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List of
Banks in the Caribbean
List of Banks in Suriname
Suriname or Surinam Dutch: Suriname; Sarnami: Sarnam, Sranan Tongo:
Sranangron or Sranankondre), officially the Republic of Suriname, is a
country in northern South America. Its geographical size is just under
165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi), and it has an estimated population of
approximately 470,000, most of whom live on the country's north coast,
where the capital Paramaribo is located.
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 coast. The southernmost borders with French Guiana and
Guyana are disputed along the Marowijne and Corantijn rivers,
respectively; while a part of the disputed maritime boundary with Guyana
was arbitrated by the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea on
September 20, 2007.
In terms of area, Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South
America. The country is the only Dutch-speaking region in the world not
a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands or Belgium and the only state
outside Europe with Dutch as an official language (not counting South
Africa and Namibia where the closely-related Afrikaans is used). The
combined legacy of years of colonial occupation, immigration, and
slavery has made Suriname one of the most multicultural societies in the
world, with great ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity.
Centrale Bank Van Suriname
Address: Waterkant 16-20
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1801
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-3741
Fax: (597) 47-6444
The Central Bank of Suriname (Dutch: Centrale Bank van Suriname) is
Suriname's highest monetary authority and the country's governing body
in monetary and economic affairs.
The Central Bank's tasks were legislated in the Bank Act of 1956. Like
other central banks, it is the principal monetary authority of the
country. Other tasks include the promotion of the value and stability of
the currency of Suriname, the provision of money circulation, the
safeguarding of private banking and credit union activities, together
with a balanced social-economic development.
The Central Bank is headed by a Governor and divided into three
directorates: Banking Operations, Monetary and Economic Affairs and
Supervision.
De Surinaamsche Bank N.V.
Address: Gravenstraat 26, Centrum
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1806
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-1100
Fax: (597) 41-1750 / (597) 47-7835
Finabank N.V.
Address: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat/Waaldykstraat, -Cen
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2922
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-2266
Fax: (597) 41-0471
Hakrinbank N.V.
Address: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 11-13, Centrum
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1813
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-7722
Fax: (597) 47-2066 / (597) 47-5073
Keywords: Loans / Money
RBTT Bank
Address: Kerkplein 1, Centrum
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-1555
Fax: (597) 41-1325
Surinaamse Postspaarbank N.V>
Address: Knuffelsgracht 10-14, Centrum
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1879
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-2256
Fax: (597) 47-2952
VCB Bank
Address: Waterkant 104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1804
City: Paramaribo
Departement: Paramaribo
Phone: (597) 47-2616 / (597) 47-7766
Fax: (597) 47-3257
Etymology
The name Suriname may derive from a Taino (Arawak-speaking) group called
"Surinen" who first inhabited the region prior to European arrival.
Originally, the country was spelled Surinam by English settlers who
founded the first colony at Marshall's Creek, along the Suriname
River, and was part of a group of colonies known as Dutch Guiana.
Surinam can still be found in English. A notable example of this is
Suriname's own national airline, Surinam Airways. The older English name
is reflected in the English pronunciation, /ˈsʊrɨnæm/ or /ˈsʊrɨnɑːm/. In
Dutch, the official language of Suriname, the pronunciation is [ˌsyriˈnamə],
with the main stress on the third syllable.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Suriname
Map of Suriname.Suriname is the smallest independent country in South
America. Situated on the Guiana 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: the Bakhuys Mountains and the Van
Asch Van Wijck Mountains. Julianatop is the highest mountain in the
country at 1,286 metres (4,219 ft) above sea level. Other mountains
include Tafelberg at 1,026 metres (3,366 ft), Mount Kasikasima at 718
metres (2,356 ft), Goliathberg at 358 metres (1,175 ft) and Voltzberg at
240 metres (790 ft).
Districts and resorts
Main articles: Districts of Suriname and Resorts of Suriname
Map of the districts of Suriname in alphabetical order.Suriname is
divided into ten districts:
1.Brokopondo
2.Commewijne
3.Coronie
4.Marowijne
5.Nickerie
6.Para
7.Paramaribo
8.Saramacca
9.Sipaliwini
10.Wanica
Suriname is further subdivided into 62 resorts (ressorten).
Climate
Main article: Climate of Suriname
Lying 2 to 5 degrees north of the equator, Suriname has a very hot
tropical climate, and temperatures do not vary much throughout the year.
