Suriname / Republiek Suriname – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Suriname?
Suriname is the smallest country in South America, about the size of England and Wales combined. It has a population of around 600,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated countries on Earth. About two in five of the population live in the capital, Paramaribo. It shares land borders with Brazil, French Guiana and Guyana.
The terrain of the country consists of a cultivated coastal strip where the majority of the people live, savannah and dense, near-inaccessible rainforest which gradually rises as it nears the Brazilian border. It’s highest peak is Julianatop, at 4,199 ft (2,180 m) above sea level. Forest covers over 90% of the country, the greatest percentage coverage of any country in the world.
Suriname is the only sovereign nation outside Europe where Dutch is the official and prevailing language of government, business, media, and education.
A bit about the history of Suriname
Dutch colonisation
Originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, the area was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century, becoming a Dutch colony known as Dutch Guiana. During the colonial period, the Dutch developed a plantation economy based on sugar, coffee, and later, rice, using enslaved Africans as labour.
In the 19th century, after the abolition of slavery, the Dutch brought indentured laborers from India, Java, and China, contributing to the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Military coup
Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, and became a republic. However, the transition to independence was challenging, with political instability, economic struggles, and a military coup in 1980. The military, led by Desi Bouterse, took power, and Bouterse ruled the country for much of the 1980s and 1990s, although his regime was marked by human rights abuses and corruption.
After a period of democratic governance, Bouterse returned to power in the 2000s through elections and served as president from 2010 to 2020. His leadership was controversial, and his involvement in the 1982 December murders (the killing of political opponents) continued to affect his political career.
Democracy
Today, Suriname is a constitutional democracy with a diverse population made up of Afro-Surinamese, Indo-Surinamese, Javanese, and other ethnic groups. It remains heavily reliant on the export of natural resources, especially bauxite, gold, and oil, and continues to face challenges related to economic development, corruption, and political stability.
Suriname road trip
Our Surinamese road trip is part of a much larger South American road trip.
Map of our Surinamese road trip
Our current planned road trip takes us from Guyana along the coast towards the capital, Paramaribo, before moving on to French Guiana.
No doubt we’ll explore the country much more than this continent-spanning short route shows, in particular checking out inland Suriname.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
What’s it like to drive in Suriname?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in Suriname. Road conditions are quite good in Suriname, however driving standards are quite poor.
Do you require an international driving permit in Suriname?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Suriname?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Suriname?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Weather in Suriname
When is the best time to visit Suriname?
Suriname has two dry seasons: from August to November, and from February to April.
The best time to visit Suriname is from August to November. During these months, the islands have 8 – 9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 3.4 – 5.8 inches (86 – 148mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 24 – 32°C (76 – 90°F).
When is the worst time to visit Suriname?
Suriname has two wet seasons: from April to August, and from November to February.
The worst time to visit Suriname is from April to July. During these months, the islands still have 7-10 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 8.5 – 12.1 inches (216 – 307mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 24 – 31°C (76 – 87°F).
What currency do they use in Suriname?
In Suriname they use the Surinamese dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is only accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are some ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Suriname?
They speak Surinamese Dutch in Suriname. Sranan Tongo – an English based Creole language is also widely spoken throughout the country.
What time zone is Suriname in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Suriname?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Suriname?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Suriname, although make sure the land is not private.
What plug / socket type do they use in Suriname?
In Suriname they use plug / socket types A, B, C and F.
Health issues in Suriname
Is it safe to drink water in Suriname?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Suriname. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Suriname?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Suriname.
Phones in Suriname
What is the country calling code for Suriname?
The country calling code for Suriname is +597
What are the emergency phone numbers in Suriname?
- The emergency number for police in Suriname is: 115
- In Suriname, the emergency number for ambulance is: 113 / 115
- The emergency number for fire in Suriname is: 110 / 115
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!