Map of Suriname - South American Countries, Suriname Map Information Geography

SURINAME

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A Brief Description

Arawak and Carib Indians lived on the northern edges of South America for centuries. In 1498, the Spanish explorer, Alonso de Ojeda (accompanying Columbus on his second voyage to the New World) is generally considered the first European to discover what is now called Suriname.

Dutch settlement on the continent began in the early 17th century at the mouths of several rivers between present-day Georgetown, Guyana - and Cayenne, French Guiana; with Suriname becoming a Dutch colony in 1667.

Even though the land was briefly held by the English, it was the Dutch that controlled and influenced Suriname for almost 300 years.

Over time, the Dutch colonial plantations began to decline, as the distant Dutch government was supplying less financial support to its colony.

In the early 20th century - a turn around - when the American firm ALCOA invested in the indigenous bauxite deposits, and Suriname's economy surged, and it became the world's leading supplier of same.

Later in the century, on the long road to independence, Suriname became an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and finally gained independence on November 25, 1975.

Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared Suriname a socialist republic. It continued to rule through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election.

In 1989, the military replaced (overthrew) the civilian government, but a democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991, and remains to this day.

Read more about the details and history of Suriname here!

A thick Suriname rain forest Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures

Name Suriname

(long form) Republic of Suriname

Population 438,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Paramaribo (250,000)

Currency Surinam dollar (SRD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo, others

Flag here

National Day November 25

Religions Hindu (27%), Protestant (25%), Catholic (23%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)

5º 50' N, 55º 10' W

Relative Location Suriname is positioned in the northern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northern edge of South America, and bordered by Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 240 miles (386 km)

Land Areas

(land) 62,343 sq miles (161,470 sq km)

(water) 695 sq miles (1,800 sq km)

(TOTAL) 63,038 sq miles (163,270 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Suriname can be divided into two main geographic regions; the coastal lowlands of the north, and the tropical rainforests and savanna of the west and south.

A few small mountain ranges disect the fertile land, with the De Hann and Van Asch Van Wijck the most significant.

Suriname is home to the WJ van Bloomenstein Lake, one of the largest reservoir lakes on the planet; created by a river dam, it provides hydro power for many of the country's industries.

Almost 14% of Suriname is allocated to a series of National Parks (NP) and Nature Reserves (NR).

Suriname is a land of rivers, and major ones include the Coppename, Corantyne, Gran, Lucie, Marowijne and Saramacca.

Highest Pt. Jualiana Top - 4,035 ft. (1,230 m)

Lowest Pt. unnamed location along the coastal plain - (-6.5 ft.) (-2 m) below sea level

Land Divisions 10 districts, including: Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini and Wanica.

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Maps

Suriname (large color) Map here

Suriname Outline Map here

Suriname CIA version here

Suriname Maps at UT here

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South America (Country Test) here!

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World Outline Maps (printable) here

World Time Zone Map here

Recommended Links

Suriname (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Embassy of Suriname (Washington, DC) web site

Suriname Photos at TrekEarth.com here

Suriname Tourism here

Suriname Tourist Guide here

Suriname Tourism Foundation here

Colorful South American parrots Travel the World through Poster Art!

Time and Weather

Climate Suriname's position - just to the north of the Equator - results in tropical weather conditions, with hot and humid days, moderately cooled by trade winds.

There are two rainy seasons, with rather heavy afternoon showers, (December - January) and the longer rainy season (April to July).

The average daily high temperature in Paramaribo is near 85° F, with higher average temps in the low 90s (September - November). Average lows remain in the mid 70s throughout the year.

Traveler Info

Attractions: Suriname remains one of the few unspoiled destinations on the planet.

Almost 70% of its land is covered by tropical rain forest, and the country presents a stunning series of quality National Parks, Nature Reserves and other protected areas.

Major attractions include Paramaribo, a "melting pot" of Chinese, Dutch, Hindustani, Indian and Javanese cultures, and its old colonial-style wooden buildings, the central market, Presidential Palace, Independence Square and historic Fort Zeelandia.

For adventure travelers, the interior regions of the country include many older plantation structures and eco-tours of the tropical rain forest. Note that most tour guides utilize Suriname's rivers, as travel by boat is expedient, and offers a wonderful opportunity to view the beauty of the country.

Most western government agencies warn their citizens that criminal activity in Suriname is on the rise and foreigners may be viewed as targets of opportunity.

Pick pocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping districts of the capital. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public.

Country Dialing Code 597

Electricity Suriname uses 127 volts AC (60 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings here

PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS

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