General information about Suriname:
Suriname is a large country with just a handful of inhabitants. A country with a Caribbean vibe and different communities living in harmony with each other. They learn each others customs and learn to respect each others beliefs. Suriname is a country where a Chinese enjoys a typical Indian dish, a roti with delicious curry dressing, while on the other corner a Javanese is enjoying a delicious ‘’bravoe’’ (Creole soup). Suriname is also famous for its mosque and synagogue situated right next to each other. Suriname is the place to be for the tourist who seeks the sun with a warm temperature, untouched nature with a diversity of flora and fauna, culture, adventure, history and last but not least delicious meals!
History
The name Suriname is most likely diverted of Surinen, a former native tribe that used to live here. Suriname was also called Dutch-Guyana. In 2002 Paramaribo joined the World Heritage Centre Fund of the Unesco. This means that no historical monumental buildings may be rebuilt or destroyed. The buildings can be renovated, but the original architecture may not be altered. There are still original buildings from 1882. A good example is the cathedral; this building is the biggest and oldest building in the entire Caribbean area.
Location and limitation
Suriname is situated in the South American Continent, limited by the Atlantic Ocean in the North, Guyana in the West, French-Guyana in the East and Brazil in the South. Paramaribo, the capital and also one of the 10 districts, is situated in the coast region. The other 9 districts are: Nickerie, Coronie, Commewijne, Marowijne, Para, Brokopondo, Saramacca, Sipaliwinie en Wanica.
The size
Suriname has a total surface of +/- 163.265 km². 70 – 80% of the surface is covered with tropical rainforest, also known as the Amazon Rainforest. The largest part of the entire population lives in Paramaribo. Large areas of the tropical jungle still consist of “virginal woods”.
Population
Suriname has a multi-racial population with a variety of different cultural expressions. The entire population consists of +/- 494.000 heads. 55% of the inhabitants live in and around the city of Paramaribo. Suriname's population consists of several distinct ethnic groups. The biggest ethnic groups are the East Indians (known locally as Hindustanis), followed by the Creoles, the Javanese and the Chinese.
Seasons
Suriname has several different seasons: the Big Rainy Season (April – June), the Big Dry season (July – October), the Small Rainy Season (November – January) and the Small Dry Season (February – April). Suriname has a tropical damp climate and some of the characteristics are the local showers and the many tree kinds that are spread through the entire forest.
Temperature
The tropical damp climate can vary between 23 and 32 degrees Celsius. In the morning and afternoon you can enjoy the sun, followed by cool breezes in the evening that will cool you down.
Culture
Suriname has many ethnic groups. Some of them are the Natives, the Creoles, the Hindustanis, the Javanese and the Chinese. All these ethnic groups have their own culture and they still maintain the same traditions as their ancestors; like song, dance, music, eating habits and their beautiful costumes.
Language
Dutch is the official language of Suriname. Besides Dutch, different dialects are spoken by all the ethnic groups. The colloquial language is the ‘’Sranang Tongo’’, a mix of languages like English, Dutch and Spanish, and is understood by all the ethnic groups. The different Native and Maroon tribes are speaking their own languages. Some of the tribes are the Arowaks, the Caribs, the Aucans (n'Djuga or Ndjukas) and the Saramaccans. Additionally, English and Spanish are widely spoken at tourist-oriented facilities or shops.
Source of income
Mining, agriculture, stock breeding and fisheries are the main sources of income for Suriname. About 40% of the working population is civil servant and thus active by the authorities. The most important export products are bauxite, nature oil, gold, wood, fish and other agriculture products.
Currency
The currency is the Suriname Dollar (SRD). Nowadays, American Dollars, Euros and credit cards are widely accepted throughout Suriname. Travelers’ checks can be cashed at the bank (Monday-Friday from 07:30 am – 2:00 pm). You can withdraw Surinamese dollars from your account at the ATM machines with your credit or bank card.
Communication
Mobile phones are available, as well as landlines and phone booths. A phone card is needed for the phone booths and that can be purchased at almost all the shops and stores in and around Paramaribo. There are many cyber cafes that provide you of the internet or other computer facilities. In the interior of Suriname, there is mostly no communication possible with the city. A few villages have some communication facilities, but the ones that have not, communicate through base stations.
Transport
The road network has a length of 8.889 km, of which the largest part is located in the north. There is one international airport and 35 small airstrips are spread throughout the country. International car rental companies are present and taxi companies can be found in every area. Public bus transport is available until the afternoon. When renting a car, keep in mind to drive on the left side of the road and that an international driving license is required.
How to get to Suriname, the flights
There are direct flights from Amsterdam Holland with the SLM and KLM.
Also flights from Brazil with the SLM, from Curacao with Insel Air, BWI and SLM, Trinidad with SLM and BWI, from Miami with SLM and from British Guyana with Bleuwings.
Nature
Suriname's nature has a lot to offer. There are fast wild currents, high waterfalls, steep granite rocks, wide rivers, rare and endangered species, lots of different insects (6000+), birds (724+) and reptiles. There are more than 400 tree kinds and lots of exotic fruits, to make the most delicious juices. There are even areas in the interior that have not been entered yet.
VISA
When planning to visit Suriname, you need a visa and your passport needs to be at least 6 months valid. Caricom citizens do not need for a visa. If there is an honorary consul of Suriname in your country a visa can be arrange there. When booking for a tour or itinerary at our company we can arrange for a visa upon arrival. This will be requested by our company at the honorary counsel in Suriname at least 14 days before arrival. For visiting our neighboring countries and come back to Suriname a multi - entry visa is required.
National holidays and free days:
- 1 January New Years Day
- Holi Phagwa (a Hindu victory feast, which is celebrated with colored dye and coloured powder, in March)
- Good Friday
- Easter
- 1 May (workers day)
- 1 July (Keti Koti, Slavery Memorial)
- Idul-Fitre (an Islamic feast celebrated after completing one month of fasting. This can be celebrated at the end of October or in the beginning of November)
- 25 November (Independence Day)
- 25 and 26 December (Christmas)
Besides the national holidays and free days, we also have events and festivals planned throughout the year. To name a few:
- In the month of April we have “Avond Vierdaagse”, it is a parade consisting of different ethnicities and cultures.
- Mid October there is the International Jazz Festival
- October or November (Divali, the festival of light celebrated by the Hindus)
- The first week of November we have the Savannah Car Rally
- End of November ( the industries or trade fair)
- Surifesta
- 31 December New Years Eve
Everyone that wishes to travel to Suriname should think of the following items:
- Travel insurance
- Valid Visa
- Malaria tablets when visiting the interior of Suriname
- Necessary vaccinations
- Light, airy clothes
- Sunscreen
For those who wish to travel to the interior of Suriname (not limited)
- Lose pants and a shirt (t-shirt) for walks through the forest
- Light, airy clothes
- Hat or cap
- Good walking shoes with long socks
- Water sandals
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant
- Bath towels
- Flashlight
- Waterproof bag
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