Suriname

Because they have family roots or because they are employed in one of the country's occupational sectors are two main reasons for why people live in Suriname.

Specifically, Suriname is a culturally diverse country. Its population is made up of indigenous peoples whose occupation of the land goes back hundreds of years. It is supplemented by the descendants of European settlers, runaway slaves from other South American countries, and south and southeast Asian contract workers who consider Suriname home. Additionally, there are company employees who transfer to Suriname and decide to stay.

Two customary celebrations specific to Suriname celebrate as national holidays the first arrivals of North Indian and Javanese contract workers in Suriname in the late 19th century. Currently Hindustani [Hindoestanen], descendants of North Indian contract workers, are the largest ethnic group in Suriname, at 27 percent of the population. Javanese currently account for 15 percent.

One, June 5th commemorates the immigration of the North Indians to Suriname. On June 5, 1873 the 'Lalla Rookh' sailed into the Surinamese capital city at Paramaribo, with 399 North Indians on board. There were 279 men and 70 women, along with 32 boys and 18 girls under the age of 10. Of these first contract workers, 20 percent were Muslim and 80 percent were Hindus.

From 1873 to 1916 over 60 ships carrying a total of over 34,000 contract workers from India sailed to Suriname.

Two, August 9th commemorates the immigration of the Javanese to Suriname. On August 9, 1890 the first 94 contract workers from central and east Java arrived in Suriname.

Between 1890 and 1939 around 33,000 Javanese were brought to Suriname as contract workers.

"Of or relating to holly" (Ilex aquifolium) is the meaning of the Surinamese name "Asebedo."

Specifically, the word comes from the Portuguese family name "Azevedo." In Portugal, the last name tends to indicate descent from Jewish ancestors. When Jewish populations fled Moorish Spain, they tended to take on the Portuguese names of animals and plants. The equivalent family name in Spanish is "Acevedo."

The South American Republic of Suriname is where Paramaribo is located.

Specifically, Paramaribo is the country's capital and largest city. It has an estimated population of 250,000. It's known to locals as "Par'bo."

There is much to see in Paramaribo, Suriname.

One, The historic inner city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. The original, characteristic Dutch colonial street plan is well preserved, along with its distinctive blend of Dutch architecture with traditional local techniques and materials.

Two, the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Mosque in its original form was completed in 1932. The current mosque was completed in 1984. The mosque is next to the Neveh Shalom Synagogue.

Three, Fort Zeelandia was built and reinforced by the English under the name of Fort Willoughby in 1651. The French had built a fort around a Dutch trading post in that location in 1640. The name was changed to Fort Zeelandia in 1667 when the Dutch gained control of the area.

Fort Zeelandia is pentagon with a bastion at each of its five corners. The fort later was turned into a barracks and then a prison. In 1967 it was turned into the Suriname Museum. By 1982 it had reverted to being a prison. On December 18, 1982 its courtyard was the scene of the 'December murders,' the executions of 15 military opponents of the military regime of Desiré Delano Bouterse [b. October 13, 1945].

In 1995 the fort became the home of the Stichting Surinaams Museum.

Four, Neveh Shalom Synagogue in its original form was completed in 1723. The current building was completed 1842-1843.

Five, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral [Sint Petrus en Paulus Kathedraal] was built from 1883 to 1885. There are 18 confession rooms. The cathedral can accommodate up to 340 people.

The cathedral claims to be the largest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere. Its dimensions are 161 feet [51 meters] long, 48 feet [17 meters] high in the main hall, and 54 feet [18 meters] wide. Its height measures 162 feet [53 meters] to the top of the church spires. The figure for the height doesn't include the brass crosses atop the spires.

For more information, please visit the links provided below.

"Georgetown" and "Paramaribo" are both the English and the Spanish terms for the capitals of Guyana and Suriname.

Specifically, Georgetown is the capital of Guyana. Its equivalent in Spanish would be "ciudad de Jorge" (George's city) or "pueblo de Jorge" (George's town). Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname.

Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan was the president of Suriname in 1995.

Born on 1936 June 18, was the 6th president of Suriname from 1991 September 16 to 1996 September 15. In his re-election bid, he was defeated by Jules Wijdenbosch, but regained his position in the next election on 2000 August 12 becoming the 8th president of Suriname. Venetiaan was re-elected to a record second consecutive term in 2005 and stayed as president until 2010 August 12, when Dési Bouterse became the president.

The president is both the head of state and head of government.

Maria Sibylla Merian [April 2, 1647-January 13, 1717] wrote and illustrated the first book on Suriname's butterflies and insects, 'Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium', in 1705. The book's spectacular, detailed copperplate illustrations [19.7 inches x 13.8 inches in size] present the butterflies and insects with their favorite plants. Many of the tropical flora and fauna were completely unknown in Europe at that time.

To view some of her illustrations, go to http://home.wtal.de/hh/merian/suribuch/mseng.htm