Suriname
26828
225653777
2008-07-14T19:19:50Z
78.184.33.247
/* Districts and resorts */
{{Infobox Country
| native_name = ''Republiek Suriname''
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Suriname
| common_name = Suriname
| image_flag = Flag of Suriname.svg
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Suriname.png
| national_motto = ''Justitia - Pietas - Fides''{{nbsp|2}}<small>{{la icon}}<br/>"Justice - Duty - Loyalty"
| image_map = LocationSuriname.svg
| national_anthem = ''[[God zij met ons Suriname]]'' {{nbsp|2}}<small>{{nl icon}}<br>''('God be with us Suriname')''
| official_languages = [[Dutch language|Dutch]]
| regional_languages = [[Sranan Tongo]], [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Hindustani]], [[Javanese language|Javanese]], [[Marathi]], [[Bhojpuri]], [[Hakka (linguistics)|Hakka]], [[Cantonese (linguistics)|Cantonese]], [[Boni]], [[Saramaccan]], [[Paramakan]], [[Ndyuka]], [[Kwinti]], [[Matawai]], [[Cariban]], [[Arawakan]], [[Aluku]],
[[carib language|Kalina]]
| demonym = Surinamese
| capital = [[Paramaribo]]
| latd=5 |latm=50 |latNS=N |longd=55 |longm=10 |longEW=W
| government_type = [[Constitutional democracy]]
| leader_title1 = [[President of Suriname|President]]
| leader_name1 = [[Ronald Venetiaan]]
| largest_city = [[Paramaribo]]
| area_km2 = 163,821
| area_sq_mi = 63,251 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| area_rank = 91st
| area_magnitude = 1 E11
| percent_water = 1.1
| population_estimate = 470,784
| population_estimate_year = July 2005
| population_estimate_rank = 170th
| population_census = 487,024
| population_census_year = 2004
| population_density_km2 = 2.7
| population_density_sq_mi = 7.0 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| population_density_rank = 223rd
| GDP_PPP_year = 2005
| GDP_PPP = $2.898 billion <!--CIA-->
| GDP_PPP_rank = 160st
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $5,683
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 96th
| HDI_year = 2007
| HDI = {{increase}} 0.774
| HDI_rank = 85th
| HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
| sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
| sovereignty_note = From the [[Netherlands]]
| established_event1 = Date
| established_date1 = [[November 25]] [[1975]]
| currency = [[Surinamese dollar]]
| currency_code = SRD
| time_zone = ART
| utc_offset = -3
| time_zone_DST = ''not observed''
| utc_offset_DST = -3
| cctld = [[.sr]]
| calling_code = 597
| footnotes =
}}
'''Suriname'''<ref>[[ISO 3166]]</ref> (''[[Dutch language|Dutch]]: Suriname''; [[Sranan Tongo]]: ''Sranan''), officially the '''Republic of Suriname''' (traditionally spelled ''Surinam'' by the English who founded the first colony at [[Marshall's Creek]]<ref name="Marshall">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-04|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=paQMAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA253&lpg=PA253&dq=marshall's+creek+suriname+river&source=web&ots=0K5mXYlN2U&sig=W4HB3ar7m5DBXsjsHlECqvnXQnE&hl=en|title=Encyclopedia Britannica: A Dictionary of ARTS, SCIENCES, and General LITERATURE, Volume XI|edition=Ninth Edition—Popular Reprint|quote=
In 1614 the states of Holland granted to any Dutch citizen a four years' monopoly of any harbour or place of commerce which he might discover in that region (Guiana). The first settlement, however, in Suriname (in 1630) was made by an Englishman, whose name is still preserved by Marshal's Creek.
}}</ref>, along the [[Suriname River]], but the Dutch spelling is more widely accepted), is a country in northern [[South America]].
Suriname was [[Geographical renaming|formerly known as]] ''Nederlands Guyana'', ''[[Netherlands]] Guiana'' or ''Dutch Guiana''. Suriname is situated between [[French Guiana]] to the east and [[Guyana]] to the west. The southern border is shared with [[Brazil]] and the northern border is the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] coast. The southernmost border with French Guiana is disputed along the [[Maroni River|Marowijne]] river; while the once-disputed boundary with Guyana was arbitrated by the [[United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea]] on [[September 20]], [[2007]]. The country is the smallest [[sovereignty|sovereign]] state in terms of [[area]] and [[population]] in South America.
