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Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname, is
a republic on the northern coast of South America with Paramaribo as its capital.
The country was a colony of the Netherlands from 1667 to 1954 and then a country
within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Suriname was established on November 25, 1975
independent. The Surinamese population consists of several ethnic groups,
none of which forms an absolute majority. The language of instruction and official
language is Dutch, while Sranan Tongo is mainly used as a lingua franca
used as a means of communication between different ethnicities. Furthermore
there are several local and indigenous languages ​​spoken by the
different population groups.

Safety

In terms of safety, there are, besides
Paramaribo increased risks of robberies in eastern towns
Moengo and Albina, on the western border with Guyana, in the Brokopondo district and
along some highways.

Compared to 143 countries worldwide,
In 2015, Suriname ranked 49th in terms of safety, higher than in
some European countries and the United States.

The Dutch ministry advises to
not to carry valuables visibly and not to resist a robbery
to offer. According to the ministry, traveling alone is not recommended,
nor does traveling through slums or remote areas, or being in the
at night in Paramaribo outside the entertainment center.

Travel document

When traveling to Suriname, you must always bring a valid passport
with which you can identify.

Visa

Are you traveling to Suriname for tourist purposes? Then you must
pay an entrance fee to gain access to the country. More information about
the payment of the entrance fee can be found on the VFS Global website
(information in English) Upon arrival in Suriname you must provide proof of
show payment to local authorities.

Money

Make sure you have sufficient financial resources to cover unexpected
to deal with situations during your trip (think of extra costs due to
delays, higher costs for accommodation and transportation). Take several
bring means of payment to Suriname, such as a debit card or credit card and cash
money. In many places you can only pay in cash. Pay with credit cards
is not possible everywhere. You can withdraw money from a Dutch debit card
ATMs. In the country you can often only pay in cash, so make sure
make sure you have different means of payment before you travel to Suriname
travels. Put your bank's phone number in your phone so you can quickly
can reach you to block your bank card in case of loss or theft.
Check whether your bank card has been activated for PIN payments outside Europe (World).

Mobile phone

Check with your provider what the costs are for mobile calling and
data usage outside the EU. It may be useful to take out a foreign package
Please note that there may be no or poor reception in
remote areas. Are you going backpacking or hiking in these areas? Then buy
a local SIM card upon arrival (for example at the airport)
tourists (with data roaming). Check in advance which mobile provider a
good coverage in the area you are going to. Make sure your mobile
phone is simlock free, so you can use the activated local sim card
to use.

Health care

Health care in Suriname is of moderate quality and not
compare with the level of care in the Netherlands. Medical specialists are
often trained in the Netherlands and provide care from good to very good level. The
The problem, however, is the shortage of personnel and resources. Close a
comprehensive travel health and repatriation insurance for the duration of
your stay, to avoid financial surprises
to stand.

Emergency numbers

Do you need immediate assistance in Suriname? Please contact the
local emergency services:

Police and
ambulance: 115

Private
ambulance: 117

Fire Department: 110

In Suriname it is tropically warm all year round with
temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees and high humidity.
At night it cools down to around 20 degrees Celsius. The country is largely
part covered with tropical rainforest and rain can fall all year round
traps.

The coastal region has a tropical rainforest climate, with a relatively
high humidity of between 75% and 80%.

In Paramaribo there is sunshine an average of 58% of the time.

During thunderstorms, wind gusts of seventy to one hundred
kilometers per hour occur, which are called 'sibibusies'.

Seasons - The word 'seasons' can
confusing, since Suriname has no traditional seasons. It is
better to say: "Rainy seasons and dry seasons."

The rainy season is from mid-April to mid-August.

The weather in Suriname is influenced by the movement of the
intertropical convergence zone, which is influenced by the position of the sun
shifts.

El Niño affects the climate once every two to seven years, which
leads to drier weather in Suriname, while La Niña leads to more precipitation
takes care of.

