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The Republic of Suriname is situated in northern South America, just above the equator, and is also considered part of the Caribbean.
Answer: True
Suriname is officially known as the Republic of Suriname and is located in northern South America, slightly north of the equator. It is also considered part of the Caribbean and the West Indies.
Suriname is the largest country in South America by territory, with less than half of its land covered by rainforest.
Answer: False
Suriname is the smallest country in South America by both population and territory. Furthermore, over 90% of its territory is covered by rainforest, not less than half.
Paramaribo, the capital and largest city of Suriname, is home to roughly half of the country's population.
Answer: True
Paramaribo is indeed the capital and largest city of Suriname, and approximately half of the country's population resides there, making it the dominant urban area.
The United Nations estimated Suriname's population to be approximately 750,000 inhabitants in 2022.
Answer: False
According to 2022 United Nations estimates, Suriname's population was approximately 624,900 inhabitants, not 750,000.
What is the official name of Suriname and its primary geographical location?
Answer: Republic of Suriname, northern South America
The official name is the Republic of Suriname, and it is located in northern South America, also considered part of the Caribbean.
Which of the following statements accurately describes Suriname's forest cover?
Answer: Over 90% of its territory is covered by rainforest, giving it the highest proportion of forest cover globally.
Suriname boasts the highest proportion of forest cover globally, with over 90% of its territory covered by rainforest, contributing to its carbon-negative economy.
What percentage of Suriname's population resides in its capital and largest city, Paramaribo?
Answer: Roughly half
Paramaribo, as the capital and largest city, is home to approximately half of Suriname's total population.
According to 2022 United Nations estimates, what was the approximate population of Suriname?
Answer: 624,900
The United Nations estimated Suriname's population to be approximately 624,900 inhabitants in 2022.
The name 'Suriname' is theorized to have originated from an indigenous people called 'Surinen' who were present when Europeans arrived.
Answer: True
The primary theory for the origin of the name 'Suriname' suggests it came from the 'Surinen,' an indigenous group present in the region during early European contact.
Early European sources consistently used the spelling 'Surinam' for the river, which became the standard English spelling from the 16th century.
Answer: False
Early European sources used various spellings for the river, such as 'Shurinama,' 'Surinamo,' and 'Surrenant.' While 'Surinam' became the standard English spelling, it was not consistently used from the outset.
Indigenous settlement in Suriname dates back to 3,000 BC, with the Arawak and Carib being among the largest early tribes.
Answer: True
Indigenous settlement in Suriname indeed began around 3,000 BC, and the Arawak and Carib tribes are identified as the largest early groups in the region.
Portuguese explorers established the earliest documented colony in Suriname, Marshall's Creek, during the 16th century.
Answer: False
While French, Spanish, and English explorers visited the area in the 16th century, the earliest documented colony, Marshall's Creek, was an English settlement, not Portuguese.
During the Treaty of Breda in 1667, the Dutch retained Surinam in exchange for the English keeping New Amsterdam, which they renamed New York.
Answer: True
The Treaty of Breda in 1667 saw the Dutch retain Surinam, which they had acquired from the English, in exchange for the English keeping New Amsterdam, subsequently renamed New York.
The primary theory suggests the name 'Suriname' originated from which source?
Answer: An indigenous people called 'Surinen'
The most accepted theory posits that the name 'Suriname' derives from the 'Surinen,' an indigenous group inhabiting the region when Europeans first arrived.
Which of the following was NOT an early European spelling for the river that eventually became the site of colonies in Suriname?
Answer: Surinamia
Early European sources recorded spellings such as 'Shurinama,' 'Surinamo,' and 'Surrenant' for the river, but 'Surinamia' is not listed among them.
Indigenous settlement in Suriname dates back to 3,000 BC. Which two tribes were identified as the largest early groups?
Answer: Arawak and Carib
The Arawak and Carib are identified as the largest early indigenous tribes in Suriname, with settlements dating back to 3,000 BC.