== History ==
{{main|History of Suriname}}
European exploration of the area began in the 16th century by Dutch, [[France|French]], [[Spain|Spanish]] and English explorers. In the 17th century, [[plantation]] colonies were established by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and [[England|English]] along the many rivers in the fertile Guyana plains. The earliest documented colony in [[Guiana]] was by an Englishman named Marshall called Marshall's Creek, along the Suriname River<ref name="Marshall">Ibid</ref>. At the [[Treaty of Breda (1667)|Treaty of Breda]], in 1667, the Dutch decided to keep the nascent plantation colony of Suriname conquered from the British, while leaving the small trading post of New Amsterdam in North America, now [[New York City]], in the hands of the British.
The Dutch planters relied heavily on [[African slaves]] to cultivate the coffee, cocoa, sugar cane and cotton plantations along the rivers. Treatment of the slaves by their owners was notoriously bad, and many slaves escaped the plantations. With the help of the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|native South Americans]] living in the adjoining rain forests, these runaway slaves established a new and unique culture that was highly successful in its own right. Known collectively in English as the [[Maroons]], and in Dutch as "Bosnegers," (literally meaning "Bush negroes"), they actually established several independent tribes, among them the [[Saramaka]], the [[Paramaka]], the [[Ndyuka]] or Aukan, the [[Kwinti]], the [[Aluku]] or Boni and the [[Matawai]].
The Maroons would often raid the plantations to recruit new members, acquire women, weapons, food and supplies. These attacks were often deadly for the planters and their families, and after several unsuccessful campaigns against the Maroons, the European authorities signed several peace treaties with them in the 19th century, granting the Maroons sovereign status and trade rights.
Slavery was abolished by the Netherlands in Suriname in 1863, but the slaves in Suriname were not fully released until 1873, after a mandatory 10 year transition period during which time they were required to work on the plantations for minimal pay and without state sanctioned torture. As soon as they became truly free, the slaves largely abandoned the plantations where they had suffered for several generations, in favor of the city, [[Paramaribo]]. As a plantation colony, Suriname was still heavily dependent on manual labor, and to make up for the shortfall, the Dutch brought in contract laborers from the [[Dutch East Indies]] (modern [[Indonesia]]) and [[India]] (through an arrangement with the British). In addition, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, small numbers of mostly men were brought in from [[China]] and the [[Middle East]]. Although Suriname's population remains relatively small, because of this history it is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the world.
In 1954, the Dutch placed Suriname under a system of limited self-government, with the Netherlands retaining control of defense and foreign affairs. In 1973, the local government, led by the NPK (a largely Creole, meaning ethnically African or mixed African-European, party) started negotiations with the Dutch government leading towards full independence, which was granted on [[25 November]] [[1975]]. The severance package was very substantial, and a large part of Suriname's economy for the first decade following independence was fueled by foreign aid provided by the Dutch government.
The first President of the country was [[Johan Ferrier]], the former governor, with [[Henck Arron]] (leader of the Suriname National Party) as Prime Minister. Nearly one third of the population of Suriname at that time emigrated to the Netherlands in the years leading up to independence, as many people feared that the new country would fare worse under independence than it did as an overseas colony of the Netherlands. Suriname's diaspora therefore includes more than a quarter of one million people of Suriname origin living in the Netherlands today, including several recent members of the Dutch national football (soccer) team.
On [[February 25]], [[1980]], a military coup sidelined the [[democratic]] government, and with it began a period of economic and social hardship for the country. On [[8 December]] [[1982]], the military, then under the leadership of [[Desi Bouterse]], rounded up several prominent citizens who were accused of plotting against the government. They were allegedly tortured and certainly killed during the night, and the Netherlands quickly suspended all foreign aid to Suriname after this event. (Desi Bouterse is scheduled to stand trial in Suriname in the fall of 2007 for his role in these killings.)
Elections were held in 1987 and a new constitution was adopted, which among other things allowed the dictator to remain in charge of the army. Dissatisfied with the government, Bouterse summarily dismissed them in 1990, by telephone. This event became popularly known as "the telephone coup". Bouterse's power began to wane after the 1991 elections however, and a brutal civil war between the Suriname army and the Maroons, loyal to the rebel leader [[Ronnie Brunswijk]], further weakened his position during the 1990s.
Suriname's democracy gained some strength after the turbulent 1990s, and its economy became more diversified and less dependent on Dutch financial assistance. [[Bauxite]] (Aluminum ore) mining continues to be a strong revenue source, but the discovery and exploitation of oil and gold has added substantially to Suriname's economic independence. Agriculture, especially of rice and bananas, remains a strong component of the economy, and [[ecotourism]] is providing new economic opportunities. More than 80% of Suriname's land-mass consists of unspoiled rain forest, and with the establishment of the [[Central Suriname Nature Reserve]] in 1998, Suriname signaled its commitment to conservation of this precious resource. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve became a [[World Heritage Site]] in 2000.
