Suriname: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Suriname

Suriname is on the northeast coast of South America, between Guyana and French Guiana. Most of the country is covered by thick rainforest, crossed by rivers that flow to the Atlantic. It is known for its wildlife, its mix of cultures and for being the smallest country in South America.

About Paramaribo

Paramaribo lies on the banks of the Suriname River, about 15 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. Its historic inner city of Dutch colonial wooden buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fun facts about Suriname

1. Suriname is the smallest country in South America by both area and population.
2. Dutch is the official language, making Suriname the only country in South America where Dutch is official.
3. More than 90 percent of Suriname is covered by forest, one of the highest shares of any country.
4. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve protects 1.6 million hectares of rainforest, home to jaguars, giant otters and harpy eagles.
5. Leatherback sea turtles, the largest turtles in the world, come ashore to lay eggs on the beaches of Galibi.
6. In Paramaribo, a mosque and a synagogue stand right next to each other on the same street.