Suriname
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Suriname
Suriname: A Jewel of Diversity in the Heart of South America
Suriname, a nation nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, is a country that defies easy categorization. Often overlooked in favor of its larger, more prominent neighbors, Suriname is a vibrant tapestry woven from a multitude of cultures, a rich and complex history, and an astonishingly biodiverse natural landscape. Its moniker, The Green Heart of South America, hints at the vast expanse of pristine rainforest that blankets much of its territory, a testament to its commitment to conservation and its unique ecological significance. This relatively small nation, with its capital Paramaribo standing as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a compelling narrative of human migration, colonial legacies, and the enduring spirit of its people. Exploring Suriname is an immersion into a world where African, Asian, Indigenous, and European influences converge, creating a unique cultural mosaic that is as captivating as its verdant interior.
The demographics of Suriname are a direct reflection of its tumultuous and fascinating history. The countrys population, numbering just over 600,000, is remarkably diverse, making it one of the most ethnically heterogeneous nations in the Americas. The largest ethnic group is the Hindustani, descendants of indentured laborers brought from British India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work on plantations after the abolition of slavery. Their cultural influence is palpable in the cuisine, music, and religious practices prevalent throughout the country. Following closely are the Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped to the interior rainforests and established independent communities. These groups, such as the Saramaccan and the Ndjuka, have preserved many of their ancestral traditions, languages, and social structures, offering a unique glimpse into African heritage in the diaspora. The Javanese, descendants of laborers from the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), form another significant segment of the population, contributing their own distinct culinary and cultural traditions. Indigenous peoples, including the Carib and Arawak tribes, have inhabited this land for millennia and continue to play a vital role in its cultural and ecological preservation. Finally, a smaller but influential group of Creoles, of mixed European and African ancestry, along with European expatriates and people of Chinese descent, further enrich the nations diverse makeup. This intricate blend of ethnicities has fostered a society characterized by a remarkable degree of inter-ethnic harmony and a shared sense of Surinamese identity, a testament to the countrys ability to integrate its varied populations.
Surinames history is a chronicle of colonization, exploitation, and eventual independence. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the region began to attract European attention in the 16th century. The English were the first to establish a colony in 1651, but it was later ceded to the Dutch in exchange for New Amsterdam (modern-day New York) in 1667, marking the beginning of Dutch rule that would last for over three centuries. Under Dutch colonial administration, Suriname became a major producer of sugar, coffee, cocoa, and other valuable commodities, fueled by the brutal labor of enslaved Africans. The abolition of slavery in 1863 led to a severe labor shortage, prompting the Dutch to recruit indentured laborers from India and Indonesia, shaping the countrys demographic landscape for generations to come. Suriname gained internal autonomy in 1954 and finally achieved full independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. The post-independence period has been marked by political instability, including a military coup in 1980 and a subsequent period of authoritarian rule, followed by a return to democratic governance. Despite these challenges, Suriname has strived to forge its own path, navigating the complexities of its colonial past and embracing its multicultural present.
Geographically, Suriname is a land of striking contrasts, dominated by its vast tropical rainforests and a relatively short but crucial coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country is situated in the Amazon basin, with approximately 93% of its landmass covered by dense, biodiverse rainforest. This immense forest cover makes Suriname one of the most forested countries in the world, playing a critical role in global carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation. The interior is characterized by rolling hills, rivers, and waterfalls, with the highest point being the Julianatop at 1,280 meters. The countrys major rivers, such as the Suriname River, Coppename River, and Maroni River, are vital for transportation, water resources, and hydroelectric power. The coastal plain, where the majority of the population resides, is a fertile region characterized by mangroves and agricultural lands. This geographical dichotomy between the accessible, populated coast and the wild, untamed interior has shaped the countrys development and its peoples relationship with their environment.
