Suriname
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Sranan Tongo and other languages
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Suriname was a Dutch plantation colony, and Maroon communities won their freedom in the forest. It became independent from the Netherlands in 1975.
Culture
Suriname is one of the most diverse countries on earth, with Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroon, Indigenous and Chinese communities. A mosque and a synagogue stand side by side in Paramaribo.
Languages & Creoles
Dutch is the official language. Sranan Tongo is the common language, alongside Sarnami Hindustani, Javanese and Maroon and Indigenous languages.
Currency
The Surinamese dollar (SRD).
Popular Attractions
The historic inner city of Paramaribo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve and river lodges offer Amazon rainforest adventures.
Food
Roti, pom (a baked dish of chicken and pomtajer root), and Javanese bami and nasi are favourites. Street food stalls serve a mix of everything.
Places to Visit
Paramaribo, Commewijne plantations, Brownsberg Nature Park and the Upper Suriname River.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres