Suriname

Local government was established in Suriname in 1987. It is divided into distrikten (districts) and ressorten (subdistricts). Each district has a representative and an executive branch of government. The former are run by district raden (district councils), and the latter are administered by districtsbestuur (district administrations). At the subdistrict level there is only a representative branch managed by ressort raad (subdistrict councils). Both the district and subdistrict councils are elected every five years at the country’s general elections.

There is a limited social welfare system funded by the state. Assistance by social organizations and benevolent societies to the elderly, poor, and infirm remains indispensable, as do remittances and care packages sent by emigrants.

While the current nationalist discourse in the Netherlands – entangled with xenophobic and islamophobic rhetoric – has specifically targeted the Turkish and Moroccan communities as “ethnic problems”, the Surinamese have seemingly become symbols of successful assimilation. In fact, the parliament regards the Surinamese community as such a success that according to Roy Khemradj, the director of Surinaams Inspraak Orgaan (SIO), a new policy has been introduced in which all descendants of second-generation Surinamese immigrants will no longer be registered as minorities.

Suriname is a culturally diverse society, with harmonious contact between its ethnic groups in the cultural sphere. Fine arts, such as painting and sculpture, were traditionally middle-class concerns dominated by Western cultural standards, but since independence the works of artists from different ethnic groups have received more recognition. Culinary traditions cross ethnic lines, and elements from South Asian, Javanese, Creole, Western African, and Chinese cuisine are often blended.

Suriname is a cultural free-for-all of incredibly friendly and generous people. Paramaribo's level of acceptance and unity is primarily undisturbed by religious and racial tension, which is remarkable given the intimacy of so many groups living in such a small corner of the world. However, Maroons and Amerindians in the interior live with high poverty levels and fewer educational opportunities.

Central Suriname Nature Reserve

Central Suriname Nature Reserve is the biggest nature reserve found in the Suriname.

Explore a vast variety of flora and fauna here. Watch Guiana cock-of-the-rock, spider monkeys, and electric eels here. This nature reserve is popular for being in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Don’t miss exploring granite domes here. Voltzbergisa is a 240 m eye-catching granite dome that offers you spectacular view of the forest in its vicinity. Make sure you visit Raleighvallen, Raleigh Falls, which is the most enchanting attraction in this nature reserve.