17facts you may not know about Suriname
1. Tropical rainforests cover about 80% of Suriname, and are part of the Amazon biome, making it one of the most forested countries in the world.
2. The official language in Suriname is Dutch, making it the only country in South America with Dutch as an official language.
3. The country has great religious diversity, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs. The density of the Hindu and Muslim population is particularly notable in a continent that is predominantly Christian.
4. Suriname is highly ethnically diverse, with large groups of Indians, Javanese, Maroons, Creoles, Chinese, indigenous people and Europeans.
5. Suriname has one of the few water villages in South America, called New Amsterdam, which resembles Venice with its houses built on stilts above the water.
6. The currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD), which was introduced in 2004 to replace the Surinamese guilder.
7. The Suriname River runs through the heart of the country and is essential for transportation, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.
8. (Repeat of first information) Tropical rainforests cover about 80% of Suriname, and are part of the Amazon biome, making it one of the most forested countries in the world.
9. Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a vast protected area, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its rich biodiversity and pristine ecosystems.
10. The highest point in Suriname is Julianatop Peak in the Wilhelmina Mountains, at 1,280 meters (4,199 ft).
11. Suriname was once one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, an essential raw material for aluminium.
12. In addition to Dutch, many Surinamese speak Sranan Tongo, a creole based on English, as well as other languages such as Hindi, Javanese, and various Maroon and indigenous languages.
13. The capital, Paramaribo, is known for its Dutch colonial architecture, with many wooden buildings giving it the nickname “Wooden City.”
14. Suriname is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas, located next to a historic mosque in Paramaribo, symbolizing the country's religious tolerance.
15. Suriname has a distinctive type of music called kasiku, which blends African, European and indigenous influences, and is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and vibrant sound.
16. Suriname hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Hindu festivals of Diwali and Holi, the Islamic Eid al-Fitr celebrations, and the indigenous Oruiari (New Year) celebration.
17. Maroon communities, descendants of escaped African slaves, maintained independent territories in the interior, allowing them to maintain African traditions and languages.
Source: websites