situated along the Kourou River, which provides access to the Atlantic Ocean. Kourou also has historical significance, having been a site for a former penal colony in the 19th century.