Which European powers were primarily responsible for establishing plantation colonies along the rivers in the Guiana plains during the 17th century?
Answer: Dutch and English
During the 17th century, Dutch and English settlers were primarily responsible for establishing plantation colonies along the rivers in the fertile Guiana plains.
What was the outcome of the Treaty of Breda in 1667 regarding the control of Surinam and New Amsterdam?
Answer: The Dutch retained Surinam, and the English kept New Amsterdam.
The Treaty of Breda in 1667 stipulated that the Dutch would retain Surinam, while the English would keep New Amsterdam, which they subsequently renamed New York.
The Society of Suriname was founded in the early 1700s by a consortium of British merchants to promote free labor in the colony.
Answer: False
The Society of Suriname was founded in 1683 (not early 1700s) by the city of Amsterdam, the Van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck family, and the Dutch West India Company, and its economy was heavily reliant on African slave labor, not free labor.
Approximately 300,000 enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to Suriname during the transatlantic slave trade, where they faced notably harsh treatment.
Answer: True
During the transatlantic slave trade, approximately 300,000 enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to Suriname, where they endured exceptionally harsh treatment.
The Maroons were indigenous tribes who allied with Dutch colonists to suppress slave revolts in Suriname.
Answer: False
The Maroons were runaway African slaves who formed independent communities in the rainforest, often in resistance to colonial authorities, not indigenous tribes allied with the Dutch to suppress revolts.
In the 18th century, Dutch colonial authorities signed peace treaties with Maroon tribes, granting them sovereign status and trade rights in their inland territories.
Answer: True
To end hostilities, Dutch colonial authorities did sign peace treaties with various Maroon tribes in the 18th century, which recognized their sovereign status and granted them trade rights in their inland territories.
Slavery was abolished in Suriname in 1873, with immediate freedom granted to all enslaved people without any transitional period.
Answer: False
Slavery was abolished in Suriname in 1863, not 1873, and it involved a 10-year transitional period during which enslaved people were mandated to continue working for minimal pay.
After the 10-year transition period following slavery's abolition, most freedmen left plantations for Paramaribo, leading to a labor shortage filled by indentured laborers.
Answer: True
Upon the expiration of the 10-year transitional period in 1873, many freedmen migrated to Paramaribo, creating a labor deficit on plantations that was subsequently addressed by recruiting indentured laborers from various Asian countries.
The Society of Suriname, founded in 1683, primarily relied on what for its economic activity?
Answer: African slave labor for commodity crops
The Society of Suriname, established in 1683, based its economic model predominantly on African slave labor for the cultivation and processing of commodity crops such as coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, and cotton.
How many enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to Suriname during the transatlantic slave trade, and what was notable about their treatment?
Answer: Approximately 300,000, with notably harsh treatment.
During the transatlantic slave trade, an estimated 300,000 enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to Suriname, where they were subjected to exceptionally harsh treatment.
What distinguished the Maroons in Suriname, according to the source?
Answer: They were runaway African slaves who formed unique cultures in the rainforest.
The Maroons were distinguished as runaway African slaves who successfully established independent communities and developed unique cultures within the interior rainforests of Suriname.
How did Dutch colonial authorities attempt to resolve conflicts with Maroon tribes in the 18th century?
Answer: By signing peace treaties granting them sovereign status and trade rights.
In the 18th century, Dutch colonial authorities sought to resolve conflicts with Maroon tribes by signing peace treaties that granted them sovereign status and trade rights within their inland territories.
When did the Netherlands abolish slavery in Suriname, and what was a key aspect of the transition?
Answer: 1863, with a 10-year transitional period of forced labor for minimal pay.
Slavery was abolished in Suriname by the Netherlands in 1863, but this was followed by a 10-year transitional period requiring enslaved people to continue working on plantations for minimal wages.
What was a significant consequence of the abolition of slavery and the end of the transitional period in Suriname?