== Districts and resorts ==
{{main|Districts of Suriname|Resorts of Suriname}}
{|
| Suriname is divided into ten [[district]]s:
<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
# [[Brokopondo District|Brokopondo]]
# [[Commewijne District|Commewijne]]
# [[Coronie District|Coronie]]
# [[Marowijne District|Marowijne]]
# [[Nickerie District|Nickerie]]
# [[Para District|Para]]
# [[Paramaribo District|Paramaribo]]
# [[Saramacca District|Saramacca]]
# [[Sipaliwini District|Sipaliwini]]
# [[Wanica District|Wanica]]
</div>
|}
Suriname is further subdivided into 62 resorts (''ressorten'').
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Suriname}}
[[Image:Suriname map.png|thumb|left|200px|A map of Suriname with the disputed area (with Guyana) included]]
[[Image:Suriname-CIA WFB Map.png|right|thumb|200px|Map of Suriname.]]
[[Image:Tailor's shop, Paramaibo, 1955.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Tailor's shop, Paramaribo, 1955.]]
[[Image:Paramaribo 55.20082W 5.85569N.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The Suriname River, near the city of Paramaribo]]
Suriname is the smallest independent country in [[South America]]. Situated on the [[Guiana Shield|Guiana]] [[Shield (geography)|Shield]], the country can be divided into two main geographic regions. The northern, lowland coastal area (roughly above the line Albina-Paranam-Wageningen) has been cultivated, and most of the population lives here. The southern part consists of tropical [[rainforest]] and sparsely inhabited [[savanna]] along the [[border]] with [[Brazil]], covering about 80% of Suriname's land surface.
There are two main mountain ranges in Suriname: the Bakhuys Mountains and the Van Asch Van Wijck Mountains. [[Julianatop]] is the highest mountain in the country at 1,286 [[metre]]s (4,219 ft) above [[sea level]]. Other mountains include [[Tafelberg (mountain)|Tafelberg]] (1,026 [[metre|m]]; 3,366 [[foot (unit of length)|ft]]), [[Mount Kasikasima]] (718 m; 2,356 ft), [[Goliathberg]] (358 m; 1,174 ft) and [[Voltzberg]] (240 m; 787 ft).
== Climate ==
Lying on the [[equator]], Suriname has a [[very hot tropical climate]], and temperatures do not vary a lot throughout the year. The year has two [[wet season]]s, from April to August and from November to February. It also has two [[dry season]]s, from August to November and February to April.
Located in the northeast portion of the country is the [[Brokopondo Reservoir]], one of the largest reservoir lakes in the world. It was created in 1964 by the Afobakka dam (the [[Brokopondo Project]]), built to provide [[hydropower]] for the [[bauxite]] industry (which consumes about 75% of the output) and for domestic consumption.
== Nature Reserves ==
In the upper [[Coppename River]] [[drainage basin|watershed]], the [[Central Suriname Nature Reserve]] is a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]] cited for its unspoiled rainforest [[biodiversity]]. There are many national parks in the country: Galibi National Reserve, Coppename Manding National Park and Wia Wia NR along the coast, Brownsberg NR, Raleighvallen/Voltzeberg NR, Tafelberg NR and Eilerts de Haan NP in the centre and the Sipaliwani NR on the Brazilian border. In all, 12% of the country's land area are national parks and lakes.
== Tourism ==
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Stroomversnelling.JPG|thumb|300px|right|Rapid in the Suriname river]] -->
In recent years this sector has flourished. By the end of 2006, tourism had grown by 400% compared with 2005. In the last years big hotels have been built all over the country to satisfy the needs of the growing tourism sector.
In December 2007 the first five star [[hotel]]- the Royal Torarica- was opened in the night district of [[Paramaribo]] on the [[Suriname River]]. This hotel has approximately 300 rooms with a Presidential [[suite]] on the top floor. Other major hotels- of four stars- in Suriname are the Krasnapolsky, Residence Inn, Torarica, Queens Hotel, Princess Hotel, Ambassador hotel and casino, Stardust hotel, Ecoressort, Hotel Ameerali and the Spanhoek Hotel. The rental of apartments, or the rent-a-house phenomenon is also popular in Suriname.
The majority of tourists visit Suriname for the outstanding [[biodiversity]] of the pristine [[Amazonian]] rainforests in the south of the country which are noted for the incredible profusion of flora and fauna.
