 |
|
|
|
Idealo.co.uk
>
Travel-Home
>
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Information on Suriname
|
|
|
Suriname (SR)
|
| Continent: |
South America |
|
| Area: |
163,820 km² |
| Population: |
492,829 |
| Capital city: |
Paramaribo |
ISO code: |
SR |
| National language: |
Dutch |
International dialling code: |
+597 |
| Currency: |
Surinamese Dollar |
Licence plate number: |
SME |
| Flight routes from Suriname: |
68 |
Flight routes to Suriname: |
73 |
| Popular airports: |
Paramaribo (PBM),
Paramaribo Z En Hoop (ORG)
|
| Large cities: |
Paramaribo,
Lelydorp,
Nieuw Nickerie,
Moengo,
Nieuw Amsterdam,
Mariënburg,
Wageningen,
Albina,
Groningen,
Brownsweg,
Onverwacht,
Totness,
Soekibaka,
Mary's Hope,
Herstelling
|
| Airlines based in Suriname: |
Surinam Airways
|
|
|
|
Republic in north-eastern South America.
|
The Republic of Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America situated on the north east coast on the Atlantic Ocean. The country is bordered in the east by French Guyana, in the south by Brazil and in the west by Guyana.
Geography: the north of the country consists of coastal plains interspersed by Mangrove forests. Behind these coastal regions is a narrow savannah belt that merges with a hilly landscpae, largely covered by rainforest and crossed by many rivers.
Mountains and rivers: the highest point in Suriname is 1,280 metre (4,199 ft) high Julianatop in the Wilhelmina mountains that stretch from east to west with a total length of 100 km (70 miles). The mountain range possesses 13 summits in total with an altitude of over 1000 m (330 ft). The longest river, the Corantyne, measures 725 km (450 miles). It has its source in the Acarai Mountains on the border to Guyana and Brazil and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. There are also a large number of rivers in Suriname that are linked by a remarkable network of canals.
Climate and best time to visit: as Suriname is situated near the equator the climate is tropical, sticky and hot throughout the year. There are two rainy seasons in Suriname: a shorter period from December to February and a longer rainy season from April to mid August. Visitors to Suriname should avoid the rainy seasons as they inevitably result in landslides and flooding in the interior of the country.
Language and communication: the official and national language is Dutch. Almost the entire population also speaks the Creole language Sranan Tongo and English as a second language. Other important languages are Hindi and Javanese as a result of the wave of immigration two centuries ago. A large number of indigenous languages are also spoken.
Health and vaccinations: vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus is recommended. Long clothing should be worn to provide protection against mosquitoes and other insects, and a locally purchased insect repellent should also be used. There is a danger of contracting malaria all year round especially in the southerly parts of the country. Please seek advice from your GP on effective anti-malarial medication. Medical care is only of a sufficient standard in Paramaribo. Visitors are advised to take out a comprehensive medical and travel insurance that covers repatriation costs. A first aid kit should be packed and fruit and vegetables peeled or boiled before being eaten.
Entry requirements: All British visitors need visas to enter Suriname, which must be obtained in advance. Information on visas may be obtained from the Suriname Consulate in Amsterdam. Those arriving from Guyana, French Guiana or Brazil are required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. For further information on vaccinations, entry requirements and security issues please see the Foreign Office and Commonwealth website.
Arrival and onward journey: KLM is the only airline serving Paramaribo (PBM) non-stop, flying from Amsterdam (AMS). Air France (AF) also operates flights from Europe.
Capital city: Paramaribo is 23 km from the sea on the River Surinam and has a total of 250,000 inhabitants. The capital is the cultural and economic focus of the country and possesses many Dutch-French architectural masterpieces due to its long colonial history. This multiethnic city stands out particularly by the fact that the houses are almost entirely built of wood. This fact contributed to the UNESCO declaring the historical centre a cultural world heritage site in 2002. The various houses of worship, the Surinam museum in the newly restored Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square and the presidential palace are all well worth seeing. The two parks: Cultuurtuin and Palmentuin are also very beautiful.
Places of interest: Suriname is popular particularly with independent travellers due to its breathtaking countryside, diverse rainforests, the diversity of ancient and new cultures and the wealth of flora and fauna. The nature reserves of Brownsberg and Voltzberg are well developed for tourism with a large number of comfortable lodges. A tour by boat from Maroons provides a good opportunity to explore the paradise water world and the interior of the country.
Religion: almost 50 % of the multiethnic population are Christian. A further 25 % are Hindus, and about 5% believe in the natural religions.
Major Cities and accommodation: Paramaribo, Wanica, Nieuw Nickerie and Meerzorg.
|
|
|
Favourite Flights and Cheap Flights from and to Suriname / SR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