Answer: A severe labor shortage on plantations, leading to the recruitment of indentured laborers.
The abolition of slavery and the subsequent end of the transitional period led to a significant labor shortage on plantations, as many freedmen left for Paramaribo, prompting the recruitment of indentured laborers from Asia.
Suriname gained full independence from the Netherlands in 1954, immediately after becoming a constituent country.
Answer: False
Suriname became a constituent country in 1954 but did not gain full independence until November 25, 1975, following negotiations initiated in 1974.
Following independence in 1975, nearly one-third of Suriname's population emigrated to the Netherlands due to concerns about the new country's future.
Answer: True
Indeed, after Suriname gained independence in 1975, approximately one-third of its population migrated to the Netherlands, driven by anxieties regarding the newly independent nation's prospects.
When did Suriname achieve full independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
Answer: 1975
Suriname achieved full independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, after becoming a constituent country in 1954.
What was a major immediate consequence of Suriname's independence in 1975?
Answer: The emigration of nearly one-third of its population to the Netherlands.
An immediate and significant consequence of Suriname's independence in 1975 was the emigration of nearly one-third of its population to the Netherlands, driven by uncertainties about the new nation's future.
The December murders in 1982 involved the execution of 13 prominent citizens who had criticized Dési Bouterse's military dictatorship.
Answer: True
The December murders, occurring between December 2 and 5, 1982, involved the execution of 13 prominent critics of Dési Bouterse's military dictatorship, along with two individuals involved in a counter-coup attempt.
The civil war in Suriname in the late 1980s was primarily a conflict between the government and indigenous tribes over land rights, resulting in many fleeing to Brazil.
Answer: False
The civil war in the late 1980s was a brutal conflict between the Suriname army and Maroons loyal to rebel leader Ronnie Brunswijk, not primarily indigenous tribes over land rights, and many fled to French Guiana, not Brazil.
The 'Telephone Coup' in 1990 demonstrated Dési Bouterse's continued influence over the army despite the adoption of a new constitution.
Answer: True
The 'Telephone Coup' of 1990, where Dési Bouterse dismissed government ministers by phone, clearly illustrated his enduring control over the military, even after a new constitution was enacted in 1987.
Dési Bouterse was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands for drug smuggling in 1999 and later convicted in Suriname for the 1982 December murders in 2019.
Answer: True
Dési Bouterse was indeed convicted in absentia in the Netherlands for drug smuggling in 1999 and subsequently convicted in Suriname in 2019 for his involvement in the 1982 December murders.
Dési Bouterse's presidency, starting in 2010, was widely celebrated for his clear record and lack of controversy.
Answer: False
Dési Bouterse's presidency, beginning in 2010, was highly controversial due to his charges related to the December murders and the subsequent amnesty law that covered these charges.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was elected as Suriname's first woman president by the parliament in 2025.
Answer: True
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was elected as Suriname's first woman president by the parliament on July 6, 2025.
Who led the military coup in Suriname on February 25, 1980, which overthrew the government of Prime Minister Henck Arron?
Answer: Dési Bouterse
Dési Bouterse led the military coup on February 25, 1980, which successfully overthrew the government of Prime Minister Henck Arron and initiated a period of military rule.
What significant human rights violation occurred in Suriname between December 2 and 5, 1982, under Dési Bouterse's command?
Answer: The December murders, involving the execution of prominent critics and counter-coup participants.
Under Dési Bouterse's command, the December murders occurred between December 2 and 5, 1982, involving the execution of 13 prominent citizens who had criticized the dictatorship, along with two individuals involved in a counter-coup attempt.
What was a major consequence of the civil war in Suriname in the late 1980s?
Answer: The emigration of over 10,000 Surinamese, mainly Maroons, to French Guiana.
A major consequence of the brutal civil war in the late 1980s was the displacement and emigration of over 10,000 Surinamese, primarily Maroons, who fled to French Guiana.