The [[Central Suriname Nature Reserve]] is the biggest and one of the most popular reserves, along with the Brownsberg Nature Park which overlooks the [[Brokopondo Reservoir]]- one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Tonka Island in the reservoir is home to a rustic [[eco-tourism]] project run by the Saramaccaner Maroons. There are also many waterfalls throughout the country: Raleighvallen, or Raleigh Falls, is a 56,000 hectare nature reserve on the [[Coppename River]], rich in bird life. Also are the Blanche Marie Falls on the [[Nickerie River]] and the Wonotobo Falls. Tafelberg Mountain in the centre of the country is surrounded by its own reserve- the Tafelberg Nature Reserve- around the source of the [[Saramacca River]], as is the Voltzberg Nature Reserve further north on the [[Coppename River]] at Raleighvallen. In the interior are many [[Maroon]] and [[Amerindian]] villages- usually surrounded by their own reserves- which are open visitors.
Suriname is one of the only countries in the world where at least one of each different [[biome]] that the state possesses has been declared a wildlife reserve. Around 30% of the total land area of Suriname is protected by law as reserves.
Also amazing are some of the plantations like [[Laarwijk]], which is situated along the [[Suriname River]]. This plantation can only be reached by boat via Domburg, in the north central [[Wanica District]] of Suriname.
==Economy==
[[Image:Financien.JPG|thumb|200px|Ministry of Finance]]
{{main|Economy of Suriname}}
The [[Economics|economy]] of Suriname is dominated by the [[bauxite]] industry, which accounts for more than 15% of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] and 70% of export earnings. Other main export products include [[rice]], [[banana]]s and [[shrimp]]. Suriname has recently started exploiting some of its sizeable [[Petroleum|oil]]<ref>{{en}} Rigzone [http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=28224 ''Staatsolie Launches Tender for 3 Offshore Blocks '']</ref> and [[gold]]<ref>{{en}} Cambior [http://www.cambior.com/2/archives/annual_report/2001/development.pdf ''Development of the Gross Rosebel Mine in Suriname'']</ref> reserves. About a quarter of the people work in the [[agriculture|agricultural]] sector. The Surinamese economy is very dependent on other countries, with its main trade partners being the [[Netherlands]], the [[United States]], [[Canada]] and countries in the [[Caribbean]].
After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the [[Jules Wijdenbosch|Wijdenbosch]] government ended the [[structural adjustment]] program of the previous government, claiming it was unfair to the poorer elements of society. [[Tax]] revenues fell as old taxes lapsed and the government failed to implement new tax alternatives. By the end of 1997, the allocation of new Dutch development funds was frozen as Surinamese Government relations with the Netherlands deteriorated. Economic growth slowed in 1998, with decline in the [[mining]], [[construction]], and [[utility sector]]s. Rampant government expenditures, poor tax collection, a bloated civil service, and reduced foreign aid in 1999 contributed to the fiscal deficit, estimated at 11% of GDP. The government sought to cover this deficit through monetary expansion, which led to a dramatic increase in [[inflation]].
GDP (2006 est.): U.S. $2.11 billion.
Annual growth rate real GDP (2006 est.): 5.8%.
Per capita GDP (2006 est.): U.S. $4,000.
Inflation (2006): 5.6%.
Natural resources: Bauxite, gold, oil, iron ore, other minerals; forests; hydroelectric potential; fish and shrimp.
Agriculture: Products--rice, bananas, timber, and citrus fruits.
Industry: Types--alumina, oil, gold, fish, shrimp, lumber.
Trade (2005): Exports--U.S. $929.1 million: alumina, gold, crude oil, wood and wood products, rice, bananas, fish, and shrimp. Major markets--Norway (23.9%), U.S. (16.8%), Canada (16.4%), France (8.1%), Iceland (2.9%). Imports--$1.1 billion: capital equipment, petroleum, iron and steel products, agricultural products, and consumer goods. Major suppliers--U.S. (24.4%), Netherlands (14.5%), Trinidad and Tobago (10.5%), Japan (4.3%), China (5.4%), Brazil (3.6%).
== Politics ==
{{main|Politics of Suriname}}
The Republic of Suriname is a constitutional democracy based on the 1987 constitution.
The legislative branch of government consists of a 51-member unicameral National Assembly, simultaneously and popularly elected for a five-year term.
The president, who is elected for a five-year term by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly or, failing that, by a majority of the People's Assembly, heads the executive branch. If at least two-thirds of the National Assembly cannot agree to vote for one presidential candidate, a People's Assembly is formed from all National Assembly delegates and regional and municipal representatives who were elected by popular vote in the most recent national election. As head of government, the president appoints a 16-minister cabinet. There is no constitutional provision for removal or replacement of the president unless he resigns.
The judiciary is headed by the Court of Justice (Supreme Court). This court supervises the magistrate courts. Members are appointed for life by the president in consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council and the National Order of Private Attorneys. In April 2005, the regional Caribbean Court of Justice, based in Trinidad, was inaugurated. As the final court of appeal, it was intended to replace the London-based Privy Council.
