Suriname has a fascinating history. As the smallest independent nation in South America, it has a unique mix of cultures, resulting from centuries of European colonization, slavery and immigration.
When it comes to places to visit, Suriname is a hidden gem. The capital, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Dutch colonial architecture. You should also visit Brownsberg National Park with its abundant wildlife, Suriname's Central Nature Reserve, home to the largest area of protected rainforest in the world, the village of Jodensavanne with its intriguing ruins of a former Jewish colony, and finally, Albina, the gateway to the natural beauty and tranquility of the Marowijne River.
Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar as its currency. And, as we mentioned, the official language is Dutch, a result of its history as a colony of the Netherlands. Brazilians need a visa to enter the country.
Suriname's socioeconomic situation is challenging, with an economy heavily dependent on bauxite exports. Politically, it is a democratic republic, although it has faced instability and coups in the past.
Traveling around Suriname may not be as expensive as other destinations, but remember that the cost of living in the country is relatively high by the region's standards.
Now, the curiosity of the title! Suriname is the only country in South America where Dutch is the official language. This is because it was a colony of the Netherlands until 1975. So if you're planning a visit, you might want to brush up on that basic Dutch!
Another curiosity is that the Protestant church still built in South America is in Paramaribo: DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH!
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