Paramaribo, Suriname

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Paramaribo, Suriname

Region: Paramaribo is located in Paramaribo

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Geographic Coordinates: 5.852200, -55.203900

Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with a slightly wetter season from November to January.

Population: 223757

Language: Dutch

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Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname, A small country located on the northern coast of South America. The city is known for its unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture and Caribbean culture, Making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking something different. One of the most striking features of Paramaribo is its historic center, Which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area boasts over 1, 400 historic buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries when Suriname was under Dutch rule.

These buildings include impressive wooden structures with intricate facades that reflect both European and local influences. The city’s cultural diversity is also reflected in its cuisine, Which draws from African, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and European traditions. Visitors can sample traditional dishes like roti (a type of flatbread filled with curry), Pom (a casserole made with chicken or fish) or bara (fried dough filled with spicy chutney). Another highlight of Paramaribo is its bustling marketplaces where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

One such market is the Waterkant Market located along the Suriname River where visitors can find souvenirs like woven baskets or carved wooden figurines. For nature enthusiasts, Paramaribo offers several opportunities to explore Suriname’s lush rainforest region. Just outside the city lies Peperpot Nature Park where visitors can hike through tropical forest trails teeming with wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds. no visit to Paramaribo would be complete without experiencing its vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive after dark with live music performances at bars and clubs throughout downtown.

Overall, Paramaribo offers a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty that makes it an unforgettable destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in South America.

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1. Historic Inner City of Paramaribo
2. Fort Zeelandia
3. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
4. Independence Square
5. Presidential Palace of Suriname
6. Waterkant Street
7. Central Market
8. Surinaams Museum
9. Neveh Shalom Jewish Synagogue
10. Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge

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1. Mining: Suriname is renowned for its vast reserves of minerals such as gold, bauxite, and other precious metals.
2. Agriculture: The fertile soil in the country supports the growth of various crops like rice, bananas, citrus fruits, and sugar cane.
3. Tourism: Paramaribo is a popular tourist destination because of its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
4. Retail: The city has a thriving retail sector with many local markets selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
5. Banking and finance: Several banks and financial institutions provide services to both local businesses as well as international investors in Paramaribo.
6. Food processing: There are several food processing plants in the city that produce canned goods, dairy products, beverages, snacks among others.
7. Construction: With the increasing population in Paramaribo comes an escalating demand for construction services such as housing developments or infrastructure projects like roads or bridges.
8. Manufacturing: There are various manufacturing industries present in the city such as textiles production facilities or furniture factories among others.

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1. Dutch colonization: Paramaribo was founded by the Dutch in 1630 as a trading post for sugarcane plantations.
2. Slavery: The city played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans passing through its port.
3. Maroon communities: Despite slavery being abolished in 1863, many enslaved Africans escaped and formed independent communities known as Maroons in the surrounding rainforest.
4. Jodensavanne: A former Jewish settlement located about 50 km south of Paramaribo that flourished during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
5. Independence: Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, with Paramaribo becoming its capital city.
6. Desi Bouterse: A controversial figure who served as Suriname’s president from 2010 to 2020 and was previously involved in a military coup that took place in Paramaribo in February 1980.
7. Cynthia McLeod: A renowned Surinamese author whose books depict life during colonial times and explore issues such as slavery and discrimination.
8. André Kamperveen Stadium massacre: In June 1989, fifteen opponents of then-president Bouterse were arrested at this stadium before being executed without trial on Fort Zeelandia grounds nearby.
9. Robert Ameerali: Former Vice President (2010-2015) under Desi Bouterse’s administration.
10. Ronnie Brunswijk: Current Vice President (2020-present) under Chan Santokhi’s administration.

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• Surinaams Museum showcases the history and culture of Suriname, including exhibits on its indigenous people, colonial past, and contemporary society.
• Fort Zeelandia is a historic fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century that now houses a museum on Suriname’s military history.
• Presidential Palace is an impressive colonial-era building that serves as the official residence of the President of Suriname and offers guided tours.
• Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is one of Paramaribo’s most iconic landmarks, dating back to the 19th century with stunning stained glass windows.
• Neveh Shalom Synagogue is South America’s oldest synagogue still used for worship today, located in a beautiful building.
• Palmentuin Park features lush greenery and tropical plants in a peaceful oasis in the heart of Paramaribo.
• Maroon Village Tours offer guided tours to nearby villages inhabited by descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped into the jungle during colonial times.
• Peperpot Nature Park was once a coffee plantation but has been transformed into a nature reserve with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and historical sites.
• Onafhankelijkheidsplein (Independence Square) is home to several important government buildings as well as monuments commemorating Suriname’s independence from Dutch rule in 1975.
• Jodensavanne Jewish Cemetery contains graves dating back to when Jews first settled in Suriname during Dutch colonization efforts; it’s located just outside Paramaribo.