The year has two wet seasons, from April to August and from November to
February. It also has two dry seasons, from August to November and
February to April.
Nature reserves
In the upper Coppename River 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, 12.6% of the country's land area are national
parks and lakes, according to the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring
Centre.
History
Main article: History of Suriname
Beginning in the 16th century, the area was discovered by French,
Spanish, and English explorers. A century later, plantation colonies
were established by the Dutch and English along the many rivers in the
fertile Guyana plains. The earliest documented colony in Guiana was
along the Suriname River and called Marshall's Creek. The area was named
after an Englishman. Disputes arose between the Dutch and the English.
In 1667, the Dutch decided to keep the nascent plantation colony of
Suriname conquered from the English, resulting from the Treaty of Breda.
The English were left with New Amsterdam, a small trading post in North
America, which later became New York City.
The 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 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, in French as
the Nèg'Marrons 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.
Javanese people, picture taken between 1880-1900Slavery 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.
Maroon village, Suriname River, 1955On November 23, 1941, under an
agreement with the Netherlands government-in-exile, the United States
occupied Dutch Guiana to protect bauxite mines. 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 (the then leader of the Nationale Partij
Suriname (Suriname's 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 team.
On February 25, 1980, a military coup overthrew the democratic
government and declared a Socialist Republic. 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 executed during the night, and the Netherlands quickly
suspended all foreign aid to Suriname after this event. In July 2010
Desi Bouterse was elected president despite charges against him for the
1982 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.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Suriname
Ministry of FinanceThe economy of Suriname is dominated by the bauxite
industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export
earnings. Other main export products include rice, bananas and shrimp.
Suriname has recently started exploiting some of its sizeable oil and
gold reserves. About a quarter of the people work in the
agricultural sector. The Surinamese economy is very dependent on
commerce, its main trade partners being the Netherlands, the United
States, Canada and Caribbean countries.
After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the 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 sectors. 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%), China (5.4%), Japan (4.3%), Brazil (3.6%).
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Suriname
The population growth of Suriname. Note the y-axis is the number
inhabitants in thousandsIn November 2007, Suriname's population was
estimated to be 494,347. It is made up of several distinct ethnic
groups.
Amerindians, the original inhabitants of Suriname, form 3.7% of the
population. The main groups being the Akuriyo, Arawak, Carib/Kaliña,
Trío (Tiriyó), and Wayana. They live mainly in the districts of
Paramaribo, Wanica, Maroni and Sipaliwini.
Hindoestanen form the largest major group at 27% of the population. They
are descendants of nineteenth-century contract workers from India. They
are from the Indian states of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, in
Northern India, along the Nepali border.
The Surinamese Creoles form the middle group 18% of the population. They
are the mixed descendants of West African slaves and Europeans (mostly
Dutch).
The Javanese (descendants of contract workers from the former Dutch East
Indies on the island of Java, Indonesia) make up 15% (close to 90,000)
of the population.
Surinamese Maroons (descendants of escaped West African slaves) make up
15% and are divided into five main groups: Ndyuka (Aucans), Kwinti,
Matawai, Saramaccans and Paramaccans.
Chinese, mainly descendants of the earliest nineteenth-century contract
workers, 1.8% and number about 14,000.
Boeroes (derived from boer, the Dutch word for farmer) are descendants
of Dutch nineteenth-century immigrant farmers. Most Boeroes left after
independence in 1975.
Jews, mainly descendants of Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews as well.
In their history plays Jodensavanne a major role. Many Jews are mixed
with other populations.
Lebanese, those are Surinamese people from the Middle East, they are for
the most part Bcharre and Maronites in Lebanon. In Suriname, they prefer
to call themselves Phoenicians.
Brazilians, many of them gold miners. Most of the nearly 40,000
Brazilians living in Suriname arrived during the past several years.
File:Paramaribo.jpg
Neve Shalom Synagogue in ParamariboThere is no predominant religion in
the country. Christianity, both in the form of Roman Catholicism and
various denominations of Protestantism, is dominant among Creoles and
Maroons. The Creoles and to a lesser degree the Maroons, both
descendants of enslaved Africans, were forced to convert to
Christianity, but a lot of them still retain their Afro-American
religion called Winti. Most of the Hindustani are Hindu, but some
practice Islam or Christianity. The Javanese practice either Islam or
Christianity. Suriname's population is 20% Muslim, which is the highest
minority-percentage of Muslims of any country in the New World.
