South AmericaSuriname
Discover Suriname - the smallest country in South America, where Dutch is spoken, rainforest covers 93% of the land, and cultures from every continent coexist.
Where Is Suriname?
Suriname is a country in South America. Its capital is Paramaribo.
- Capital Paramaribo
- Population 640K
- Area 163,820 km²
Suriname is one of the most unusual countries in the world. It's the smallest nation in South America, the only Dutch-speaking country on the continent, and 93% of its territory is covered in pristine tropical rainforest — the highest percentage of forest cover of any nation on Earth. The capital Paramaribo feels more like a Caribbean town than a South American city, with wooden Dutch colonial architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a synagogue next to a mosque, and street food from every continent.
The country's population of around 600,000 is one of the most ethnically diverse on Earth: Hindustani (Indian), Creole, Javanese, Maroon (descendants of escaped African slaves who built free communities in the jungle), Chinese, Indigenous, and European — all living in a remarkably peaceful mosaic. This diversity means you can eat roti, nasi goreng, pom (a Creole casserole), and Dutch bitterballen all in the same block. The interior is one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the planet, accessible mainly by small aircraft or dugout canoe, where Maroon and Indigenous communities maintain traditional ways of life.
At a glance
Largest cities in Suriname
Paramaribo
Lelydorp
Nieuw Nickerie
Famous people from Suriname
Ruud Gullit
SportDutch football legend of Surinamese descent, Ballon d'Or winner and AC Milan star
Edgar Davids
SportIconic Dutch midfielder of Surinamese descent, known for his distinctive goggles and tenacious play
Ronald Venetiaan
PoliticsMathematician who served as President of Suriname twice, stabilizing the country after military rule
Clark Accord
LiteratureSurinamese-Dutch novelist whose work The Source brought Surinamese culture to international attention
Traditional cuisine of Suriname
- Roti
- Hindustani-style flatbread with curried chicken or potatoes, the most popular street food in Paramaribo
- Pom
- Creole casserole made from pomtajer root and chicken, Suriname's national celebration dish
- Nasi Goreng
- Javanese-style fried rice reflecting Suriname's Indonesian heritage, a daily staple
- Bami
- Javanese-Surinamese fried noodles with vegetables and meat, found at every warung (food stall)
- Dawet
- Javanese-style iced drink with coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly
Nature and landmarks in Suriname
- Central Suriname Nature ReserveNational Park
- UNESCO World Heritage site covering 1.6 million hectares of pristine tropical rainforest, one of the largest protected areas in the world
- Brownsberg Nature ParkNational Park
- Tabletop mountain with waterfalls and panoramic views of the Brokopondo Reservoir and surrounding jungle
- Galibi Nature ReserveCoast
- Major sea turtle nesting site on the Atlantic coast where leatherback and green turtles lay their eggs
- RaleighvallenLandmark
- Remote nature reserve deep in the interior with Voltzberg granite dome and some of the world's best birdwatching
- Upper Suriname RiverRiver
- Pristine river corridor through dense rainforest, home to Maroon communities with centuries-old traditions
Sports in Suriname
- Football
- Many Surinamese-descent players became stars for the Netherlands, including Gullit, Rijkaard, Seedorf, and Davids
- Swimming
- Anthony Nesty won Suriname's only Olympic gold medal in the 100m butterfly in 1988
- Badminton
- Popular sport thanks to the Javanese community, with competitive players at the regional level
Did you know?
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America
93% of Suriname is covered in tropical rainforest, the highest forest cover percentage of any nation
Anthony Nesty's 1988 Olympic gold in swimming made Suriname the smallest country to ever win Olympic gold at the time
Paramaribo has a synagogue and mosque standing side by side, a symbol of the country's religious harmony
Suriname drives on the left despite being surrounded by countries that drive on the right
The country's population includes Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroon, Chinese, and Indigenous communities
Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, making it one of the youngest nations in the Americas
Can you find Suriname on a map?
Drop a pin where you think it is and see how close you got. A few rounds and you will place Suriname and its neighbours without a second thought.
