Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America but what it lacks in size it makes up in ethnic diversity: its friendly locals are made up of Dutch and British colonialists, Amerindians, Chinese, Indians and Maroons - descendents of escaped African slaves.
It can be divided into two main regions - the northern lowland coastal area where most of the population live and the dense tropical rainforest and sparsely inhabited savannah that covers the rest of the country.
The Dutch colonial centre of Paramaribo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also a melting pot of cultures including Jews who moved here from Jodensavanne - home of the oldest synagogue in the Americas.
The wild interior is accessed by river, forest road or light aircraft. The adventurous traveller can enjoy unspoiled Amazon nature and visit remote Maroon and Amerindian villages. Easier to reach is the comfortable Bergendal jungle lodge, just two hours’ drive from Paramaribo.
From April to August, sea turtles nest and lay their eggs on the Suriname coast at Galibi Nature Reserve - a wonderful sight.
Suriname can be combined with the other Guianas: English-speaking Guyana and France’s Latin American outpost, French Guiana.