10 Fun Facts About Suriname
Suriname, a country in South America, has many unique facts associated with it. Here is a list of some of them.
Suriname Is The Smallest South American Country
With an area of only 163,821 square kilometers and a population of only 541,638 individuals as per the 2012 census, Suriname is the smallest country in South America both in terms of area and population.
Nearly 50% Of Suriname’s Population Lives In Paramaribo
Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname and nearly half of its population of around 241,000 people live in this city.
Suriname Has Only One Cinema
The TBL Cinema is the only cinema in Suriname. It is located in Paramaribo.
It Is One Of Two South American Countries With Left-side Driving
While all other countries in South America have right-hand driving, Suriname and Guyana are the only two countries on the continent with left-hand driving.
Only Nation Outside Europe With Dutch As A Language Of The Majority
Suriname’s official language is Dutch, a legacy of Dutch colonial rule in the country. More than 60% of the Surinamese speak Dutch as their mother tongue while the rest of the population speaks it as a second language. Suriname is the only country outside Europe where Dutch is spoken by a majority of the population.
Despite The Small Size, Suriname Has Incredible Ethnic Diversity
East Indians, Maroon, Creole, Javanese, Amerindian, Chinese, White, and many other ethnic communities call Suriname their home. Intermarriage between the various ethnic groups has also resulted in the country having a significant population of mixed ethnic descent.
Large Parts Of Suriname Is Covered By Unspoilt Rainforests
Suriname has managed to conserve nature very well. Large parts of the country’s land are covered by pristine tropical rainforests hosting a great diversity of flora and fauna. A massive part of this forest area is protected in the form of natural parks, reserves, sanctuaries, etc. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suriname Is A Land Of Many Festivals
The great ethnic diversity of Suriname contributes to its rich culture which includes numerous celebrations and festivals all year round. The Surinamese celebrate Holi, Christmas, Javanese Arrival Day, Indian Arrival Day, Day of the Maroons, Diwali, Eid ul-Fitr, Good Friday, and many more secular and religious festivals and ceremonies.
Suriname Is A Symbol Of Religious Tolerance
Suriname is one of the world’s very few locations where a Jewish synagogue is located next to a mosque. The country is also home to worship places of other religions like Hindu temples and Christian churches. All religious groups in the country co-exist peacefully and religious tolerance is one thing among others that Suriname teaches the world.
The Capital Of Suriname Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The inner city of Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002. The place has many buildings of historical importance and religious significance.