The Surinamese economy, while historically reliant on agriculture, has seen a significant shift towards the extraction of natural resources, particularly bauxite, gold, and timber. Bauxite, the primary ore for aluminum, was once the backbone of the economy, though its importance has somewhat diminished in recent years due to fluctuating global prices and depletion of easily accessible reserves. Gold mining, both legal and artisanal, has become increasingly significant, contributing substantially to exports. The timber industry also plays a crucial role, with Suriname possessing vast reserves of valuable hardwoods. Agriculture remains important, with rice, bananas, and palm oil being key export crops. Tourism, though still in its nascent stages, is recognized as a sector with considerable potential, leveraging the countrys unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. The government has been actively seeking to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, aiming to create a more sustainable and resilient economic future for the nation.
Suriname offers a wealth of tourist attractions, primarily centered around its pristine natural environment and rich cultural heritage. The capital city, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting a remarkable collection of well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture, including the iconic Fort Zeelandia and the Presidential Palace. The citys bustling markets, such as the Central Market, are vibrant hubs of activity, offering a sensory overload of local produce, spices, and handicrafts. Beyond the capital, the countrys true allure lies in its vast rainforests. Eco-lodges and jungle resorts provide opportunities for visitors to experience the breathtaking biodiversity of the Amazon. Activities such as jungle trekking, birdwatching, river safaris, and visiting indigenous and Maroon villages offer immersive cultural and ecological encounters. The Brownsberg Nature Park, with its stunning views and diverse wildlife, and the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, are prime destinations for nature enthusiasts. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the countrys heritage, exploring the historical plantations, many of which have been converted into museums or guest houses, offers a poignant glimpse into the era of slavery and indentured labor. Surinames commitment to preserving its natural and cultural landscapes makes it an increasingly attractive destination for travelers seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Information about Suriname
The information comes from the publication CIA The World Factbook.
Automated text translation, excuse errors, please!
Country Suriname is situated in a location / continent South America. Suriname has an area of 163 820 km2 and 560 157 residents. The highest point has a height 1 230 above sea level. and it is called Juliana Top. The lowest point is located at the level of -2 above sea level and it is named unnamed location on the coast. System of government is republic and the date of independence 25th November 1975. The capital city is Paramaribo. Suriname has the international abbreviation NS.
Suriname - economy
Total gross domestic product (GDP) is 5 125 000 000 $. Total gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power parity is 9 600 $. GDP grows by 4.50 % a year. Inflation (consumer price index) is equal to 19.50 % a year. Suriname have 165 600 working-age population (from a total population 560 157 people). Unemployment is at 9.00 %. Suriname issued 7.60 % GDP to healt care and 0,60 % GDP to army. The total amount of foreign debt is 504 300 000 USD.
Suriname - demography
As suggested above, Suriname has 560 157 people. Population growth is in the amount 1.22 % per year. Number of children born per 1000 population per year is 17.44.Every mother has average 2.08 children. The infant mortality rate is 28.94 and maternal mortality 130.00 deaths per 100,000 births. Average estimated life expectancy makes 71.12 years. Mortality is 6.17 people per 1000 population per year.
Suriname - transport and telecommunications
Suriname has 4 304 km of roads and 47 airports. The total length of waterways (navigable rivers, canals, etc.) is 1 200 km.
Number of active mobile phones (sim card) in the country Suriname is 947 000. Number of active fixed telephone lines is 85 500. Suriname has 163 000 internet users, who have the available 186 Internet connections. Suriname has been assigned a domain first Choose range .sr.
Suriname - energetics
Suriname consumes a year 1 463 000 000 kWh of electricity. Annual electricity production is 1 603 000 000 kWh in power plants with a total installed electrical capacity 389 000 kW. Suriname exports 0 kWh and imports 0 kWh of electricity per year Energy mix of power generation is as follows: fossil fuels: 51.4 %, nuclear energy: 0 %, renewable: 0.0 %, hydropower: 48.6 %. The country Suriname is harvested annually 16 000 barrels of oil.
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