Suriname (Surinam) was discovered in the 16th century by French English and Spanish explorers. But it wasn't till the 17th century that the English and the Dutch began to setup colonies on the western region of the country. An are to this day although politically settled as belonging to Suriname, is still under dispute between Guyana and Suriname.
In 1667 a dispute over control of the country caused the Dutch and the English to part ways leaving the Dutch with Suriname and the English with the former Dutch colony of New Amsterdam(New York).
Friday, April 30, 2010
Suriname-A little background
Commonly referred to as The Republic of Suriname, is a predominately dutch speaking country. It is bordered by Guyana( my place of birth) on the west and French Guiana on the east with Brazil taking up the southern border.
While it is the smallest country in the South American continent it is the most diverse. Having been there recently i can attest to the fact the there is truly a cultural overlap unlike any country i have visited or lived in.
Suriname is a meager 64,000 sq miles and is divided into 10 districts.
with the majority of its population of 470,000 living in the northern half of the country, the balance of the country is left to flourish naturally.
Each district operates similar to an independent state That reports to the President who is elected on a 5 yr term.
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