Facts About Paramaribo City |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Suriname |
| State | Paramaribo District |
| Founded | 1630 |
| Area | 183 km2 |
| Population | 244946 |
| Lat Long Coordinates | 5°52′N 55°10′W |
| Time Zone | UTC-3 |
| area Code | 597 |
| Language | Dutch, Sranang Tongo |
| Major Religion | Christianity ,Indian( Hinduism, Islam) |
| Point of interest | Fort Zeelandia, Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge, Julianatop, Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Coppename River, Mt Tafelberg, Surinaams Museum |
About City :
Paramaribo is the capital city of Suriname and has a population of around 250,000. It was founded by the Dutch in 1603 as a trading post but it was the English who first settled in the area in 1630. In the year 1650, Paramaribo became the capital of the English colony of Suriname. Over the years, the governance of the area was transferred between the two colonial powers numerous times until its independence in 1975.
It is the largest city in the country as well as the administrative center. Dutch is the official language of the nation.
Geography :
Paramaribo is situated on the River Suriname at a distance of about 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of about 180 sq km and stands at an elevation of 5 m. It is situated in the north east of the country in the Paramaribo district.
How to Reach (Transport) :
The Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport located about 45 km from the city in Zanderji, is the only international airport of the country. Airlines like Gum Air, KLM, Surinam Airways and Caribbean Airlines operate flights to and from cities like Port of Spain, Amsterdam, Aruba and Miami. One can avail of taxis and buses to get to the city. Zorg En Hoop Airport is located in the city itself and mainly operates domestic flights.
One can avail of buses to and from the other cities of Suriname. Boats and ferries are also available from the other side of River Suriname to the city.
Inside the city, buses are the best means of transportation. Taxis and cars are easily available all over the city.
When to Visit :
Paramaribo features a tropical rainforest climate but it rains almost throughout the year. Temperatures in the area range from 22 degree Celsius to 31 degree Celsius. The best time to visit is September to December when the climate is relatively drier.
Fairs and Festivals :
Several festivals are celebrated in this city. Some of them are as listed below:
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- Pagara Estafette, held on the 31st of December, is the most popular festival of the nation. It begins with a huge street party in the morning and celebrations continue throughout the day and ends with an amazing fireworks display. Several concerts, flower shows and cultural activities are also held and the New Year is welcomed with a contagious joy.
- National Art Exhibition is hosted in various galleries and showrooms across the city. It is held in October and provides a platform for local artists.
- Suriname Jazz Festival, celebrated in October, is an annual music festival where several jazz artists from all over the country as well as abroad arrive at the capital to celebrate their love for the genre.
- International Film Festival, held in April, is an annual film festival hosted by the Black Lot Foundation. It showcases films from over 12 countries and also conducts workshops for the audience.
Other festivals celebrated here are Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Swimming Marathon and the Brazilian Carnival.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit) :
Paramaribo has several architectural marvels and museums. The following are the must see places in the city:
- Independence Site, located at the center of the city, is a powerful symbol of the independence of the country. It has several gardens, markets and is also home to the Presidential Palace.
- Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the 1800s, is West Hemisphere’s largest wooden structure. Its ornate wooden carvings and the complete wooden interior are the most attractive features of the building.
- Jodensavanne, lies to the south of the city, are ruins belonging to the first Jews of the Western Hemisphere. Some synagogues and graves are the highlights of these ruins.
- Fort Zeelandia was built by the French in the 1600s. It has a rustic beauty of the past and also the best view of the River Suriname.
Other attractions include the Mosque Keizerstraat, the Arya Dewaker Temple and the Neveh Shalom Synagogue.
Accommodation :
Paramaribo has several hotels and a few guest houses as well as apartments. The high-end accommodation options include the four star hotels, Grand Riverside Hotel and Paradiso Inn Apartments & Rooms.
Three star hotels include Phoenicia Princess Suites, Courtyard by Marriot Paramaribo and Sheva Hotel. For budget travelers, Rachel’s Apartments, Tropical Palace, Guesthouse Zin & Grand Café and Guesthouse Amica are the best options.