Suriname is a small country in the northeastern part of the continent South America. It occupies an area of 163 270 sq.km. The only smaller country on the territory of the continent is French Guiana. On the west it is bordered by Guyana, on the east by French Guiana, on the south – with Brazil and there is also an outlet in the north to the Caribbean Sea. The coastline has a length of over 400 km. The country is independent since the 1975th. It has been under the governing of the Netherlands, England and Spain.
Population. Suriname is sparsely populated, especially in comparison with the territory – about 420 000 people.
About 210 000 of them or approximately ½ of the total population of the country lives in the capital Paramaribo on the shore of the Caribbean Sea.
The rest of the population also inhabits mainly the coastal areas. In the interior of the country, the territory is almost uninhabited and there is undeveloped infrastructure.
However, that the country is sparsely populated in no way means that the population is not diverse – just the conversely. Here you will find immigrants from Europe, Africa and Asia, who arrived in these lands under different circumstances and in different periods of time.
Nature. Great part of the territory of Suriname is covered with impassable rain forest. Overall, the nature in Suriname is very well preserved and extremely beautiful.
Today is truly a rarity to be found as unspoiled and untouched places as Suriname has to offer. The humid climate and the all year round high temperatures create excellent conditions for the growth of unique plant species. The rainforests are home to a large number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and others.
The landscape is varied – ranging from low swampy coastal lowlands to the great number of small mountain ranges with insignificant altitude in the inland.
The highest point of Suriname reaches only 1280 meters – this is the Mount Vilhelmina in the western parts of Suriname. The country is very rich in waters.
Besides the numerous rivers and dense river network in Suriname, there are also many very beautiful lakes. Blommestein Lake is the largest and deepest in the country.
At the site where the water drains, has built a power plant. The coast line is very contrastive. On the West there are mostly Mangrove forests.
They are very important for the reproduction to hundreds of animal species. To the east the coast line is very different. It is dominated by orange-golden sandy beaches.
The most beautiful of them are located near the border with French Guiana. Here can not uncommon to see turtles, which come out on the beach only to lay their eggs. And even if you do not see the turtle, can be found telltale traces in the sand.
Climate. The climate of Suriname is equatorial. The first thing that impressed, when someone step off of the plane in Suriname land is that the sky always looks like to rain in every moment. Almost always is partly cloudy and the sky is very rare to be a quite clear.
The country is located between the 1° and 6° north latitude – i.e. it is located very close to the equator.
The temperatures are high and constant throughout the year, with little changes, which are practically hardly felt. The daily temperatures range from 29 to 32°C, and the night temperatures are 22 – 23 degrees all year round.
The second half of the year, however, is slightly warmer than the first 1/2. The maximum temperature is reached in September and October. At the same time the”winter” is a bit more bearable.
From January to late March is about 29°C. There are also abundant rainfall throughout the year, but slightly more moderate in spring and autumn, when is the best time to visit the country.
But do not forget that this is not everywhere! Overall, however, May and June are the rainiest part of the year. These two months account for a total over 600 millimeters of rain, which exceeds the annual rainfall of some European countries.
The average rainfall in Suriname is between 2000 and 2500 millimeters of rain, depending in which part of the country you are. In the capital Paramaribo for example, there are average rainfall is around 2200 – 2300 millimeters.
Economy. Suriname’s economy is growing. The biggest part of the population of the country lives in poverty and in social and political uncertainty that last from the independence in the 1975th.
The standard of living in the former colony of the Netherlands is low. Overwhelming majority of the population lives with an income much lower than the average.
The economy of the country relies mainly on mining and agriculture. It is among the world leaders in the mining, manufacturing and export of bauxite.
The country also exports coffee, bananas, sugar and rice, because the local conditions (hot and humid equatorial climate) are excellent for the growing of these cultures.
The arable lands are located mainly in the coastal parts of the country. The tourist industry is underdeveloped, but there are good prospects.
For the time being, the orange- golden sandy beaches of Suriname are almost deserted. For the tourism development is needed to set up the necessary infrastructure not only to have where to stay and entertain the visitors, but also to ensure a quick and easy access to many sites that would wake the tourist interest.
The main trump card, which appears on the Suriname travel markets is the beautiful and unspoiled nature.