Flags of the World > Suriname Flag
Brief History. Suriname, located on the northeastern coast of South America, was settled by the Dutch and the British in the early 1600s. In 1667, the region became a Dutch colony. That status continued virtually unchanged (except for brief interludes of British control) until independence, which was achieved in 1975. In 1980, Suriname's became a military-controlled government, one which eliminated opposition parties. Eight years later, military rule was removed but the limitations placed on civil liberties remained in place. It was not until 1991 that civilian rule was reestablished (although there is evidence that the true ruler of the country remains the former military ruler, Col. Desi Bouterse).
|
|
|
Country Information
Local name: Suriname Capital: Paramaribo Population: 439,117 Government: constitutional democracy Currency: Surinam dollar (SRD) Land size: 163,270 sq km Topography: mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps Typical foods: Major exports: alumina, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas |
Information on the People
Official language: Dutch Other languages spoken: English, Sranang Tongo, Hindustani, Javanese Religions: Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), Roman Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5% Literacy rate: 88% Male/Female Ratio: 1.04 male(s) to every 1 female Life expectancy: 69.01 years Ethnic groups: Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, "Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2% Internet users: 30,000 Famous people: |
<< Previous Flag: Sudan Flag | Next Flag: Svalbard Flag >>
Copyright 2006 - 2009. Banners of the World. All rights reserved.