Suriname
Suriname is a small and culturally diverse country on the northeastern coast of South America. It is located between Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north.
Quick Facts
- Official name: Republic of Suriname
- Capital: Paramaribo
- Population: Around 630,000
- Area: About 163,820 km²
- Official language: Dutch
- Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
- Independence: November 25, 1975
- Country calling code: +597
- Internet domain:
.sr - Time zone: UTC−3
- Continent: South America
Geography
Suriname has a relatively small population compared with its land area. Much of the southern part of the country is covered by tropical rainforest.
Its borders are:
- North: Atlantic Ocean
- West: Guyana
- East: French Guiana
- South: Brazil
The majority of the population lives in the northern coastal region, particularly around Paramaribo.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname.
The historic center of Paramaribo is famous for its distinctive colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Important landmarks include:
- Fort Zeelandia
- Presidential Palace
- Independence Square
- Waterkant
- Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
- Paramaribo Historic Inner City
People and Culture
Suriname is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in South America.
Major communities include people of:
- Indian/South Asian descent
- African and Maroon descent
- Javanese/Indonesian descent
- Chinese descent
- European descent
- Indigenous American descent
- Mixed ancestry
This diversity is reflected in the country’s food, languages, religions, music, festivals, and traditions.
Languages
Dutch is the official language, but several other languages are widely used.
These include:
- Dutch
- Sranan Tongo
- Sarnami Hindustani
- Javanese
- English
- Maroon languages
- Indigenous languages
Sranan Tongo is particularly important as a common everyday language.
Religion
Suriname has a highly diverse religious population.
Major religious traditions include:
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Judaism
- Indigenous spiritual traditions
One interesting feature of Paramaribo is the historic presence of different religious communities close to one another.
History
Suriname’s history was strongly influenced by Dutch colonialism.
During the colonial period, plantations became an important part of the economy and relied heavily on enslaved labor. After slavery was abolished, large numbers of contract workers were brought from places including India and Java.
This migration played a major role in creating the multicultural society that exists in Suriname today.
Suriname became independent from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975.
Economy
Suriname has a resource-based economy.
Important economic sectors include:
Gold
Gold mining has historically been one of the country’s major sources of export revenue.
Oil
Offshore oil discoveries have attracted significant international attention and investment.
Agriculture
Important agricultural products include:
- Rice
- Bananas
- Sugar
- Citrus
- Vegetables
Forestry
Suriname possesses enormous forest resources, making forestry another important economic activity.
Rainforests and Wildlife
A huge portion of Suriname remains covered by tropical rainforest.
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is one of the country’s most important protected areas.
Wildlife includes:
- Jaguars
- Giant river otters
- Tapirs
- Sloths
- Monkeys
- Anacondas
- Caimans
- Numerous tropical bird species
Suriname is particularly interesting for people interested in rainforest ecology and biodiversity.
Sea Turtles
The country’s Atlantic coastline is an important nesting area for several species of sea turtles.
The leatherback sea turtle, one of the world’s largest sea turtles, is among the species associated with Suriname’s coastal areas.
Food
Surinamese cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural population.
Popular dishes include:
- Pom — a famous Surinamese dish with roots in the country’s Jewish and Creole communities
- Roti — influenced by South Asian cuisine
- Saoto soup — influenced by Javanese cuisine
- Moksi alesi — a rice-based dish
- Bami
- Nasi
- Various Chinese-, Indian-, Javanese-, African-, and Indigenous-influenced dishes
Football
Football is extremely popular in Suriname.
The country has had a particularly strong cultural influence on Dutch football because many famous Dutch footballers have Surinamese ancestry.
Notable examples include:
- Ruud Gullit
- Frank Rijkaard
- Clarence Seedorf
- Edgar Davids
- Patrick Kluivert
Major Cities and Places
Besides Paramaribo, some notable towns and locations include:
- Lelydorp
- Nieuw Nickerie
- Moengo
- Albina
- Brokopondo
- Nieuw Amsterdam
Interesting Facts
- Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America by population.
- It is the only independent country in South America where Dutch is the official language.
- A large percentage of the country is covered by rainforest.
- Suriname has unusually high ethnic and religious diversity for a country of its size.
- Its culture combines South Asian, African, Indonesian, Chinese, European, Indigenous, and Caribbean influences.
- Suriname and the Netherlands have strong historical and cultural connections.
- The country’s interior contains vast areas with very low population density.
- Paramaribo’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Suriname’s coastline is important for sea turtle conservation.
- Despite its small population, Suriname has had a notable influence on Dutch football.
Suriname at a glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Suriname |
| Capital | Paramaribo |
| Region | Northeastern South America |
| Population | ~630,000 |
| Area | ~163,820 km² |
| Official language | Dutch |
| Currency | Surinamese Dollar |
| Independence | 1975 |
| Neighboring countries | Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana |
| Coastline | Atlantic Ocean |
| Main resources | Gold, oil, timber, agriculture |
| Major natural feature | Tropical rainforest |
| Calling code | +597 |
| Internet domain | .sr |