Suriname: flag, capital, currency and history
Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Paramaribo. The currency is the Surinamese dollar. Languages spoken include Dutch.
Quick facts about Suriname
- Official name
- Republic of Suriname
- Capital
- Paramaribo
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Surinamese dollar (SRD, $)
- Languages
- Dutch
- Calling code
- +597
- Internet domain
- .sr
- Area
- 163,820 km² (63,251 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Surinamer
- National day
- Independence Day, November 25
Flag of Suriname
Download the flag of Suriname as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇷.
History of Suriname
Indigenous peoples such as the Arawak and Carib inhabited the coast and forests of Suriname before European contact. English settlers established a colony around 1650, and the Dutch gained control under the 1667 Treaty of Breda. Plantation agriculture relied on enslaved Africans, and some escaped to form Maroon communities in the interior. Slavery was abolished in 1863, after which indentured workers arrived from Asia. Suriname gained self-government within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1954 and became independent in 1975. It is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America.
Key dates
- c. 1650English settlers establish a colony on the Suriname River.
- 1667The Treaty of Breda confirms Dutch control of Suriname.
- 1863Slavery is abolished in Suriname.
- 1954Suriname becomes a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- 1975Suriname becomes independent.
- 1980A military coup overthrows the elected government.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Suriname
Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar (SRD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Suriname
Celebrations observed in Suriname, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Suriname?
The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo.
What currency does Suriname use?
Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar (SRD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Suriname?
Languages used in Suriname include Dutch.
What is the calling code of Suriname?
The international calling code of Suriname is +597. Its internet domain is .sr.
Which countries border Suriname?
Suriname shares land borders with Brazil and Guyana.
On which continent is Suriname?
Suriname is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Suriname?
Suriname marks Independence Day on November 25.
Neighbours of Suriname
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).