Suriname

Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname, is a country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west, and Brazil to the south. Suriname is the smallest sovereign country in South America.

Suriname is characterized by vast tropical rainforests, covering approximately 93% of its land area. The country has a low-lying coastal plain in the north, where most of the population lives, and a highland interior in the south. Major rivers include the Suriname River, Coppename River, and Corantijn River.

Surinamese culture is a vibrant blend of influences from indigenous peoples, the Dutch colonial past, enslaved Africans, and immigrants from India, Indonesia, China, and the Middle East. This diversity is reflected in its languages, cuisine, music, and festivals. Sranan Tongo, an English-based creole language, is widely spoken, alongside Dutch (the official language), English, and various ethnic languages.

Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, Suriname was explored and colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century. It became a major producer of sugar under slave labor, and after the abolition of slavery in 1863, indentured laborers from India and Indonesia were brought in. Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. The country experienced a military coup in 1980 and a period of political instability thereafter.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.