15 Facts About Suriname Most People Get Wrong
Suriname is home to 612K people across 163,820 km², making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet. It ranks 1st in the world for Dutch in Americas.
Below are 15 facts about Suriname, covering history, geography, economy and culture, including several that regularly surprise people who think they already know the country.
15 Facts About Suriname
A complete overview of Suriname's history, geography, economy and culture, covering everything from population and borders to language, climate and travel.
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America.
93% of Suriname is covered by pristine Amazon rainforest.
Suriname is the most ethnically diverse country in the Americas.
Paramaribo's inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suriname is located in South America, South America, with its capital city in Paramaribo.
The population of Suriname is approximately 612K, spread across 163,820 km² of territory.
Suriname has a population density of 4/km²: one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth.
Suriname has a coastline of 386 km, giving it access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism.
Suriname shares land borders with 3 countries: Guyana, Brazil, France.
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
Suriname uses the Surinamese Dollar (SRD) as its official currency.
Suriname gained independence in 1975, establishing itself as a sovereign nation in South America.
The total GDP of Suriname is $3.6B, with a GDP per capita of $5,882, classifying it as a lower-middle-income economy.
Suriname has a tropical, two dry seasons climate, with the best time to visit being February–April, August–October.
Suriname is considered a Budget–Mid destination for travellers, with meals averaging $4–9.
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America and one of the most ethnically diverse countries on Earth, its population includes descendants of African slaves, Indian and Javanese contract workers, indigenous Amerindians and Dutch colonists.
🏆 Suriname World Rankings
Suriname holds several notable world rankings; here is how it compares globally:
Famous Places in Suriname
Suriname is home to several remarkable landmarks and destinations that draw visitors from around the world:
🏛️ Paramaribo Historic Inner City
UNESCO best-preserved Dutch colonial town in the Americas, wooden buildings and a unique Creole character
🌿 Central Suriname Nature Reserve
UNESCO vast pristine Amazon rainforest, jaguars, giant otters and over 400 bird species
🦜 Brownsberg Nature Park
A hilltop reserve overlooking a lake, monkeys, tapirs and spectacular sunsets
🌳 Maroon Villages
Communities of descendants of escaped slaves who maintained African traditions deep in the jungle
Frequently Asked Questions About Suriname
What is Suriname famous for?
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America and one of the most ethnically diverse countries on Earth, its population includes descendants of African slaves, Indian and Javanese contract workers, indigenous Amerindians and Dutch colonists.
What is the capital of Suriname?
The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo.
What is the population of Suriname?
Suriname has a population of approximately 612K as of 2026.
What language do they speak in Suriname?
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
When did Suriname become an independent country?
Suriname gained independence in 1975.
What currency does Suriname use?
Suriname uses the Surinamese Dollar (SRD).
What is the GDP of Suriname?
Suriname has a GDP of $3.6B, with a GDP per capita of $5,882.
Where is Suriname located?
Suriname is located in South America, South America.
Is Suriname safe to visit?
Safety conditions in Suriname vary by region. Always check your government's official travel advisory before visiting.
What are some fun facts about Suriname?
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America. 93% of Suriname is covered by pristine Amazon rainforest. Suriname is the most ethnically diverse country in the Americas.
What are some interesting facts about Suriname?
93% of Suriname is covered by pristine Amazon rainforest. Suriname is the most ethnically diverse country in the Americas. Paramaribo's inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suriname facts: what should I know?
Suriname is a country in South America with a population of 612K. Its capital is Paramaribo and its official language is Dutch. Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America.
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