The Largest Cities In Suriname

Located on the banks of the Suriname River in the Paramaribo District, Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname. The South American country of Suriname boasts a total population of 573,311. Approximately 66% of the population is live in the urban centers which are most densely located along the northern coastline. The largest cities in Suriname are discussed below:

The Four Biggest Cities In Suriname

Paramaribo

Paramaribo city is home to 234,000 residents, with the majority being Creoles followed by Indians, multiracials, Javanese, native communities, Chinese, Europeans, Jews, and Lebanese. The city has increasingly attracted immigrants from other South American countries mainly Guyana and Brazil. The city began as an Indian village which grew into a settlement for the French, British, and the Dutch. The city was significant under Dutch Rule and British occupations. The city’s economy grew after the Second World War, primarily in the industry and tourism sectors. Oil, gold, and bauxite deposits have further boosted the Paramaribo’s economy.

The city is both an administrative and educational center. The city still prides in Dutch architecture and historic center which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notable colonial buildings include the Fort Zeelandia, Helstone Monument, Presidential Palace, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and the Independence Site. While the official language is Dutch, the Sranan Tongo, an indigenous Creole tongue, is more popular.

Lelydorp

Suriname’s second largest city is Lelydorp with a total population of 18,223. The city began as a small hamlet known as Kofi Djombo. The city was renamed Lelydorp in the 19th century, after a railway was built from Paramaribo to the interior, making it an important stop-over. The name was inspired by Governor Cornelis Lely, a Dutch who oversaw the Suriname colony in 1905. The city’s population is made up of Javanese, Creoles, Indian, Europeans who are mainly Portuguese, and Jews.

Brokopondo

Brokopondo is the third largest city in Suriname with a total population of 14,662. The city lies on the Suriname River’s western bank, and it serves as the capital of Brokopondo District. The population is primarily made of Maroons who trace their ancestry to the African slaves. The Brownsberg Nature Park is located in the city and it home to Irene and Leo Fall and populations of monkey species. The Brokopondo Reservoir, one of the world’s largest reservoirs, lies in the city. The reservoir is a major electricity producer, and it also taps water for efficient irrigation during drought periods.

Nieuw Nickerie

Nieuw Nickerie city is home to 13,143 residents, and it serves as the capital of Nickerie District. The city was originally situated on the western shores of the Corantijn River, but it was relocated due to floods. The modern city is currently protected by an 8 km sea wall. The city’s economy is mainly based on trade in rice and bananas. The city is linked to Springlands on Guyana through a ferry service.

Other Cities In Suriname

The rest of Suriname’s cities and their respective populations are Moengo (7,074); Nieuw Amsterdam (4,935); Marienburg (4,427); Wageningen (4,145); Albina (3,985), and Groningen (3,216). The urban population of Suriname’s cities is estimated to be growing at 0.81% a year. The growing number of immigrants and expatriates has also boosted the cities’ populations.