Paramaribo

Paramaribo City (pop., 1999 est.: 233,000), seaport, and capital of Suriname. Located on the SURINAME RIVER near the Atlantic Ocean, it was originally an Indian village before becoming a French settlement (c. 1640). In 1651 it became a British colony but was ceded to the Dutch in 1667. It is built on a shingle reef that stands 16 ft (5 m) above the river at low tide. Much of the distinctive Dutch colonial architecture and a canal system remain. Since 1945 the city has grown considerably because of tourism and industries.

Suriname's capital city, Paramaribo (a corruption of the Amerindian term meaning 'place where the maramara tree grows'), is a curious hybrid of northern Europe, tropical Asia, tropical Africa and tropical America.

Imposing buildings overlook grassy squares, wooden houses crowd narrow streets, mosques and synagogues sit side by side and enticing aromas waft from streetside food stalls. The vigorous street life of Paramaribo (often abbreviated to 'Parbo') includes Ja- vanese vendors peddling fragrant satays, Maroons selling fabulous woodcarvings and Dutch-speaking Creoles guzzling beer at pavement cafes.

Top Attractions

On-afhankelijksplein
Palmentuin
Fort Zeelandia
Lim-a-Po Straat
Kathedraal
Mosque
Dutch Israeli synagogue
Surinaarns Museum

Places to Stay

Fanna Guest House
YWCA Guest House
Sabana Guesthouse
Combi-Inn
Lisa's Guesthouse
Hotel ABC
EcoResort Hotel
Hotel Torarica

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