About SR
Location
Suriname is a country located on the northeastern coast of South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west.
Capital
The capital city of Suriname is Paramaribo.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Suriname has a population of approximately 591,000 people.
Area
Suriname covers an area of about 163,820 square kilometers (63,252 square miles), making it the smallest country in South America.
Official Language
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
Government
Suriname is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party political system. The President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body of Suriname.
Independence
Suriname gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on November 25, 1975.
Currency
The currency of Suriname is the Surinamese dollar (SRD).
Economy
Suriname's economy is diverse, with key sectors including mining, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The country is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, and timber. Mining and oil extraction are major contributors to the economy, although agriculture remains an important sector, producing crops such as rice, bananas, and palm oil.
Natural Features
Suriname is characterized by tropical rainforests, savannas, and diverse wildlife. The country is known for its biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Suriname has several protected areas, including nature reserves and national parks, which contribute to conservation efforts and ecotourism.
Culture
Suriname has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse population, which includes indigenous peoples, Africans, Indians, Javanese, Chinese, and Europeans. This diversity is reflected in the country's music, dance, cuisine, and festivals. Suriname celebrates various cultural events throughout the year, such as Phagwa (Holi), Eid al-Fitr, and Christmas.
Religion
Suriname is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the largest religion, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs. Religious tolerance is enshrined in the country's constitution, and various religious groups coexist peacefully.
Infrastructure
Suriname has developed infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports, and telecommunications networks. Paramaribo, the capital city, is the main hub for transportation and commerce. However, access to basic services and infrastructure can vary between urban and rural areas.
International Relations
Suriname maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
Challenges
Suriname faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, deforestation, environmental degradation, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Efforts are underway to address these challenges through sustainable development initiatives, conservation projects, and social programs aimed at improving the well-being of the population.
National Items of Suriname
Royal Palm
The Royal Palm (Roystonea oleracea) is considered a national symbol of Suriname. Known for its tall and stately appearance, it symbolizes the natural beauty and tropical environment of the country.
Heliconia (Wild Plantain)
The Heliconia, often referred to as the Wild Plantain, is the national flower of Suriname. Its bright and colorful bracts symbolize the rich and diverse flora of the country.
Jaguar
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a significant animal in Suriname, representing the country's rich wildlife and biodiversity. It symbolizes strength, power, and the natural heritage of Suriname.
Rice
Rice is a staple food in Suriname and represents the agricultural heritage of the country. It symbolizes the importance of agriculture to the economy and daily life.
Maroon Culture
The Maroon culture, which includes traditional crafts, music, and dance, represents the heritage of the Maroon communities who are descendants of escaped African slaves. It symbolizes the cultural diversity and historical significance of these communities in Suriname.
Kaseko Music
Kaseko is a traditional Surinamese music genre that blends African, European, and indigenous influences. It symbolizes the country's cultural diversity and rich musical heritage.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cultural significance. It symbolizes the historical and cultural heritage of the country.
Water Lily
The Water Lily (Nymphaea) is often associated with the waterways and wetlands of Suriname. It symbolizes the natural beauty and aquatic environments of the country.
Pepperpot Plantation
Pepperpot Plantation is a historical site that represents Suriname's colonial history and the agricultural heritage of the country. It symbolizes the country's past and the legacy of plantation agriculture.
Saoto Soup
Saoto soup is a traditional Surinamese dish with Javanese origins, made with chicken, vegetables, and spices. It represents the culinary diversity and cultural fusion in Suriname.
The anthem expresses pride and love for Suriname, its people, and its natural beauty, while also invoking a sense of unity and dedication to the nation's well-being.
The national anthem of Suriname is called "God zij met ons Suriname" (God be with our Suriname). Here are the lyrics in the original Dutch language along with an English translation:
Suriname’s trotse stromen
Suriname’s heerlijk land
Hoe mooi zij uwe dreven
En weeldrig uwe kust.
Wij wensen aan uw stranden
Een schone toekomst toe
Al zijt g’ons ver van Nederland
Toch zijn wij niet gedwee.
Wij kijken vol verlangen
Naar ’t stromen van uw vloed
Maar onze liefde geldt geen land
Al zijt gij ons zo goed.
Refrain:
O dierbaar Suriname
O sweet Suriname
Wij geven ons hart aan jou
Aan jou geven wij ons leven
Al zijn wij schatrijk of arm
God zij met ons Suriname
Hij verheff’ ons heerlijk land
Hoe wij hier ook samen kwamen
Aan zijn grond zijn wij verpand.
Wij danken U voor ’t leven
Wij danken U voor ’t land
Doch als het nodig is voor ’t land
Zijn wij gereed te sterven.
Refrain:
O dierbaar Suriname
O sweet Suriname
Wij geven ons hart aan jou
Aan jou geven wij ons leven
Al zijn wij schatrijk of arm
Suriname’s proud streams
Suriname’s lovely land
How beautiful are your avenues
And lush your coast.
We wish for your beaches
A bright future
Though you are far from the Netherlands
We are not subservient.
We gaze longingly
At the flow of your tide
But our love is not for any land
Though you are so good to us.
Refrain:
O beloved Suriname
O sweet Suriname
We give our hearts to you
To you, we give our lives
Whether we are rich or poor
God be with our Suriname
May He uplift our glorious land
However, we came together here
To its ground, we are bound.
We thank You for life
We thank You for the land
Yet if it is necessary for the land
We are ready to die.
Refrain:
O beloved Suriname
O sweet Suriname
We give our hearts to you
To you, we give our lives
Whether we are rich or poor
