Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Suriname is located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America, bordered by Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana.
• Over 90% of its territory is covered by tropical rainforest.
• Major natural features include the Suriname River, Brokopondo Reservoir, and Wilhelmina Mountains.
• Climate: tropical rainforest with year-round warmth and significant rainfall.
• Best time to visit: February–April and August–November.
• National parks: Central Suriname Nature Reserve (UNESCO), Brownsberg, Galibi Nature Reserve.
• Wildlife includes jaguars, giant river otters, tapirs, macaws, and leatherback turtles.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, mining pollution, mercury contamination from gold mining.
• Unique feature: one of the world’s most pristine untouched rainforests.

Demographics

• Total population: ~630,000.
• Median age: ~30 years.
• Urban population: ~70% (mainly around Paramaribo).
• Ethnic groups: Indo-Surinamese, Afro-Surinamese, Maroons, Javanese, Indigenous Amerindians, Chinese, mixed heritage.
• Religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean beliefs.
• Literacy rate: ~95%.
• Major cities: Paramaribo, Lelydorp, Nieuw Nickerie, Moengo.

History

• Originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indigenous peoples.
• Colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and became part of the Dutch Empire.
• Plantation economy based on African slave labor; later indentured labor from India and Java shaped cultural diversity.
• Achieved independence on 25 November 1975.
• Experienced military rule in the 1980s, returning to democracy in the 1990s.
• Recent history includes economic reforms, mining expansion, and political stabilization.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
• Executive: President elected by the National Assembly.
• Legislature: unicameral National Assembly.
• Judiciary: Court of Justice of Suriname.
• Administrative divisions: 10 districts.
• Key political issues: economic recovery, inflation control, natural resource management.

Economy

• Economy relies heavily on mining, especially gold, bauxite, and oil.
• Major industries: mining, forestry, agriculture, fishing, tourism.
• Main exports: gold, oil, bananas, rice, shrimp, lumber.
• Main imports: food, machinery, fuel, manufactured goods.
• Strengths: rich natural resources, growing oil potential.
• Weaknesses: inflation, debt, reliance on commodity prices.
• GDP sectors: Services (~50%), Industry (~35%), Agriculture (~15%).
• Suriname is developing offshore oil reserves expected to grow economy significantly.

Culture & Society

• A truly multicultural society shaped by African, Indian, Javanese, Indigenous, and European influences.
• Major festivals: Holi (Phagwah), Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Maroon Day, Indigenous Day.
• Traditional dress varies by ethnic group, especially during ceremonies and festivals.
• Music: kaseko, kawina, Hindustani music, Javanese gamelan influences.
• Languages: Dutch (official), Sranan Tongo widely spoken, plus Hindi, Javanese, and Indigenous languages.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Pom — a baked casserole of chicken and pomtajer root.
• Popular dishes: Roti, Moksi Alesi, Bami, Saoto Soup, Pastei.
• Street foods: bara, pholourie, baka bana, saté.
• Beverages: dawet, ginger beer, Surinamese rum.
• Surinamese cuisine blends Creole, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, and Indigenous flavors.

Education & Institutions

• Medium of instruction: Dutch.
• Literacy rate: ~95%.
• Top institutions: Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Suriname Polytechnic College.
• Key academic fields: agriculture, engineering, mining, medicine, environmental sciences.

Tourism

• Top attractions: Paramaribo Historic Inner City (UNESCO), Brownsberg Nature Park, Galibi Beach, Raleighvallen.
• Natural attractions: rainforest treks, waterfalls, turtle nesting beaches, rivers.
• Historical landmarks: Fort Zeelandia, colonial wooden architecture.
• Adventure tourism: jungle expeditions, birdwatching, river cruises.
• Visa requirements: varies by nationality; e-visas available.
• Transportation: buses, taxis, river boats; limited interior road access.

Practical Information

• Safety: generally safe; caution advised at night in urban areas.
• Healthcare: adequate in Paramaribo; limited in interior regions.
• Emergency numbers: Police 115, Ambulance 113, Fire 110.
• Plug type: A, B, C, & F; Voltage: 127/220V.
• Internet: widely available in cities; slower in remote areas.
• Best time to visit: February–April and August–November.
• Budget: moderate; eco-tourism packages can be costly.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sport: football.
• Famous athletes: Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids (Dutch footballers of Surinamese origin).
• Culture: kaseko music, Afro-Caribbean dance, Hindustani celebrations.
• Notable figures: Anton de Kom (writer and activist), Ronnie Brunswijk (political figure), poets and artists from diverse backgrounds.

Neighboring Countries of Suriname

Suriname is located on the northeastern coast of South America and borders three countries: French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west, and Brazil to the south. To the north, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Famous For

• Pristine Amazon rainforest.
• Diverse multicultural society.
• Historic wooden buildings in Paramaribo.
• Rare wildlife and turtle nesting sites.
• Gold and bauxite mining.
• Cultural festivals and ethnic diversity.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Suriname General Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
• Official Government Publications