Paramaribo District facts for kids
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Paramaribo is a special district in the country of Suriname. It is also the capital city of Suriname. This means it's where the government works and many important things happen for the country.
As of 2012, about 240,924 people lived in Paramaribo. It covers an area of about 182 square kilometers (70 square miles). It's a busy and interesting place, full of history and different cultures.
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Where is Paramaribo?
Paramaribo is located on the north coast of South America. It sits right on the Suriname River, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean. Because it's so close to the equator, Paramaribo has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it's warm and humid all year round, with lots of rain.
A Look at Paramaribo's History
Early Days and Founding
The area where Paramaribo is today was first settled by the British in the early 1600s. They built a trading post there. Later, in 1667, the Dutch took control of the area. They developed Paramaribo into an important trading center. The city's name comes from a native village called Parmirbo.
Becoming a Capital City
Over the centuries, Paramaribo grew and became the main city of Suriname. It was the center of trade and government during the colonial period. Many of the old buildings in the city show its Dutch colonial past.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2002, the historic inner city of Paramaribo was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's considered a very important place for everyone in the world to protect. The old buildings show a unique mix of Dutch architecture and local building styles. They are often made of wood and painted white.
People and Culture in Paramaribo
A Mix of Cultures
Paramaribo is known for its amazing mix of different cultures. People from many parts of the world have come to live here over hundreds of years. You can find people of African, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, European, and Indigenous backgrounds. This makes Paramaribo a very diverse and colorful city.
Languages Spoken
The official language of Suriname is Dutch. However, because of the many cultures, you will hear many other languages in Paramaribo. These include Sranan Tongo (a local creole language), Hindi, Javanese, and Chinese languages. This mix of languages adds to the city's unique feel.
Festivals and Food
With so many cultures, Paramaribo celebrates many different festivals throughout the year. These celebrations often include music, dancing, and delicious food. The food in Paramaribo is also a blend of different traditions, making it very tasty and varied.
What to See in Paramaribo
Historic Inner City
The most famous part of Paramaribo is its historic inner city. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time. You can see beautiful old wooden buildings, grand churches, and busy markets.
Presidential Palace
One of the most important buildings is the Presidential Palace. It's a large, white building with beautiful gardens. It's where the President of Suriname works.
Palmentuin (Palm Garden)
Right behind the Presidential Palace is the Palmentuin, or Palm Garden. It's a lovely park filled with tall palm trees. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Central Market
The Central Market is a lively place where you can see and buy all sorts of things. From fresh fruits and vegetables to local crafts, it's a great spot to experience daily life in Paramaribo.
Images for kids
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Resorts of Paramaribo
See also
In Spanish: Distrito de Paramaribo para niños
