While the 17th-century capital, Paramaribo, with its attractive colonial architecture, is a good starting point for any visitor, Surinam’s main attraction is its tropical rainforest, which covers nearly 80% of the country and is home to a huge variety of wildlife.

Surinam is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Marowijne River, French Guiana and Brazil. By the time the Spanish arrived in the late15th century, the Surinen (the original inhabitants of Surinam) had been driven out by other Amerindian groups. Fierce resistance to colonisation deterred most would-be occupiers from Europe, although the territory formally changed hands many times between the Dutch, English and French, before finally being confirmed as a Dutch possession by the terms of the 1815 Treaty of Vienna.

In 1954, Surinam, with the Netherlands Antilles, became an autonomous region within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Full independence was achieved in 1975.

163,265 sq km (63,037 sq miles).

470,784 (official estimate 2007).

2.9 per sq km.

Paramaribo. Population: 253,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Republic since 1987. Gained independence from The Netherlands in 1975.

Dutch is the official language. Sranan Tongo, originating in Creole, is the popular language. The main languages are Hindi and Javanese. English, Chinese, French and Spanish are also spoken.

Approximately 48% Christian, 27% Hindu and 20% Muslim.

GMT - 3.

Informal dress is suitable for most occasions. Guayabera or safari outfits are increasingly worn in place of jackets and ties. Women should wear long trousers on trips to the interior. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.

Photography: It is inadvisable to photograph public places, particularly of a political or military nature (including police stations). There is a general sensitivity about the taking of photographs – it is advisable to seek prior permission.

127 volts AC, 60Hz. European round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.

President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan since 2000.