Storm and hurricanes

Hurricanes do not occur in Suriname, but they can cause heavy rainfall
cause.

Traffic

In terms of transportation in Suriname, you won't get anywhere
a made bed. There are not many roads in Suriname and the
roads that are there are often in poor condition. It is quite a challenge
to get from A to B. That of course makes traveling an adventure.

In Suriname people drive on the left side of the road
road and traffic from the left has priority. The traffic signs and traffic rules
are similar to those in the Netherlands. The road network is limited, and
Inland, many roads are unpaved. During rainy seasons, it is common
that roads flood and sinkholes develop. Driving in the dark becomes
not recommended where there is no street lighting. For a destination in the jungle,
the transport by canoe or domestic aircraft. The number
traffic casualties is relatively high.

Cycling is almost non-existent in Suriname
by the local population. In Paramaribo there are few cycle paths, and on the
sidewalks are often parked cars. In general, all traffic makes
therefore use the same road surface. There are several rental companies
for bicycles. The increase in the number of cyclists in the country is mainly due
attributed to the arrival of Dutch interns and tourists.

Driving license

You need an International Driving Permit.
You can buy this at the ANWB. For more information, visit the ANWB website
here: https://www.anwb.nl/auto/driving license/ het-driving license/internationaal-driving license

Public transport

In Suriname, public transportation is limited, but there are several options to get from A to B. The most common forms of public transportation are (also called "bus stops"), which follow routes between the larger cities and towns. These are cheap, but can sometimes be full and do not always leave on time.

Taxis: Taxis are a popular choice in larger cities such as Paramaribo. They are relatively affordable and can often be arranged through your hotel or a taxi company. Make sure to agree on a price before getting in, as taxi meters are not always used.

Rental Cars: A rental car offers the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas of Suriname. There are several car rental companies available, both in the capital Paramaribo and at the larger airports. It is important to know that some roads, especially outside the city, can be unpaved.

Boats and Sailing: Suriname is a country with many rivers, and sailing is a common mode of transportation, especially for reaching remote villages and areas. There are both passenger boats and private boat services available, offering the journey along the Suriname and Marowijne Rivers.

Suriname has one international airport: Johan
Adolf Pengel International Airport (also known as Zanderij Airport ),
located approximately 45 minutes south of the capital Paramaribo.

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport is the
main airport for international and domestic flights. The
airport offers connections to and from Suriname to various cities in
Netherlands, the United States, and other South American countries.

Airlines such as KLM, Surinam
Airways (SLM), and other regional and international airlines
fly to this airport.

Facilities :

The airport offers basic facilities such as
shops, food and beverage outlets, ATMs, and a
tax refund desk for tourists.

There is also a taxi rank and transportation from
and to Paramaribo, although there are usually taxis that can be hired
at the exit.

Access and Security :

Tourists must have a valid passport and visa
(if applicable) show on arrival and departure.

The airport has a modern
security check and offers ample space for passengers to check in
and get through the security measures.

Transportation to and from the airport :

There are several transportation options
to Paramaribo and other areas, including taxis, rental companies and
shuttle services from hotels.

Suriname offers a wide range of events
for tourists, which reflect the diverse culture of the country. Some
important events are:

The Suriname Tourism Festival : This
festival celebrates the country's tourism and offers a combination of
local food, music and cultural exhibitions. It is a
perfect opportunity to learn more about Surinamese traditions and the
to taste local cuisine.

The Maroon Festival : This festival
emphasizes the culture of the Maroon people, with traditional music,
dance and typical dishes such as moksi alesi and okra soup. It offers a
unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of
this community.

Javanese New Year (Tahun Baru Jawa) : A
festive celebration of the new year according to the Javanese calendar, with
traditional music, dance and dishes such as nasi kuning and opor ayam. This
event offers a colorful glimpse into the Javanese influence in Suriname.