Old flag of SurinameThe 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 438,000 Surinamese in
Suriname itself.
Languages
Surinamese society is one of the most multilingual in the world. Dutch
is the sole official language, and is the language of education,
government, business and the media. Over 60 percent of the population
speak it as a mother tongue, and most of the rest speak it as a
second or third language. In 2004, Suriname became an associate member
of the Dutch Language Union. It is the only Dutch-, and one of the
two non Romance-speaking countries in South America.
In Paramaribo, Dutch is the main home language in two-thirds of
households. The recognition of "Surinaams-Nederlands" ("Surinamese
Dutch") as a natiolect equal to "Nederlands-Nederlands" ("Dutch Dutch")
and "Vlaams-Nederlands" ("Flemish Dutch") was expressed in 2009 by the
publication of the Woordenboek Surinaams Nederlands (Surinamese Dutch
Dictionary). Only in the interior of Suriname is Dutch seldom used.
Sranan Tongo, a local creole language originally spoken by the Creole
population group, is the most widely used language in the streets and
often interchangeably with Dutch depending on the formality of the
setting.
Surinamese Hindi or Sarnami, a dialect of Bhojpuri, is the third-most
used language, spoken by the descendants of South Asian contract workers
from then British India. Javanese is used by the descendants of Javanese
contract workers. The Maroon languages, somewhat intelligible with
Sranan Tongo, include Saramaka, Paramakan, Ndyuka, Aukan, Kwinti and
Matawai. Amerindian languages, spoken by Amerindians, include Carib and
Arawak. Hakka and Cantonese are spoken by the descendants of the Chinese
contract (koelie, coolie) workers. Mandarin is spoken by some few recent
Chinese immigrants. English, Spanish and Portuguese are also used.
Spanish and Portuguese are spoken by Latin American residents and their
descendants and sometimes also taught in schools.
The public discourse about Suriname's languages is a part of an ongoing
debate about the country's national identity. While Dutch is
perceived as a remnant of colonialism by some, the use of the
popular Sranan became associated with nationalist politics after its
public use by former dictator Dési Bouterse in the 1980s, and groups
descended from escaped slaves might resent it. Some propose 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
location in South America, although it has no Spanish-speaking
neighbours.
Health
Fertility rate was at 2.6 births per woman. Public expenditure was
at 3.6 % of the GDP in 2004, whereas private expenditure was at 4.2
%. There were 45 physicians per 100,000 in the early 2000s.
Infant mortality was at 30 per 1,000 live births. Male life
expectancy at birth was at 66.4 years, whereas female life expectancy at
birth was at 73 years.
Transport
See also: Transport in Suriname and East-West Link (Suriname)
Suriname and neighboring Guyana are the only two countries on the
(in-land) American continent that drive on the left. In Guyana this
practice is inherited from United Kingdom colonial authorities. The
reason for the left hand drive in Suriname is explained by several
sources. It is thought that this is because the first cars imported were
from England, but this is yet undocumented. In addition, this view does
not make statements on traffic before the automobile era. Another
explanation is that the Netherlands, at the time of colonization of
Suriname, used the left-hand side of the road for traffic, or that
Suriname was first colonized by the English. Although the
Netherlands converted to driving to the right at the end of the 18th
century (Peter Kincaid, and ), Suriname did not. An interesting
viewpoint on this is forwarded by Peter Kincaid, and further explored by
Ian Watson, in that territories such as Suriname, with no neighbors
or no connecting roads to neighbour countries, had no external pressure
to either change or to maintain the status quo on driving sides.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Suriname
Presidential palace
The National AssemblyThe Republic of Suriname is a constitutional,
democratically representational republic 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.
During the recently held elections on Tuesday 25 May the
"Megacombinatie" won 23 of the National Assembly seats followed by
"Nationale Front" with 20 seats. A much smaller but important for the
collaboration went to the 'A-combinatie" and to the "Volksalliantie".
For more details the reader can visit the website of the "25 mei
verkiezingen.com" or from the "ministerie van binnenlandse zaken" which
is the ministry of internal affairs. Currently negiotations are going on
in and between parties regarding the formation of the coalition for the
coming five years.
The President of Suriname, 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. A vice
president, normally elected at the same time as the president, needs a
simple majority in the National Assembly or People's Assembly to be
elected for a 5-year term. As head of government, the president appoints
a cabinet of ministers. 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 of a United States-type state, but is appointed
and removed by the president.
