Devil's Island is a former penal colony located off the coast of French Guiana. It was one of three islands that made up the French penal colony known as "Iles du Salut," which operated from 1852 to 1953. Devil's Island is the smallest and most infamous of the three islands and is known for its brutal conditions and high mortality rate. Inmates were sent to Devil's Island for political crimes, as well as for common crimes.
The island is located about 5 miles off the coast of French Guiana and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense jungle. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, including disease, malnourishment, and extreme heat. Inmates were forced to perform hard labor and were subjected to inhumane treatment.
Despite its grim history, Devil's Island has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Visitors can take a ferry from the mainland to visit the abandoned prison buildings, including the main prison, the hospital, and the governor's house. The island is also home to a small museum that showcases the history of the penal colony and the lives of the prisoners who were once held there.