Diversity should be the middle name of the Republic of Suriname. Languages, culture, ethnic groups, even the flora and fauna are diverse. It is amazing what you will find in the smallest country on the South American continent.

Nestled between French Guiana, Guyana, Brazil, and the North Atlantic Ocean, Suriname is slightly larger than the state of Georgia. Almost 80% of the country is covered with tropical rainforests. The remaining terrain is mostly rolling hills. There is a coastal plain that is narrow and has swampy areas. Four rivers can be found in Suriname; Corantijn, Marowijne, Suriname, and Coppename. Suriname has a tropical climate and there are dry and rainy seasons.

The population, which is estimated at a little over 481,000, is a diverse selection of ethnic groups. Some of the early inhabitants, before European arrival, were the Arawak and Carib people. Christopher Columbus brought the Spanish to the coast of Suriname in 1498. During the first half of the 17th century, British colonists also came to settle in Suriname. After trading Suriname for New York in 1667, Suriname came under Dutch rule. African slaves were brought to work the coffee and sugar plantations and once slavery was abolished, indentured labor became popular. People from China, India, and Indonesia came to the country to work. Today the ethnic mix is wide-spread with Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroons, Amerindians, Chinese, and Europeans.

With the various ethnic groups comes an assortment of languages. Dutch is the official language of Suriname. Since Suriname only achieved independence in 1975, it is no wonder that is the most commonly spoken language. In some of the bigger cities in Suriname, English is also widely spoken. Sranang Tongo, sometimes referred to as Taki-Taki, is a native language for the Creoles and can often be heard. Caribbean Hindustani and Javanese are two other languages that can be heard through Suriname.

The cuisine if Suriname is just as diverse as the ethnic groups. In fact, it is a reflection of those groups. Rice is a staple, as are vegetables such as cassava, plantains, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Tropical fruits, such as pineapples, papayas, coconuts, and mangoes can also be found in Suriname. You can find restaurants featuring Javanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Lebanese food, among other international flavors.

The most popular sport in Suriname is soccer, or as most of the world calls it, football. Other sports that are played include volleyball, cricket, tennis, basketball, and more. Nature calls with some of the country’s pastimes as well. Bird watching, hunting, and fishing are popular sports as well.

With eco-vacations becoming more and more popular among tourists, Suriname is sure to hit the list of top spots to visit. Most of the country is covered in a tropical blanket filled with howler monkeys, giant tarantulas, and even boa constrictors. Suriname is taking steps to preserve its natural heritage so many can enjoy it for years to come.