The Tacoma Times. January 29 1916

Tiny nation of Counani,next to Brazil, is now fighting with the Allies in Europe

Counani sends 300 soldiers to fight in the front lines of Europe

The Republic of Independent Guyana (French: La République de la Guyane indépendante) commonly referred to by the name of the capital Counani (rendered "Cunani" in Portuguese by the Brazilians), was a short-lived independent state in South America.

Some years after, in 1904 a French named Adolphe Brezet self-proclaimed himself "Président de l'État libre de Counani".

This "special" State had a constitution, a flag and issued some stamps. It was never recognized by Brazil and France, but the South African Boer Republicsopened diplomatic relations with Brezet (who had fought for them previously) during the Boer wars.

With the discovery of gold and the increasing value of rubber on the international market during the 19th century, outsider population increased in Amapá and the territorial dispute with France was brought to a head. French settlers established the State of Counani (1886-1891). The gold rush however brought in Brazilian interests who gained control of the territory, which led to clashes with the French. The dispute was sent for arbitration and on December 1, 1900, the Arbitration Commission of Genevaceded possession of the territory to Brazil . It was incorporated it into the state of Pará, with the joint name of Araguari (named for the river of the same name). It became the federal territory of Amapá in 1943.