Suriname

1499 (May 13, Monday): The first European, Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, reaches the coast of Suriname

1667 (February 19, Thursday): Treaty of Breda cedes Suriname from the Dutch to the English

1712 (February 28, Saturday): Dutch acquire Suriname from the English after the Treaty of Utrecht

1799 (April 24, Wednesday): Suriname becomes a Dutch colony after British occupation

1863 (July 1, Wednesday): Slavery abolished in Suriname

1954 (December 15, Wednesday): Suriname becomes part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

1975 (November 25, Tuesday): Suriname gains independence from the Netherlands

1980 (February 25, Monday): Military coup led by Desi Bouterse overthrows the government

1982 (December 8, Wednesday): The December murders, in which political opponents of the military government are executed

1992 (May 17, Sunday): Transition to civilian rule after Bouterse steps down

2004 (December 26, Sunday): A tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake affects Suriname, though with minimal damage

2011 (December 5, Monday): Desi Bouterse returns to power as president after a contested election

2020 (March 1, Sunday): Economic crisis worsens with inflation, and protests begin in Paramaribo

2021 (April 7, Wednesday): Suriname is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to health crises and travel restrictions

2022 (June 10, Friday): Floods and landslides caused by intense rainfall affect Paramaribo and surrounding areas, displacing thousands

2023 (October 18, Wednesday): Severe flooding caused by the overflowing of the Suriname River disrupts local communities, especially in the capital

Continent: South America
Location: Northeastern coast of South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Capital: Paramaribo
Language: Dutch (official)
Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
Population: ~630,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Suriname Time (SRT) / UTC -3

Borders: French Guiana (east), Brazil (south), and Guyana (west)
Landscape: Coastal plain, central forested region, and mountainous southern area
Major Rivers: Suriname River, Maroni River, Coppename River, Saramacca River
Major Mountains: Julianatop (highest point), Rorac Mountains
Deserts: None
Lakes: Brokopondo Reservoir, Brownsberg Lake
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Julianatop (1,280 m / 4,199 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical, with a wet season (December–July) and a dry season (August–November)
Geological Features: Coastal plains, dense tropical forests, mountain ranges, and river systems

Ethnic Groups: Mixed ethnicities, including East Indian, African, Javanese, and Indigenous people
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant), Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous belief systems
Urban Population: ~63% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Ethnic diversity, cultural festivals, and wildlife
Cuisine: Roti, saoto soup, pom, nasi goreng, and seafood
Arts: Music (calypso, kaseko), traditional crafts, and festivals
Sports: Football (soccer), volleyball, and cricket

Economy Type: Mixed economy, with natural resources as the primary export
GDP: Approx. $5.3 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Mining (gold, bauxite), agriculture, forestry, oil extraction
Key Exports: Gold, oil, alumina, rice, and tropical fruits
Unemployment Rate: ~9.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Mining and agriculture in the interior, services and commerce in Paramaribo

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Chandrikapersad Santokhi (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Chandrikapersad Santokhi (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (National Assembly of Suriname)
Constitution: In effect since 1987, with amendments

Brokopondo Reservoir: Large artificial lake surrounded by nature
Central Suriname Nature Reserve: UNESCO World Heritage site, known for biodiversity
Paramaribo: Capital city with Dutch colonial architecture and vibrant markets
Brownsberg Nature Park: Famous for hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife
Galibi Nature Reserve: Home to sea turtles and exotic birds