Suriname

Suriname is a sparsely-populated country on the North coast of South America which borders French Guiana, Guyana, and Brazil. The ethnic mix is very interesting here, and the varied languages spoken here (and not many other places) reflects that. While the official language is Dutch and 60% of the population speak it as a native language, Sranan Tongo (a creole),
Caribbean Hindustani, and Javanese are also spoken. The majority of residents are Christian, but some Creoles and Maroons still adhere to Winti (Afro-American religious beliefs), and there are Hindus and Muslims especially among Indian and Javanese cultures.

The terrain includes lowland coast, mountains, rainforest, and savannas. This is a hot, tropical climate with two separate rainy seasons and two dry ones. Native animal species include Guianan bonneted bat, the sperm whale, and the giant Brazilian otter. Mainstays of the economy include agriculture, industry, and services. The Palmentuin in Paramaibo is a great park to do some monkey and bird-watching in while cooling in the shade of royal palm trees. The elegant old Presidential Palace is across the way on the other side of Independence Square, also known as Onafhankelijkheidsplein. Say that three times fast! There are also great cathedrals, mosques, and even an large Dutch Israeli synagogue, all tohether in perfect harmony.

Breads, rice, and cassava are common starchy staples. Typical vegetables include yardlong beans, okra, and eggplant. Chicken, pork, and fish are popular. Pepper pot is a stew made with bitter cassava juice, meat, and hot pepper. Try roti, a very flat wholemeal bread which can be filled with chicken masala, potato, and/or other vegetables. Cool off with some Indonesian dawet, a refreshing coconut drink.