Suriname, Independent nation in northern South America, bordering Brazil, Guyana and French Guiana
Description
This South American nation lies along the Atlantic coast, covered for more than nine-tenths by rainforest through which many rivers flow. The coastline stretches about 240 miles and includes mangrove forest and wetlands, while the land rises from coastal plains to forested hills in the south, where the highest point reaches 4,219 feet.
History
The Dutch took control during the 17th century and developed plantations worked by enslaved Africans until 1863. After abolition, contract laborers from India and Java were brought in, before independence was achieved on November 25, 1975.
Culture
The name comes from the indigenous Surinen people who once lived along the riverbanks. Today you hear Dutch, Sranan Tongo, Hindi, Javanese and several other languages spoken in the streets, while mosques stand next to temples and churches.
Practical
Travelers need a tourist card for 25 euros per person, available before departure to Paramaribo at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The dry season from February to April and August to November offers better conditions for trips into the interior, while the international airport sits about 28 miles south of the capital with taxis and car rentals at the terminal.
Did you know?
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers 1.6 million hectares of primary tropical forest with 1,890 plant species and 440 bird species. As the only Dutch-speaking nation in South America, it hosts more than 15 ethnic groups, representing one of the highest diversities per capita on the continent.
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Fort Zeelandia
213.8 km
Brokopondo Reservoir
135.9 km
's Lands Hospitaal
214 km
Arya Diwaker
211.9 km
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
51.6 km
Presidential Palace of Suriname
213.9 km
Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo
213.9 km
Kwakoe
213.1 km
Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge
211.2 km
Mosque Keizerstraat
213.6 km
Neveh Shalom Synagogue
213.6 km
Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam
223 kmColakreek
174.6 km
Brownsberg Nature Park
134 km
Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion
209.5 kmJuliana Top
72.1 kmWerehpai
207.2 km
Baba and Mai
214 kmTafelberg Nature Reserve
4.3 km
Garden of Palms
214 km
Sint Vincentius Hospital
214.3 km
Paramaribo Zoo
215.5 kmTafelberg
30.3 km
Wagenwegstraat 22, Paramaribo
213.7 kmGalibi
291.8 km
Gedenkteken revolutie
195.9 km
Wonotobo Falls
209.5 kmBigi Pan Special Management Area
220.6 km
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