Hindu and Creole festivals :
Holidays like Diwali and Creole Heritage Days give tourists the opportunity
to participate in vibrant celebrations of Hindu and Creole
culture, with music, dance and traditional dishes.

Sporting Events : Various local
festivals include sports competitions, giving visitors the chance to
to experience the sporting traditions of Suriname. These events offer
often also an active way to participate in Surinamese culture.

In addition, there are parades, live concerts and
dance performances that further bring the country's rich cultural identity to life
bring. For a detailed overview of events, please visit local
consult tourism websites.

The name Suriname is derived from the
Surinen, a Native American tribe that originally lived in the area that
today it covers Suriname and parts of Guyana.

Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname ,
is a republic on the northern coast of South America. The capital of Suriname
is Paramaribo. The country was an English colony from 1650 to 1667, after which it
transferred to the Netherlands after the Peace of Breda and was a colony from 1667 to 1954
of the Netherlands. In 1954 it became a country within the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. On November 25, 1975, Suriname gained its independence from
The Netherlands, thus becoming a sovereign republic.

Surinamese cuisine

Surinamese cuisine is a unique fusion of different
international cuisines including Indian, African, Javanese,
Chinese, Jewish, Portuguese and Indigenous cuisines. This mix has led to a
wide variety of dishes, which contain elements of these cultures and
while simultaneously offering unique Surinamese flavors.

Some popular Surinamese dishes are:

Roti : A flat bread dish, usually served with meat or
vegetables.

Bara : A fried dough dish, often eaten with roti or other
dishes.

Javanese bami and nasi : Indonesian influences that are eaten a lot,
often combined with chicken, meat or fish.

Pom : A typical Surinamese dish made from
potatoes and chicken, cooked in a tasty sauce.

Moksi Alesi : Fried rice with vegetables, meat and fish.

Satay : Grilled meat, often served with peanut sauce.

Shaved ice (slush) : A popular sweet snack made from shaved ice,
topped with various syrups of local fruits such as tamarind,
coconut or pineapple.

Sandwiches

In Suriname, different types of bread and pastries are eaten.
Under the influence of the Netherlands, many types of bread are common, and this has
led to a wide range of Surinamese sandwiches, such as a sandwich
salted fish, chicken, salted meat, shrimp, chicken liver and
curry egg. Inland, cassava flatbreads are baked,
called dose .

Surinamese delicacies

Typical Surinamese sweets include the fiadoe ,
a cake with a cake-like structure, filled with raisins, currants,
almonds, candied peel and rum, originating from the Jewish kitchen. The Maizenakoekjes are also
popular, made from cornstarch and decorated with colored sprinkles.

Drinks (alcoholic)

Surinamese cuisine is also rich in drinks, influenced by the
different population groups. Well-known alcoholic beverages are
including Borgoe Rum , Parbo Bier , Marienburg Rum , and Kasisiri ,
a slightly alcoholic drink made from cassava, originating from the indigenous
population.

Popular non-alcoholic drinks

Some popular non-alcoholic drinks are Orgeat , Dawet
(a sweet fruit drink), ginger beer , and the various flavors of Fernandes
soft drinks . Fernandes, founded by the Surinamese-Jewish businessman Isaak
Fernandes in the early 20th century, today produces a wide range
of soft drinks available in Suriname, the Netherlands and abroad.
Fernandes acquired the exclusive bottling rights of
Coca-Cola for Suriname and has since strengthened its position in the
soft drink industry strengthened.

The meaning of the colors on the Surinamese flag is as follows:

Red symbolizes progress and the ongoing struggle for a
better existence.

White represents freedom and justice, which also means peace
represents.

Green symbolizes the fertility of the land and the rich
natural resources of Suriname.

The star stands
for the hope of a unity that will give Suriname a "golden" future
will bring, a symbol of national unity and strength.

These symbols reflect the values ​​and history of the
country, as well as the aspirations for a shared and prosperous future.