The Land of The Brownsberg Nature Park & The Jodensavanne

Information on Relocating to Suriname

• The capital city of Suriname is Paramaribo with about 220 thousand people. The political centre is also in Paramaribo where the President resides. Suriname is a Republic.

• Languages: The official language is Dutch, English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese. Chinese, French and Spanish are also spoken. The TV programs are in their original language. Cable & Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 460 thousand people - 37% are Hindustani, 31% Creole (mixed white and black), 15% Javanese, 10% "Maroons" (descendants of ex-slaves who inhabit the upland forests), 2% Amerindian, 2% Chinese, 1% white, 2% other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Paramaribo.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from  US$ 500 to US$ 3000, depending on your needs. The local currency is Surinam Dollar (SRD).

• Schools: We have the American school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Bus: There are services from the capital to most villages, with fixed routes at low prices. Buses tend to be very crowded and chaotic with loud music. Taxi: These are not metered, prices should be agreed before departure and tipping is not necessary. They can be hard to find after 10.00 pm and on Sundays or holidays.

• Bank: The banks are open from Monday-Friday 7.30 am - 2.00 pm.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Friday 7.30 am - 4.30 pm. Saturday 7.30 am - 1.00 pm.

• Climate: Tropical and humid, cooled by the northeast trade winds. The best time to visit is February to April (short dry season) and August to October (long dry season). The rainy seasons last from November to January and from May to July. Suriname lies outside the hurricane zone and the most extreme weather condition is the sibibusi (forest broom), a heavy rain shower.

• Culture: There are several nightclubs in Paramaribo, often attached to a hotel, with live music and dancing. There are also a number of discos and several cinemas, including a drive-in. In general, it is best to stick to the hotels unless accompanied by locals who know the reputations of other nightspots, in particular those out of the town centre.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; March/April-Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday; May 1st-Labour Day; July 1st-National Unity Day; November 25th-Independence Day; December 25th-26th- Christmas. Hindu and Muslim holidays are also taken - dates vary according to the lunar calendar: Holi Phagwah (March/April, Hindu New Year); Id Ul Fitr (end of Ramadan); Id Ul Azah; Youm un Nabi; Deepavali (usually November).