The country is divided into 10 administrative districts, each headed by a district commissioner appointed by the president. The commissioner is similar to the [[Governor (United States)|governor]] of a [[United States]]-type [[U. S. State|state]], but is appointed and removed by the president.
== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of Suriname}}
[[Image:Suriname demography.png|thumb|right|250px|The population growth of Suriname. Note the y-axis is the number inhabitants in thousands.]]
Suriname's population of 438,144 (July 2005 estimate) is made up of several distinct ethnic groups.
And in November 2007 the population was estimated at 494,347.
*[[Hindoestanen]] form the largest major group at 37% of the population. They are descendants of [[19th century|nineteenth-century]] contract workers from [[India]]. They are from the Indian states of [[Bihar]] and Eastern [[Uttar Pradesh]], in Northern India, along the [[Nepal]]i border.
*The Surinamese [[Creole peoples|Creoles]] form the middle group 31% of the population. They are the descendants of [[West African]] slaves.
*The [[Javanese language|Javanese]] (descendents of contract workers from the former [[Dutch East Indies]] on the island of Java, Indonesia) make up 15%.
*Surinamese [[Maroon (slavery)|Maroons]] (descendants of escaped [[West African]] slaves) make up 10% and are divided into five main groups: [[Aucan]]s, [[Kwinti]], [[Matawai]], [[Saramaccan]]s and [[Paramaccan]]s.
*[[Indigenous Peoples of the Americas|Amerindians]] form 3% of the population (some say as low as 1%), the main groups being the [[Akuriyo]], [[Arawak]], [[Carib]]/[[Kaliña]], [[Trío]] and [[Wayana]].
*[[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]] are mainly descendants of the earliest [[19th century|nineteenth-century]] contract workers.
*[[Boeroes]] (derived from ''boer'', the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for ''farmer'') are descendants of [[Dutch (ethnic group)|Dutch]] [[19th century|nineteenth-century]] immigrant farmers.
*[[Jews]], both [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic]] and [[Eastern Europe|East European]] ([[Ashkenazi]]).
*[[Brazilians]] have migrated to Suriname in the later years of the 20th century. In a wave, similar to the [[Yukon Gold Rush]], they have formed a new society in the forested areas where they mine gold. Locally they are known as ''garimpeiros'' (from portuguese "garimpo", meaning open-air mine). They trade with the local Maroon and Indian populations. In the small towns they have created the currency is gold bullion. Their population size has been estimated at 40,000. There are no official records to be more certain.
[[Image:Paramaribo synogogue.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Synagogue in Paramaribo]]
There is no predominant religion in the country. [[Christianity]], both in the form of [[Roman Catholicism]] and variations of [[Protestantism]], is dominant among Creoles and Maroons. Most of the Hindustani are [[Hinduism|Hindu]], but some practice [[Islam]] or [[Christianity]] instead. Also the Javanese practice either [[Islam]] or [[Christianity]]. With 20% of the population, Suriname has the largest Muslim community by percentage in the New World.<ref> Muslim Minorities in the West: Visible and Invisible By Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad, Jane I. Smith, pg 271</ref>. Despite the religious diversity, the makeup of Suriname's population is very similar to that of neighboring [[Guyana]], with the exception of the Indonesian population (which Guyana lacks). [[French Guiana]], which is a part of France, does not collect ethnic statistics.
The vast majority of people (about 90%) live in [[Paramaribo]] or on the coast. There is also a significant Surinamese population in the [[Netherlands]]. In 2005 there were 328,300 Surinamese people living in the Netherlands, which is about 2% of the total population of the Netherlands (compared to 438,144 in Suriname).
== Languages ==
An exceptional variety of languages is spoken in Suriname.<ref name=NYT2008>{{cite news|title=In Babel of Tongues, Suriname Seeks Itself|date=March 23, 2008|author=[[Simon Romero]]|publisher=[[New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/world/americas/23suriname.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all}}</ref> [[Sranan Tongo]], a local [[creole language]], is the most widely used language. [[Dutch language|Dutch]] is the official language and the mother tongue of about 60% of the Surinamese. It is used mainly in education, government and the media, often interchangeably with Sranan depending on the formality of the setting.<ref name=NYT2008/> Surinamese Hindi, a dialect of [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], is the third-most used language, spoken by the descendants of [[British Asian]] contract workers. [[Javanese language|Javanese]] is spoken by the descendants of Javanese contract workers. The [[Maroon (people)|Maroon]] languages, somewhat intelligible with Sranan Tongo, include [[Saramaka]], [[Paramakans|Paramakan]], [[Ndyuka]], ''Aukan'', [[Kwintis|Kwinti]] and [[Matawais|Matawai]]. [[Amerindian]] languages, spoken by Amerindians, include [[Carib languages|Carib]] and [[Arawakan languages|Arawak]]. [[Hakka (linguistics)|Hakka Chinese]] and [[Cantonese (linguistics)|Cantonese]] is spoken by the descendants of the Chinese contract (''koelie'', coolie) workers. [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]] is spoken by more recent Chinese immigrants. [[English language|English]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] are also used.
