Suriname is a Dutch-speaking country in the Guianas region of northern South America. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south, French Guiana to the east, and Guyana to the west. As of 2025, Suriname has a population of 632,638, half of whom live in Paramaribo, the country’s capital.
With a land area of 63,251 square miles, Suriname is the smallest country in South America by land area. 90% of the country is covered by the Amazon Rainforest. As such, most of its population lives along the northern coastline.
The culture of Suriname reflects the legacy of Dutch rule. It is the only Dutch-speaking country outside of Europe and 60% of the population speak the language as their native tongue. The Surinamese people mostly descended from African slaves and indentured servants from China, India, and Indonesia. It is also home to some of the largest Muslim and Hindu populations in the Western Hemisphere.
Despite being geographically attached to South America, Suriname, along Guyana and French Guiana, are culturally considered part of the Caribbean.