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Sports Teams

1. Inter Moengotapoe is one of the oldest football clubs in Suriname, founded in 1936. They have won 10 national championships and several other domestic cups.
2. Robinhood, also founded in 1936, is another successful football club from Paramaribo. They are considered one of the most popular teams in Suriname and have won a record 24 national championships.
3. Walking Boyz Company (WBC) is a basketball team based in Paramaribo that was established in 2008. They have won several national championships and represent Suriname internationally.
4. Yellow Birds is a cricket club that has been dominant throughout Surinamese cricket history since its establishment in the early 20th century.
5. Established in 1979, Yelyco Volleyball Club has become one of the most successful volleyball clubs not only within Paramaribo but also across Suriname, winning multiple national titles over the years.
6. Dakka Sport Club is a field hockey team that was established in the early 1960s and has since become one of the leading clubs within its sport both domestically as well as internationally representing their country on numerous occasions at various tournaments including Pan American Games etc..

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Cultural Events

1. Keti Koti Festival is celebrated on July 1st to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Suriname.
2. Holi Phagwa is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, usually taking place in March.
3. Maroon Day, held on October 10th, celebrates the culture and heritage of Suriname’s Maroon communities through music, dance, and food.
4. Christmas in Paramaribo is a festive time with lights, parades, and markets selling traditional foods and gifts.
5. Independence Day on November 25th is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays to mark Suriname’s independence from the Netherlands.
6. Carifesta is a biennial Caribbean festival held in Paramaribo celebrating arts and culture from across the region.
7. The Jazz & Blues Festival takes place annually at Fort Zeelandia Park featuring international jazz performers as well as local artists showcasing their talent through various musical genres such as blues, jazz, soul, etc.
8. Avondvierdaagse (Evening Four Days) is an annual four-day walking event that takes place around June where people walk for four consecutive evenings through different neighborhoods while enjoying music, food, and drinks along their way.

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Cuisine

1. Pom is a traditional Surinamese dish made with cassava, chicken, and spices.
2. Roti is a popular Indian-influenced dish consisting of flatbread served with curried vegetables or meat.
3. Saoto Soup is a flavorful soup made with chicken broth, noodles, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs.
4. Nasi Goreng is Indonesian fried rice with vegetables and meat or shrimp.
5. Warung Pawirodikromo is a popular restaurant in Paramaribo that serves traditional Surinamese dishes like pom and saoto soup.
6. Roopram Roti House is known for their delicious roti dishes such as curry chicken and channa masala.
7. De Gadri Restaurant & Bar offers a mix of Surinamese and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
8. Eetcafé ZUS & ZO is a trendy spot for brunch or lunch offering local and international dishes like burgers and salads.
9. Joosje Snackbar & Catering Service is famous for their delicious broodjes (Surinamese sandwiches) filled with various meats, vegetables, sauces, and pickles.
10. De Waag Restaurant & Bar located in the historic Fort Zeelandia building serves upscale Surinamese cuisine with a modern twist.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Independence Square is a public park and historical landmark that features the Independence Monument and the Presidential Palace.
2. Palmentuin is a botanical garden located in the heart of Paramaribo. It features palm trees, benches, and a small pond.
3. Waterkant is a riverfront promenade along the Suriname River that has restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling local delicacies.
4. Fort Zeelandia is a historic fort turned museum showcasing Suriname’s colonial past.
5. The Central Market is a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
6. The Paramaribo Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals including jaguars, monkeys, birds of prey and reptiles.
7. Brownsberg Nature Park is an eco-tourism destination with hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic views of the surrounding rainforest.
8. Commewijne River Tour offers boat tours along Suriname’s largest river providing glimpses into traditional fishing villages as well as historical plantations.
9. Mariënburg Sugar Factory was once an abandoned sugar plantation but now serves as a museum showcasing Suriname’s sugar industry history.
10. White Beach Resort located just outside Paramaribo city limits offers swimming pools with slides for children as well as water sports activities such as jet skiing or banana boating on their private beachfront property.

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Leave Footprints In The Sand.

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