The public discourse about Suriname's languages is a part of ongoing debates about the country's national identity.<ref name=NYT2008/> While Dutch is perceived as a remnant of colonialism by some,<ref name=NYT2008/> the use of the popular Sranan became associated with nationalist politics after its public use by former dictator [[Dési Bouterse]] in the [[1980s]],<ref name=NYT2008/> and groups descended from runaway slaves like the Maroons resent it.<ref name=NYT2008/> There are frequent proposals in Parliament to change the national language to English, so as to improve links to the [[Caribbean]] and [[North America]], or to Spanish, as a nod to Suriname's geography.<ref name=NYT2008/>
== Culture ==
{{main|Roman Catholicism in Suriname|Music of Suriname|Hinduism in South America}}
[[Image:Water-front houses in Paramaibo, 1955.jpg|thumb|right|150px|right|Waterfront houses in Paramaribo, 1955.]]
Due to the policy of the Dutch [[Dutch East India Company|East India Company]] and [[Dutch West India Company|West India Company]], there are many different ethnic groups in Suriname.
Ethnicities/races are: East Indian 37%, Surinamese creole 31%, Javanese 15%, Surinamese Maroon 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, other 2%, White 1%.
== National Celebrations ==
January 1- New Year's Day<br />
May 1 - Labour Day<br />
June 5 - Immigration of the Indians<br />
July 1 - Emancipation Day (end of slavery)<br />
August 8 - Day of the indigenous people<br />
August 9 - Immigration of the Javanese<br />
November 25 - Independence Day<br />
December 25 - Christmas Day<br />
December 26 - Second Christmas Day
There are several Hindu and Islamic national holidays like Divali (deepavali), Phagwa and Eid-ul-fitre and Eid-ul-adha. These holidays do not have specific dates on the gregorian calendar as they are based on the Islamic and Hindu calendar respectively.
Aside from these holidays that are celebrated across the world in Hindu and Islamic countries, there are several holidays which are unique to Suriname. These include the Indian, Javanese and Chinese arrival days. They celebrate the arrival of the first ships with their respective immigrants.
== New Year's Eve ==
[[Image:Kerstoudjaar 037.jpg|thumb|200px|Pagara (Red-firecracker-ribbons)]]
New year's eve in Suriname is called Oud jaar which means old year. It is during this period that the Surinamese population goes to the city's commercial district to watch demonstrational fireworks. This is however, a spectacle based on the famous red-firecracker-ribbons. The bigger stores invest in these firecrackers and display them out in the streets. Every year the length of them is compared, and high praises are held for the company that has managed to import the largest ribbon.
These celebrations start at 10 in the morning and finish the next day. The day is usually filled with laughter, dance, music, and drinking. When the night starts, the big street parties are already at full capacity. The most popular fiesta is the one that is held at café 't Vat in the main tourist district. The parties there stop between 10 and 11 at night. After which the people go home to light their pagaras (red-firecracker-ribbons) at midnight.
After 12, the parties continue and the streets fill again until daybreak.
== Landmarks ==
[[Image:Brugboot3suriname rivier 4.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Jules Albert Wijdenbosch Brug]]
The Jules Wijdenboschbrug is a [[bridge]] over the river Suriname between Paramaribo and Meerzorg in the Commewijne district. The bridge was built during the tenure of President [[Jules Albert Wijdenbosch]] (1996-2000) and was completed in 2000. The bridge is 52 metres high, and 1504 metres long. It connects [[Paramaribo]] with Commewijne, a connection which previously could only be made by ferry. The purpose of the bridge was to facilitate and promote the development of the eastern part of [[Suriname]]. The bridge consists of two lanes and is not accessible to pedestrians.
[[Image:Cathedral Paramaribo .jpg|thumb|left|130px|The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Paramaribo]]
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is 114 years old. Before it became a cathedral it was a theatre and was owned by La Parra. The theatre was built in 1809 and burned down in 1820. The construction of the [[Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral]] started on 13 January 1883.<br/>
'''Measurements'''<br />
161 feet long (51 meters)<br />
48 feet high in the main hall (17 meters)<br />
54 feet wide (18 meters)<br />
162 feet high in the tower up until the bronze cross (53 meters)<br />
This makes the [[cathedral]] the biggest and tallest wooden structure on the western hemisphere.
the cathedral has space for 340 people and was initially built for free [[slaves]] and contract labourers.<br/>
'''Pipe Organ'''<br/>
The [[pipe organ]] was constructed in [[Germany]] and initially contained 1550 pipes. Many of the pipes have been stolen over the years, leaving the organ with a value of 400 euros. After renovation it is expected to have a value of around 10 million euros.
