Suriname – a state sandwiched between the Republic of Guyana, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean
Suriname, disposed in South America, near the equator, with a population of about half a million people, is characterized by a huge biodiversity that can only be found in this area of the Earth. Prerequisites for this are moderate temperatures and abundant seasonal rains, which contributes to the active development of the flora.
English settlers first arrived here around 1650 and began to cultivate sugar and tobacco plantations at the mouth of the Suriname River. Later, it was in this place that Paramaribo was created, which became the capital of the state. A few years later, the English were driven out by the Dutch, who began to stimulate the development of agricultural production using black slaves from West Africa. By the middle of the eighteenth century, plantation workers were able to escape and began to gather in communities called Maroon, where the ideals of African life began to be highlighted.
Up to 1954 the Dutch domination continued in Suriname, until the moment when the state acquired self-government. As a result of the military coup in 1980, a repressive regime was introduced, lasting seven years, and then on the basis of elections, a multiracial government was formed.
Visit places of incomparable natural beauty while traveling to Suriname!
The capital of the country Paramaribo or also called Parbo, the center of which is declared a World Heritage site, contains European features mixed with elements of typical South American cultures. On Independence Square Onafhankelijksplein, you can see the Presidential Palace, Palmentin, surrounded by a beautiful park with majestic palms, in the foliage of which live many kinds of exotic birds.
Interesting are the places of the city where you can see colorful Hindu temples, mosques and synagogues, which emphasizes the presence of the multinational composition of Suriname. The most important attraction is the Cathedral of Paramaribo.
Fans of ethnic art will be able to find here a kaleidoscopic variety of wooden sculptures of handwork, painting, weaving and ceramics. The subjects of ethnic craft here are of the highest quality, while the prices are only a few US dollars.
An essential part of the ethnic culture is the music presented by the charming kawina or plantation music. Suriname also has a flourishing art of making jewelry and processing precious metals.
A tribute to the multicultural composition of the country is its cuisine, characterized by various ethnic features. In typical warungs here, that are kiosks, you can buy locally prepared spicy dishes, also the rice varieties. Drinks and cocktails are always made from the freshest tropical fruits.