Suriname: Believe It or Not? Wild, Wonderful & Slightly Weird Facts from the Jungle Nation
Suriname facts are often surprising. This small country on the northeast coast of South America is one of the least visited — and one of the least understood.
In this guide, you’ll discover 30 Suriname facts about history, culture, nature and daily life. Some are true. Some are myths. All are explained clearly and simply.
From rainforest coverage and colonial history to food traditions and unusual stories, these facts will help you understand what makes Suriname different.
Quick Suriname Facts
Is Dutch really the official language in Suriname?
Is Dutch really the official language in Suriname?✅ Yes! Suriname is the only country in South America where Dutch is the official language, though Sranan Tongo, a local Creole, is spoken in daily life.
🌍 Is Suriname the smallest country in South America?
✅ Correct! Suriname is the smallest independent nation on the continent, both by area and population—but it packs in more culture per square km than most.
🪙 Is Suriname a major gold exporter?
✅ It’s true. Suriname’s economy is deeply tied to gold mining, with gold being one of its largest exports.
🌾 Is rice Suriname’s biggest food export?
✅ Yes! Rice fields stretch across the coastal plains, and Suriname rice is highly regarded internationally.
🌋 Are there any volcanoes in Suriname?
✅ None! Suriname has zero volcanic activity, making it geologically unique in South America.
👑 Did Suriname ever have a king?
❌ Not true! While it was under Dutch colonial rule, Suriname has never had a native monarchy.
🌞 Is there a place in Suriname where the sun never sets for six months?
❌ Nope! Suriname lies near the equator, which means equal day and night year-round—no midnight sun here.
Historical Facts About Suriname
Is Paramaribo home to the oldest wooden structure in the Americas?
Is Paramaribo home to the oldest wooden structure in the Americas?
True! The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in 1885, is the largest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere—and it’s still in use.
Was Suriname ever part of the United States?
Was Suriname ever part of the United States?
Nope! Suriname was a Dutch colony and has never been under U.S. control.
🧵 Did you know traditional Surinamese clothing tells a whole story—without saying a word?
✅ Yes! In Afro-Surinamese culture, the way a pangi (wrap skirt) is tied or a headscarf (angisa) is folded can send a message. These styles were historically used to communicate silently, especially by enslaved women during colonial times.
🧡 Fun fact: One angisa fold is called “let them talk”—perfect for when you’re making a statement without saying anything at all.
Cultural Facts About Suriname
🎶 Did you know Suriname has its own music genre that blends Caribbean, Indonesian, and African rhythms?
✅ Yes! It’s called Kaseko, and it’s uniquely Surinamese. With roots in Afro-Caribbean dance, marching bands, and Indonesian krontjong, Kaseko is loud, lively, and impossible not to dance to. You’ll hear it at street parades, family celebrations, and festivals across the country.
🧡 Fun fact: The word Kaseko is believed to come from the French phrase “casser le corps”—meaning “break the body”—because the rhythm is just that irresistible.
🍵 Is there a Surinamese tea made with leaves believed to bring strength and healing?
✅ Yes! In Suriname, traditional herbal bush teas are made with local plants like kwasibita (quassia), lemongrass, and wild basil. These teas are believed to cleanse the body, boost energy, and protect against bad spirits. They’re especially common in Maroon and Indigenous communities, and often prepared during rituals or for visitors.
😌 Did you know that “No spang” is one of the most used phrases in Suriname—and it means more than just “no problem”?
✅ Absolutely! In Sranan Tongo, no spang literally means “don’t worry”, but it’s so much more than that. It reflects a whole way of life—relaxed, resilient, and rooted in Surinamese hospitality. You’ll hear it everywhere: from taxi drivers to grandmothers, from market vendors to friends.
🧡 Fun fact: Surinamers use no spang not just to calm someone down, but also to show generosity, forgive small mistakes, or just to say “it’s all good.” It’s the heartbeat of Suriname’s laid-back charm.
😈 Is Winty dangerous?
Surinamese spirituality is a rich mosaic. Traditions like Winti, brought by enslaved Africans, are still practiced today—often in harmony with Christianity or other belief systems. Winti is not just a religion, but a way of connecting with nature, ancestors, and the unseen world.
Fun fact: In Winti culture, rituals often involve music, drumming, dance, and herbal baths, and are meant to bring balance between the spiritual and physical worlds. You may not see it as a tourist (I did not) —but if you’re lucky, you might hear the drums in the distance (I did).
Travelglaze tip: Respect is key. If you’re invited to witness a spiritual event in Suriname, it’s a rare and meaningful experience—watch, listen, and let the rhythm speak for itself.
🐢 Is there a turtle festival in Suriname?
✅ Yes! Each year during sea turtle nesting season, visitors and locals gather in places like Galibi to celebrate and protect giant leatherback turtles.
Nature and Rainforest Facts
🦋 Does Suriname really have more than 1,000 species of butterflies?
✅ Believe it! With its lush rainforest habitats, Suriname is home to over 1,000 butterfly species—making it one of the richest butterfly zones in the world.
🌊 Is there a river in Suriname that turns red?