[[Image:Synagoge next to a mosque.JPG|thumb|right|Synagogue next to a Mosque]]
Suriname is one of the few countries in the world where you can find a [[Synagogue]] next to a [[Mosque]]. The two buildings are located next to each other in the centre of [[Paramaribo]] and have been known to share a parking facility during their respective religious rites, should they happen to coincide with one another.
== Sports ==
Some of the greatest football players to represent the [[Netherlands]], such as [[Frank Rijkaard]], [[Ruud Gullit]], [[Patrick Kluivert]], [[Edgar Davids]], [[Clarence Seedorf]], [[Aron Winter]], [[Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink]], [[Stanley Menzo]], and [[Ryan Babel]] are of Surinamese descent. Davids in particular has written of his passionate pride in his Surinamese heritage and his love of attending football matches there. There are a number of local heroes in other sports as well, like [[Primraj Binda]], best known as the athlete who dominated the [[Long-distance track event#10.2C000 meters|10 km]] for nearly a decade, [[Steven Vismale]] and [[Letitia Vriesde]]. Another notable track athlete from Suriname was [[Tommy Asinga]].
[[Anthony Nesty]] is the only person to win a medal (for swimming) for Suriname at the [[Olympic Games|Olympics]]. Originally from Trinidad, not Suriname, he now lives in Gainesville, Florida, USA, and is a coach of the University of Florida. Mainly a distance coachand is planing on coaching the Olympics for Surinam in Bejing for 2008.
==See also==
* [[Boy Scouts van Suriname]]
* [[Foreign relations of Suriname]]
* [[List of cities in Suriname]]
* [[Military of Suriname]]
* [[Transport in Suriname]]
* [[Corantijn Basin]] - archaeological site
<!--Too detailed for general article on country...?:
===Surinamese footballers===
Suriname is the birth place of many famous footballers who have gone on to represent the [[Netherlands|Netherlands international football team]] at international level or to take Dutch nationality. Below is a list of these players (SuriProfs).
[[Andre Wasiman]]{{·}} [[Andwelé Slory]]{{·}} [[Anthony Correia]]{{·}} [[Anton Vriesde]]{{·}} [[Armond MacAndrew]]{{·}} [[Aron Winter]]{{·}} [[Benito Kemble]]{{·}} [[Boy Waterman]]{{·}} [[Brian Pinas]]{{·}} [[Brian Tevreden]]{{·}} [[Bryan Roy]]{{·}} [[Carlos Hasselbaink]]{{·}} [[Cerezo Fung A Wing]]{{·}} [[Chedric Seedorf]]{{·}} [[Clarence Seedorf]]{{·}} [[Clyde Wijnhard]]{{·}} [[Darl Douglas]]{{·}} [[Dean Gorré]]{{·}} [[Delano Hill]]{{·}} [[Diego Biseswar]]{{·}} [[Dion Esajas]]{{·}} [[Dustley Mulder]]{{·}} [[Dwight Tiendalli]]{{·}} [[Edgar Davids]]{{·}} [[Edson Braafheid]]{{·}} [[Ellery Caïro]]{{·}} [[Errol Refos]]{{·}} [[Etienne Esajas]]{{·}} [[Etienne Shew-A-Tjon]]{{·}} [[Evander Sno]]{{·}} [[Fabian de Freitas]]{{·}} [[Fabian Wilnis]]{{·}} [[Ferdy Vierklau]]{{·}} [[Fernando Derveld]]{{·}} [[Ferne Snoyl]]{{·}} [[Frank Rijkaard]]{{·}} [[Gaston Taument]]{{·}} [[Geoffrey Verweij]]{{·}} [[Gerald Vanenburg]]{{·}} [[Gianni Zuiverloon]]{{·}} [[Gino Coutinho]]{{·}} [[Glen Helder]]{{·}} [[Gregory Playfair]]{{·}} [[Guillano Grot]]{{·}} [[Guus Uhlenbeek]]{{·}} [[Harvey Esajas]]{{·}} [[Harvey Wijngaarde]]{{·}} [[Henk Fräser]]{{·}} [[Henk ten Cate]]{{·}} [[Hennie Meijer]]{{·}} [[Humphrey Mijnals]]{{·}} [[Humphrey Rudge]]{{·}} [[Iwan Redan]]{{·}} [[Jermaine Holwijn]]{{·}} [[Jermaine