Facts About Suriname

Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America in terms of area and population. Formerly known as Dutch Guyana, or Dutch Guiana. Suriname is the official name. Located along the Suriname River. Suriname's land is covered with rainforest. Rich in animals and plants. Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname or Dutch Guyana.

Here are some facts about Suriname:

Dutch is the official language and is widely spoken. English, Sranan, Tongo, Hindi, Chinese, French, Spanish and Javanese are also spoken. There are many religions. Most of the people are Roman Catholics. Some follow Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

Hindusani, Creole, Indonesian, Maroon, Chinese, Native American and European are the main ethnic groups here.

The capitals of Suriname, Paramaribo, Leridorup and New Nikelly are the largest cities in Suriname.

Christopher Columbus was the first European explorer to discover Suriname in 1498, after which the Spanish claimed it in 1593 and the British invaded in the first half of the 17th century. Slavery was very common in Suriname but was abolished in 1863. However, this brought older workers from Asia, primarily India, China and Indonesia.

Suriname is also the base of many industries. Industries such as bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, petroleum, lumber and food processing are the mainstays of the country.

The currency of Suriname is the Suriname dollar.

The highest point in Suriname is the Juliana top at 1,230 meters.