❓That’s the legend! Locals claim that the Suriname River sometimes appears to take on a reddish hue—especially after heavy rainfall. Scientists say it’s sediment. Locals say… maybe not.
Travelglaze fact: In this amazing river there also live amazing creatures: Pink bellied Dolphins
Not easy to get on a picture though😄
🌿 Is Suriname part of the Amazon Basin?
✅ Yes! Suriname’s tropical rainforests and wetlands are part of the Amazon ecosystem, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
🐒 Is it illegal to own a monkey in Suriname?
✅ Yes! Pet monkeys are banned by law to protect wildlife, although enforcement can be tricky—and a few cheeky monkeys still live in backyards. 
Travelglaze memory: I found a local guide in Paramibo who showed me 3 kinds of monkeys living in backyards (which do look like a jungle in parts of Paramaribo) Including howler monkeys!
😈 Is there really a Devil’s Canyon in Suriname?
✅ There is! Known locally as Duivelse Bocht, it’s a striking natural canyon deep in the rainforest—with a name that adds a little drama.
🌴 Can trees walk in Suriname?
❓Sort of! The “walking palm” appears to “move” over time due to its stilt-like roots. It doesn’t exactly walk, but it sure looks like it’s thinking about it.
🐸 Is there a frog in Suriname that changes its skin color?
✅ Yes! Several frog species, including glass frogs and tree frogs, use camouflage to blend into their surroundings—nature’s real-life magic trick.
🐆 Does Suriname have more jaguars than any other country in South America?
❌ Not quite. Suriname does have a healthy jaguar population, but it shares this title with many rainforest nations in the region.
🌬️ Do rainforest trees in Suriname really sing?
✅ Kind of! Some trees and vines make eerie whistling or humming sounds when wind moves through them—an experience that feels straight out of a fairytale.
⚽ Is Suriname’s national soccer team made up of retired players?
❌ False! The team is young, ambitious, and growing fast, especially with new support from the Dutch Surinamese community.
🏔️ Is there an unnamed mountain in Suriname?
✅ True! Explorers have documented peaks deep in the interior that remain unnamed and largely unmapped. Adventure, anyone?
😌 Did you know that “No spang” is one of the most used phrases in Suriname—and it means more than just “no problem”?
✅ Absolutely! In Sranan Tongo, no spang literally means “don’t worry”, but it’s so much more than that. It reflects a whole way of life—relaxed, resilient, and rooted in Surinamese hospitality. You’ll hear it everywhere: from taxi drivers to grandmothers, from market vendors to friends.
🧡 Fun fact: Surinamers use no spang not just to calm someone down, but also to show generosity, forgive small mistakes, or just to say “it’s all good.” It’s the heartbeat of Suriname’s laid-back charm.
🦜 Can a bird in Suriname mimic human speech?
✅ Yes! The Yellow-crowned Amazon Parrot is a gifted mimic, known for copying words, laughter, and even phone ringtones.
🌞 Is there a place in Suriname where the sun never sets for six months?
❌ Nope! Suriname lies near the equator, which means equal day and night year-round—no midnight sun here.
Suriname Myths Explained
Do vampire bats in Suriname hunt people?
Do vampire bats in Suriname hunt people? Not true. While vampire bats do exist in South America, they typically feed on livestock—not humans. Still, the name doesn’t help their PR.
Can you find both rainforest and desert in Suriname?
Can you find both rainforest and desert in Suriname? Nope! Suriname is all lush, green, and tropical—no deserts here, unless you count the dry season.
Is there a chocolate-flavored coconut in Suriname?
Is there a chocolate-flavored coconut in Suriname?
Believe it or not, some locals swear that a rare variety of coconut has a hint of cocoa flavor. Scientists haven’t confirmed it… but we’re open to taste-testing.
Is there a waterfall in Suriname taller than Niagara Falls?
Is there a waterfall in Suriname taller than Niagara Falls? Nope! Suriname has beautiful falls like Wonotobo and Raleighvallen, but Niagara still wins on height.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suriname
Is Suriname safe for travellers?
Suriname is generally considered safe for travellers, especially in Paramaribo and popular nature areas. Like in any country, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice, especially when traveling into remote rainforest regions.
What language do people speak in Suriname?
Dutch is the official language of Suriname. However, many people also speak Sranan Tongo, English, and other languages linked to the country’s diverse cultural background.
Is Suriname part of the Caribbean?
Geographically, Suriname is located in South America. Culturally, it shares strong connections with the Caribbean due to its history, music, food, and colonial past.
Is Suriname expensive to visit?
Suriname is generally more affordable than many Caribbean destinations. Accommodation and food can be reasonably priced, but imported goods and remote jungle tours may increase overall costs.
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Final Thoughts
Suriname facts are often surprising because the country itself is full of contrasts. Dutch language in South America. Deep rainforest next to wooden colonial buildings. Spiritual traditions living side by side with modern city life.
Many of these facts show how layered Suriname really is. It is not just rainforest or history or culture — it is all of it at once.
If you are planning a trip, understanding these Suriname facts will help you see more than just the surface.
You might also like:
– The History of Suriname Explained
– The Story of Surinamese Food
– Where to Stay in Suriname
