A little nation called Suriname is located on South America’s northeastern coast. Large tracts of tropical rainforest, Dutch colonial buildings, and a diverse population are its defining characteristics. The capital, Paramaribo, is located on the Atlantic coast and is home to palm groves next to Fort Zeelandia, a trading fortress from the 17th century. Saint Peter and Paul Basilica, a soaring wooden cathedral dedicated in 1885, is also located in Paramaribo.
Suriname, which is divided into ten districts, is one of the last nations on Earth to still have a substantial portion of its savannas and rainforests unspoiled, which makes it a popular travel destination for intrepid travellers, nature enthusiasts, and cruise ship passengers.
In terms of both population and area, Suriname is the smallest nation in South America. Dutch is the official language of this Atlantic Ocean nation.
It is among the most empty places on Earth, with a population density of 10 persons per square mile. The beachfront capital city of Paramaribo is home to half of the country’s population. The nation is roughly the same size as England, yet it is home to 627,260 people, 92 times fewer than England’s 67million.
Similar numbers of people live in Mongolia, Australia, Iceland, Libya, Canada, and Mauritania, among other nations.
Greenland has 0.36 inhabitants per square mile, making it the least populated nation on Earth. The Falkland Islands are a close second.
Because of its colonial background, the nation has been characterised by Lonely Planet as “a warm, dense convergence of rivers that thumps with the lively rhythm of ethnic diversity.”
The Netherlands colonised the numerous indigenous peoples of Suriname in the latter part of the 17th century. Slaves of Asian and African descent farmed and processed sugar from this profitable source. In 1975, the nation attained independence.
The Presidential Palace, Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, and Saint Peter & Paul Basilica are among the Dutch-built structures that comprise the nation’s capital.
The primary means of movement through the rainforest is by boat from the capital, with cities and villages spaced out along the rivers. Visitors can explore several nature reserves, such as Brownsberg, Galibi, Bigi Pan, Peperpot, and Coppename.
Suriname boasts an abundance of wildlife, including river dolphins, turtles, macaws, river crocodiles, anacondas, and monkeys, which may be spotted throughout the country’s jungles and beaches.
There is at least one stopover on all flights from the UK to Suriname, which depart from Birmingham, Bristol, London, Manchester, and Leeds. In Paramaribo, there are plenty of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts.