Sandvliet]]{{·}} [[Jerrel Promes]]{{·}} [[Jerrel Wolfgang]]{{·}} [[Jerry de Jong]]{{·}} [[Jerry Simons]]{{·}} [[Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink]]{{·}} [[John Veldman]]{{·}} [[Jurgen Colin]]{{·}} [[Kenneth Monkou]]{{·}} [[Kenneth Vermeer]]{{·}} [[Kevin Bobson]]{{·}} [[Kew Jaliens]]{{·}} [[Kiran Bechan]]{{·}} [[Kurt Elshot]]{{·}} [[Leo Koswal]]{{·}} [[Leo Koswal Sr]]{{·}} [[Lorenzo Davids]]{{·}} [[Lorenzo Wouter]]{{·}} [[Luciano van Kallen]]{{·}} [[Maarten Atmodikoro]]{{·}} [[Maikel Renfurm]]{{·}} [[Marciano Vink]]{{·}} [[Mariano Carrilho]]{{·}} [[Marino Promes]]{{·}} [[Mario Melchiot]]{{·}} [[Mark de Vries]]{{·}} [[Marvin Brunswijk]]{{·}} [[Marvin Emnes]]{{·}} [[Melvin Brunswijk]]{{·}} [[Melvin Fleur]]{{·}} [[Melvin Holwijn]]{{·}} [[Melvin Zaalman]]{{·}} [[Michael Reiziger]]{{·}} [[Michael Schultz]]{{·}} [[Michel Nok]]{{·}} [[Milano Koenders]]{{·}} [[Mitchel Piqué]]{{·}} [[Mitchel Plet]]{{·}} [[Mitchel Schet]]{{·}} [[Nigel de Jong]]{{·}}
[[Nordin Wooter]]{{·}} [[Orlando Engelaar]]{{·}} [[Orlando Trustfull]]{{·}}
[[Oswald Snip]]{{·}} [[Pascal Heije]]{{·}} [[Patrick Kluivert]]{{·}} [[Prince Rajcomar]]{{·}} [[Purrel Fränkel]]{{·}} [[Quincy van Ommeren]]{{·}} [[R. Muskiet]]{{·}} [[Raoul Henar]]{{·}} [[Ray Frankel]]{{·}} [[Regi Blinker]]{{·}} [[Regillio Simons]]{{·}} [[Regillio Slijngard]]{{·}} [[Regillio Vrede]]{{·}} [[Reinhard Breinburg]]{{·}} [[Rodney Cairo]]{{·}} [[Rodney Ubbergen]]{{·}} [[Roel Liefden]]{{·}} [[Romano Denneboom]]{{·}} [[Rodney Dangerfield]]{{·}} [[Romeo Wouden]]{{·}} [[Romeo Zondervan]]{{·}} [[Ronald Breinburg]]{{·}} [[Ronald Hoop]]{{·}} [[Royston Drenthe]]{{·}} [[Ruud Gullit]]{{·}} [[Ryan Babel]]{{·}} [[Ryan Donk]]{{·}} [[Samuel Koejoe]]{{·}} [[Serginho Greene]]{{·}} [[Sherjil MacDonald]]{{·}} [[Sigourney Bandjar]]{{·}} [[Bob Saget]]{{·}} [[Marlin Brando]]{{·}} [[Chuck Norris]]{{·}} [[GOD]]{{·}}
[[Steve Olfers]]{{·}} [[Ulrich Cruden]]{{·}} [[Ulrich van Gobbel]]{{·}} [[Ulrich Wilson]]{{·}} [[Urby Emanuelson]]{{·}} [[Uriel Trustfull]]{{·}} [[Urvin Lee]]{{·}} [[Victor Kros]]{{·}} [[Winston Bakboord]]{{·}} [[Winston Bogarde]]{{·}} [[Winston Faerber]]
-->
== References ==
<references/>
==External links==
{{portal|Suriname|Flag of Suriname.svg}}
{{sisterlinks}}
* [http://www.kabinet.sr.org Government of the Republic of Suriname] {{nl icon}}
* [http://www.surizoek.com Big database of Suriname websites] {{nl icon}}
* [http://www.searchsuriname.com Business in Suriname Database]
* {{wikiatlas|Suriname}}
* {{wikitravel}}
* {{wikia|world:Suriname|Suriname}}
* {{CIA_World_Factbook_link|ns|Suriname}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/South_America/Suriname}}
* {{statoids|id=usr|title=Districts of Suriname}}
* [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/suriname.html Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection]
{{Template group
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{{Countries of South America}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{OIC}}
{{SACN}}
{{Caricom}}
{{OAS}}
{{Dutch Language Union}}
}}
{{Austronesian-speaking}}
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[[Category:Suriname| ]]
[[Category:CARICOM members]]
[[Category:Republics]]
[[Category:Dutch-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Former Dutch colonies]]
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