Suriname

Suriname, the smallest South American country, was once a colony of the Netherlands and was called Dutch Guiana. The country is defined by tropical rainforests, Atlantic coastline and Dutch colonial architecture. Suriname is also known for its cultural diversity and excellent cuisine which is influenced by Asian, African, Dutch and indigenous flavours.

Capital Paramaribo, located along the banks of the Suriname river, displays a lovely fusion of Dutch and South American elements. The city houses colourful colonial buildings, churches, synagogues, mosques and Hindu temples. It is quite fascinating to look at buildings of different religions located near each other. The 17th-century Fort Zeelandia and its museum, St Peter and Paul Cathedral displaying impressive woodwork and the beautifully landscaped Garden of Palms are the capital’s most popular attractions. The nearby Nieuw Amsterdam town, on the banks of the Commewijne river, is known for the Dutch Fort Nieuw Amsterdam and old plantation houses.

Almost a third of Suriname is covered with nature reserves, displaying the country’s natural wealth and biodiversity. Galibi Nature Reserve is located in northeastern Suriname is a nesting site for sea turtles and has lovely beaches. The Brownsberg Nature Reserve houses a 560m peak in its centre and several species of wildlife like howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species. It also offers great hiking trails to waterfalls and accommodations for overnight stays. The park is located near the Brokopondo Reservoir, one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs of water.

Though Suriname is a tiny nation, it is very diverse both culturally and naturally. From exploring its dense rainforests to relaxing on its beaches and admiring Dutch architecture, low-key Suriname offers a good variety of experiences to its visitors.