Suriname

Understand

History

Dutch from the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands colonized Suriname in the 17th century but periods of British administration did not finally cease until 1816. The colony was mainly used for sugar, coffee and cocoa plantations where many African slaves were worked to death. In 1863 slavery came to an end and contract workers were recruited from British India (until 1916) and Java (until 1936). Many stayed after their contract had ended. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975, whereupon many Surinamese left for the Netherlands to retain their Dutch nationality. Five years later, the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic characterized by a high level of government corruption and the summary executions of political opponents. It continued to rule through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1989, the military overthrew the civilian government again, but a democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991.

People Suriname is among one of the most diverse countries in the world. In the 19th century, people from various parts of the world were brought to the country as indentured workers by the Dutch Empire. Suriname is known for its tolerance between different ethnic groups.

Indians are the largest ethnic group in the country, making up a quarter of the population. Most Indo-Surinamese are descendants of 19th-century indentured workers from India and approximately 80% of them are adherents of Hinduism. Maroons, who are descendants of runaway slaves from Africa, are 21% of the population. Javanese make up 14% of the population. Most Javanese Surinamese are descendants of 19th-century

See

With almost a third of the country being declared national reserves, Suriname's main tourist attraction are its vast natural lands and the diversity of flora and fauna in them. Head to the beaches of Galibi and Albina to witness the impressive breeding process of large Leatherback sea turtles, or book a helicopter ride to one of the more remote beaches to see the same, with fewer people around. Spot river dolphins on the way and see the typical mangrove forests between the ocean and the rain forests. The Amazon rain forests cover most of the Surinam surface and is home to thousands of birds, reptiles, monkeys and even a handful of jaguars. As tourism develops, guided tours and resorts in the heart of the jungle are popping up and make a comfortable option if you want to spend a few days spotting wildlife or plants, including the rubber tree, spike-footed palms, plenty of orchids and cacti. Day trips are an option too. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is the most popular of the reserves and is home to the Raleigh waterfalls and mount

Getting there

Entry requirements If you want to visit Suriname and you are not a citizen of one of the following countries, you have to ensure that your visa papers are in order. If you want to apply for a visa, contact a Suriname consulate. Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Suriname for up to 90 days unless otherwise noted: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Brazil, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia (30 days), Montserrat, Philippines, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, South Korea (30 days) and Trinidad and Tobago. Citizens of the following countries are granted a visa on arrival (tourist card) at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for €35, or at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (cash payments in EUR or USD only) or any Surinamese representation abroad for US$40. Holders of tourist cards can stay in Suriname for a maximum of 90 days: Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China (PRC), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands (European Netherlands), Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela In most cases you will receive a single-entry visa/tourist card. So you only will be able to enter Suriname one time. If you want to combine your trip to Suriname with a visit to for instance Guyana or French Guiana, you'll need to request a multiple entry visa (highe

Getting around

Since not many tourists visit Suriname yet and the inner-land is not within easy reach, the expenses of travel are higher than you might expect. Tourist attractions can be more expensive than in Europe or the United States. It is expected that this will change in the near future since there is an annual increase visible in foreign tourists, creating the necessity of working on better roads as well as other ways of cheaper transportation.

By bus Companies that provide long-distance bus services in Suriname:

J.A. Pengel Autobedrijf (JAP) Greenheart Group of Companies Pegasus Suriname These companies mainly operate on routes connecting the capital city of Paramaribo with other towns and cities in the country, as well as to neighboring countries such as Guyana and French Guiana. However, it's important to note that in Suriname, minibuses and taxis are the most commonly used forms of transportation for both short and long distances.

By car

If you’re not intending to go deep inland, rent a car but on dirt roads, always rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. The rental company will ask you where you are heading. Some don't allow you to go into the forest with their cars unless you rent a SUV.

Suriname traffic drives on the left side of the road. There are a lot of speed bumps which are signed as drempel. These can be very high to force you to reduce your speed to nearly zero. Most bumps are constructed as twins at the entrance and exit of communities and junctions. Most roads are not marked with traffic lines. There are few bridges but those that you encounter may be in bad condition. Drive slowly. If you want to drive to Jodensavanne keep in mind that the bridge across the Suriname River at Carolina is closed as it is partly collapsed. There is a car ferry for about six ve