Culture
Main articles: Roman Catholicism in Suriname, Music of Suriname, and
Hinduism in South America
Waterfront houses in Paramaribo, 1955Owing to the country's
multicultural heritage, Suriname celebrates a variety of distinct ethnic
and religious festivals.
National celebrations
January 1 - New Year's Day
March 1 (varies) - Holi/ Phagwa
May 1 - Labour Day
June 5 - Immigration of the Indians
July 1 - Keti Koti, Emancipation Day (end of slavery)
August 8 - Day of the indigenous people
August 9 - Immigration of the Javanese
November 25 - Independence Day
December 5 - Children's day (Sinterklaas)
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Second Christmas Day
There are several Hindu and Islamic national holidays like Divali
(deepavali), Phagwa and Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-adha. These holidays do
not have specific dates on the Gregorian calendar as they are based on
the Hindu and Islamic calendars, respectively.
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
Pagara (Red-firecracker-ribbons)New Year's Eve in Suriname is called Oud
jaar, or "old year". It is during this period that the Surinamese
population goes to the city's commercial district to watch
demonstrational fireworks. 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.
Sports
Some of the greatest football players to represent the Netherlands, such
as Pierre van Hooijdonk, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, Patrick Kluivert,
Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Aron Winter, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink,
Stanley Menzo, Ryan Babel, Ken Monkou, Edson Braafheid, Boy Waterman,
Regi Blinker, Fabian Wilnis and Eljero Elia 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 local 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 Olympics. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, not
Suriname, he now lives in Gainesville, Florida, USA, and is a coach of
the University of Florida. He is mainly a distance coach.
Multiple K-1 champion and legend, Ernesto Hoost, was born in Suriname.
Remy Bonjasky also a multiple K-1 champion is also from Surinamese
descent. MMA and Kickboxing champions Melvin Manhoef, Gilbert Yvel and
Alistair Overeem were born in Suriname or from Surinamese descent.
Retired female kickboxer Ilonka Elmont was also born in Suriname.
Another notable up and comer kickboxer and K-1 fighter, Tyrone Spong,
was born in Suriname. Ginty Vrede, a former Muay Thai Heavy Weight
Champion who died in 2008 aged 22, was born in Suriname.
Education
Main article: Education in Suriname
The net primary enrollment rate was 94 % in 2004. Education is
compulsory until the age of 12. Literacy is very common,
particularly among males. The university of the country is the Anton
de Kom University of Suriname.
Media
A popular newspaper is De Ware Tijd. Suriname has 24 radio stations from
which a couple broadcast through the Internet (Apintie and Radio10).
There are also a dozen television networks including STVS, RBN, ABC,
ATV, Mustika, and Garuda). Also listened to is mArt, a broadcaster from
Amsterdam founded by people from Suriname. Kondreman is one of the
popular cartoons in Suriname.
Tourism
Royal Torarica, was opened in the night district of Paramaribo on the
Suriname River. The hotel industry is important to Suriname's economy.
The rental of apartments, or the rent-a-house phenomenon, is also
popular in Suriname.
Most tourists visit Suriname for the outstanding biodiversity of the
pristine Amazonian rain forests in the south of the country, which are
noted for their 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, the
latter being 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 which often have their own reserves and are open to visitors.
Suriname is one of the few countries in the world where at least one of
each 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.
Other attractions include plantations such as 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.
Landmarks
Jules Wijdenbosch BridgeThe Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge 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 (171 ft) high, and 1,504 metres (4,934 ft) 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.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in ParamariboThe 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 January, 13, 1883.
Mosque next to a synagogueSuriname is one of the few countries in the
world where a synagogue is located next to a mosque (the only other two
places are Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sofia, Bulgaria,
although Caracas, Venezuela also has both kind of temples but not next
to each other, rather, within the same block). 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.
Airlines
Departures
Blue Wing Airlines
Caribbean Commuter Airways (Caricom Airways)
Gumair
Surinam Airways
Arrivals
Caribbean Airlines (Trinidad & Tobago)
Insel Air (Curaçao)
KLM (the Netherlands)
Meta Linhas Aéreas (Brazil)
Surinam Airways (Aruba)
Get your own Bank account with ATM card
(Maestro/Mastercard debit card) for withdrawals with a Bank in the Caribe
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