10 fun and interesting Suriname facts

1. The vibrant capital city of Paramaribo

The vibrant capital city of Suriname, Paramaribo, is situated on the banks of the Suriname River. This bustling city is home to a rich history, and in 2002, the historic inner city of Paramaribo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition is a testament to the city's unique cultural and architectural heritage, and visitors to Paramaribo can explore the many colonial-era buildings, churches, and monuments that make up the city's landscape.

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2. Suriname's Official Currency is the Suriname Dollar

Suriname, a small country located in the northern part of South America, has the Suriname dollar as its official currency. The Suriname dollar is divided into 100 cents and is issued by the Central Bank of Suriname. It is pegged to the United States dollar at a rate of 1 USD to 4.29 SRD. The Suriname dollar is accepted as legal tender in both Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles.

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3. Football is the Major Sport in Suriname

Football is the major sport in Suriname, and the country has produced some of the most famous Dutch footballers of all time. Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, and Nigel de Jong are all of Surinamese descent, and have achieved great success in the sport. Gullit was a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Rijkaard won the European Cup with AC Milan, and de Jong was part of the Netherlands team that reached the 2010 World Cup Final.

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4. Suriname's Diversity is on Display at Its Festivals

Suriname is a culturally diverse country, with the largest ethnic group being the Hindustani. This group is followed by Creole communities, Javanese, Maroons, and Amerindians, each of which bring their own unique customs and traditions to the country. The Hindustani, for example, are known for their colorful clothing and vibrant music, while the Creole communities are known for their delicious cuisine and vibrant festivals. The Javanese are known for their intricate woodworking and traditional dances, while the Maroons are known for their unique language and spiritual practices. Finally, the Amerindians are known for their traditional crafts and spiritual beliefs. All of these groups contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Suriname.

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5. Suriname's Many Languages

Suriname, a small country located in South America, has Dutch as its official language. However, there are also a variety of other languages spoken in the region, including Sranan Tongo, Hindi, Bhojpuri, English, Sarnami, Javanese, Hakka and Malay. These languages are used by the various ethnic groups that make up the population of Suriname, and are an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

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6. Dutch is the Official Language in Suriname

Suriname is a unique country in South America, as it is the only one where Dutch is the official language. Dutch is spoken by a large portion of the population, making it the most widely spoken language in the country. This is a stark contrast to the other countries in South America, where Spanish, Portuguese, and various indigenous languages are the primary languages. The Dutch influence in Suriname is a result of its colonial history, as it was a Dutch colony for over 300 years.

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7. A Country of Tropical Rainforests

Suriname is a country of lush, tropical rainforests, with an estimated 80% of its landscape covered in these verdant forests. The highest point in the country is Juliana Top, a mountain peak reaching 1,230 meters above sea level. This unique landscape is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

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8. A Tropical Paradise

Suriname is a tropical country located close to the equator, making it hot and humid year-round. The climate is moderated by strong winds, which help to keep temperatures from becoming too extreme. The average temperature in Suriname is around 27°C (80°F), with humidity levels often reaching 80%. Rainfall is abundant, with the wet season lasting from April to August.

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9. Suriname celebrates independence with joy

On November 25, 1975, Suriname achieved a momentous milestone in its history when it gained independence from the Dutch government. This event marked the end of a long struggle for freedom and self-determination, and the beginning of a new era for the South American nation. The independence of Suriname was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, and the country has since gone on to become a vibrant and diverse democracy.

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10. Suriname's Economy Driven by Bauxite Industry

Suriname's economy is largely driven by the bauxite industry, with commerce playing a supporting role. The country's main trading partners are the Netherlands, United States, Canada, and various Caribbean nations. Suriname's bauxite industry is responsible for the majority of the country's exports, with the Netherlands being the largest importer of Surinamese bauxite. Additionally, the United States and Canada are major importers of Surinamese goods, while the Caribbean countries are important trading partners for the country's services sector.