Suriname is located on the northeastern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west. Its strategic location along the Guiana Shield makes it a biodiversity hotspot and a haven for eco-tourism.
Geography
Climate
Suriname has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a rainy season from April to August and a dry season from September to March. The average annual temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with little variation between seasons.
Fauna
Suriname boasts a rich biodiversity, with dense rainforests teeming with diverse wildlife. The country is home to a wide variety of species, including jaguars, giant otters, caimans, and over 700 species of birds. Suriname’s coastal areas also support a diverse marine ecosystem, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.
Longest Rivers
The two longest rivers in Suriname are the Corantijn River and the Marowijne River, both of which form natural borders with neighboring countries. The Corantijn River marks the border with Guyana to the west, while the Marowijne River forms the border with French Guiana to the east.
Highest Mountains
Suriname’s landscape is relatively flat, with no significant mountain ranges. The highest point in the country is Juliana Top, also known as Juliana Peak, which rises to an elevation of 1,280 meters (4,199 feet) above sea level in the Wilhelmina Mountains.
History
Prehistory
The area that is now Suriname has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, including the Arawak and Carib tribes. These indigenous groups lived in harmony with nature, relying on subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing for their livelihoods.
Colonial Era
Suriname was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and became a lucrative colony known for its sugar, coffee, and cacao plantations. The Dutch West India Company established control over the colony and imported enslaved Africans to work on the plantations. Suriname remained under Dutch colonial rule until the 20th century.
Independence and Modern Age
Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, becoming a sovereign nation. The newly independent country faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic downturns, and social unrest. Despite these challenges, Suriname has made strides in democratic governance and economic development in recent years.
Demographics
Suriname has a diverse population composed of various ethnic and cultural groups. The largest ethnic groups include the Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroons, and Amerindians. The population is predominantly urban, with the majority residing in the capital city of Paramaribo and other urban centers along the coast.
Administrative Divisions
Suriname is divided into ten administrative districts, each with its own government and administrative structure. Here are the administrative divisions along with their respective populations:
- Paramaribo – Population: 250,000
- Wanica – Population: 120,000
- Nickerie – Population: 60,000
- Coronie – Population: 4,000
- Saramacca – Population: 100,000
- Commewijne – Population: 30,000
- Marowijne – Population: 25,000
- Para – Population: 25,000
- Brokopondo – Population: 20,000
- Sipaliwini – Population: 50,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in Suriname by population are:
- Paramaribo – Population: 250,000
- Lelydorp – Population: 20,000
- Nieuw Nickerie – Population: 15,000
- Moengo – Population: 10,000
- Albina – Population: 8,000
- Groningen – Population: 6,000
- Brokopondo – Population: 5,000
- Nieuw Amsterdam – Population: 4,000
- Totness – Population: 3,000
- Onverwacht – Population: 2,000
Education Systems
Education in Suriname is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 12, and is provided by the state as well as private institutions. The country has a well-developed educational system, with a network of schools, colleges, and universities offering a wide range of programs and degrees. Suriname is home to several universities, including Anton de Kom University of Suriname and the University of the West Indies Open Campus.
Transportation
Airports
Suriname has several airports, with Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport near Paramaribo being the main gateway for international flights. Other significant airports include Zorg en Hoop Airport and Moengo Airstrip.
Railways
Suriname does not have a railway network.
Highways
Suriname has a network of highways and roads, with the East-West Link connecting Paramaribo to Nieuw Nickerie and Albina. The total length of paved roads in the country is approximately 4,304 kilometers (2,675 miles).
Ports
Suriname has several ports along its coast, including the Port of Paramaribo, which handles the majority of the country’s maritime trade. Other significant ports include the Port of Nieuw Nickerie and the Port of Albina.
Country Facts
- Population: 600,000
- Capital: Paramaribo
- Languages: Dutch (official), Sranan Tongo, Hindustani, Javanese, English
- Religion: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
- Ethnicity: Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroons, Amerindians
- Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
- ISO Country Code: SR
- International Calling Code: +597
- Top-Level Domain: .sr