Flag of Suriname

Suriname

South America

Suriname is a country in South America, home to 640,000 people, with an area of 163,820 km². Its capital is Paramaribo.

Suriname
Capital
Paramaribo
Population
640,000
Area
163,820 km²
Region
South America
Density
3.9 / km²
Status
Sovereign state
Suriname · South America · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Suriname is known for

Suriname is best known for Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Brownsberg Nature Park and Galibi Nature Reserve.

Suriname is a small country located on the northeastern coast of South America. It is known for its tropical rainforests, diverse culture, and vibrant wildlife.

Suriname at a glance

Language
Dutch is the official language, with Sranan Tongo, Hindi, and Javanese also widely spoken
Currency
Surinamese dollar (SRD)
Religion
Christianity and Hinduism are the predominant religions in Suriname, with a significant Muslim minority
National dish
Surinamese cuisine is a blend of African, Indian, Indonesian, and Dutch influences, and includes dishes such as roti, pom, and bara
Climate
Suriname has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year
Main industries
Bauxite and gold mining, alumina and aluminum production, oil, lumber, food processing, and tourism
GDP
$4.8 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development
Suriname is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 134 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Suriname

Some of the main tourist attractions in Suriname include:

  • Central Suriname Nature Reserve a vast protected area in central Suriname known for its pristine rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  • Brownsberg Nature Park a national park located in the Suriname rainforest that offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
  • Galibi Nature Reserve a protected area on the northeastern coast of Suriname that is home to sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Paramaribo the capital city of Suriname, known for its historic architecture, lively marketplaces, and diverse cultural heritage.
  • Fort Zeelandia a historic fort in Paramaribo that now houses a museum about Suriname's history and culture.
  • Blanche Marie Falls a beautiful waterfall located in western Suriname that is popular for hiking and swimming.
  • Brownsberg Nature Reserve a national park located in the Suriname rainforest that offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
  • Warappa Creek a scenic creek located in northeastern Suriname that is popular for kayaking and wildlife watching.
  • Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral a historic cathedral in Paramaribo that is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Tafelberg Mountain a mountain located in central Suriname that is popular for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Suriname has to offer. The country is also known for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Suriname Keti Koti Festival and the Phagwah Festival.

Suriname in pictures

Suriname
Suriname
Suriname

Suriname on video

The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.

Suriname compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South America.

CountryPopulationAreaCapital
Flag of ParaguayParaguay6.9 million406,752 km²Asunción
Flag of UruguayUruguay3.4 million176,215 km²Montevideo
Flag of GuyanaGuyana840,000214,969 km²Georgetown
Flag of SurinameSuriname640,000163,820 km²Paramaribo

Ranked 164th of 195 countries by population and 90th by area.

Questions about Suriname

What is the capital of Suriname?

The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo.

How many people live in Suriname?

About 640,000 people. Ranked 164th of 195 countries by population and 90th by area.

How big is Suriname?

Suriname covers 163,820 km², in South America.

What is Suriname known for?

Suriname is best known for Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Brownsberg Nature Park and Galibi Nature Reserve.

What language is spoken in Suriname?

Dutch is the official language, with Sranan Tongo, Hindi, and Javanese also widely spoken.

What currency is used in Suriname?

Surinamese dollar (SRD).

Is Suriname a country?

Yes. Suriname is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.

Keep going