The 'Telephone Coup' in 1990, where Dési Bouterse dismissed government ministers by telephone, demonstrated what about his power?
Answer: His continued influence over the army despite a new constitution.
The 'Telephone Coup' of 1990, characterized by Dési Bouterse's dismissal of government ministers via telephone, underscored his persistent influence over the army, even after the implementation of a new constitution.
What were the two significant legal developments concerning Dési Bouterse in 1999 and 2019?
Answer: Conviction in the Netherlands for drug smuggling and conviction in Suriname for the December murders.
In 1999, Dési Bouterse was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands for drug smuggling, and in 2019, he was convicted in Suriname for his involvement in the 1982 December murders.
What controversy surrounded Dési Bouterse's presidency, which began in 2010?
Answer: He was charged with the December murders, and an amnesty law was extended to cover these charges.
Dési Bouterse's presidency was controversial due to charges related to the December murders, which were subsequently covered by an extended amnesty law in 2012.
Who was elected as Suriname's first woman president, and in what year was she elected?
Answer: Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, 2025
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was elected as Suriname's first woman president by the parliament on July 6, 2025.
Suriname's relationship with the Netherlands has been strained by Dési Bouterse's convictions for drug trafficking and his role in the December murders.
Answer: True
The relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands has been significantly strained by Dési Bouterse's convictions in the Netherlands for drug trafficking and his involvement in the 1982 December murders.
Suriname is a member of the European Union and NATO, reflecting its strong ties with European powers.
Answer: False
Suriname is a member of organizations such as CARICOM, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States, but it is not a member of the European Union or NATO.
What factor significantly strained Suriname's relationship with the Netherlands, particularly during Dési Bouterse's presidency?
Answer: Bouterse's convictions in the Netherlands for drug trafficking and his role in the December murders.
Dési Bouterse's convictions in the Netherlands for drug trafficking and his involvement in the 1982 December murders significantly strained Suriname's relationship with the Netherlands, particularly during his presidency.
Which of the following international organizations is Suriname a member of?
Answer: Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Suriname is a member of several international organizations, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Organization of American States.
Suriname's first Olympic medal was a silver in track and field, won by an athlete named Anthony Nesty in 1992.
Answer: False
Suriname's first Olympic medal was a gold, not silver, won by Anthony Nesty in the 100-meter butterfly event at the 1988 Summer Olympics, not 1992.
Who won Suriname's first Olympic medal, and in which event at the 1988 Summer Olympics?
Answer: Anthony Nesty, 100-meter butterfly
Anthony Nesty won Suriname's first Olympic medal, a gold, in the 100-meter butterfly event at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
Suriname operates as a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislative branch.
Answer: False
Suriname is a representative democratic republic, not a constitutional monarchy, and it has a unicameral National Assembly, not a bicameral legislative branch.
If the National Assembly cannot elect the President of Suriname with a two-thirds majority, a People's Assembly is formed to elect the president by a simple majority.
Answer: True
The President of Suriname is initially elected by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. If this is not achieved, a People's Assembly, comprising National Assembly delegates and regional/municipal representatives, is convened to elect the president by a simple majority.
The judiciary in Suriname is led by a Constitutional Court whose members are elected by popular vote for fixed terms.
Answer: False
The judiciary in Suriname is led by the High Court of Justice (Supreme Court), and its members are appointed for life by the president after consultation with specified bodies, not elected by popular vote.
What type of government does Suriname have, and what is the structure of its legislative branch?
Answer: A representative democratic republic with a unicameral National Assembly.
Suriname operates as a representative democratic republic under its 1987 Constitution, featuring a unicameral National Assembly as its legislative body.
How is the President of Suriname elected if the National Assembly cannot achieve a two-thirds majority?
Answer: A People's Assembly, comprising National Assembly delegates and regional/municipal representatives, elects the president by simple majority.
If the National Assembly fails to elect the President with a two-thirds majority, a People's Assembly, composed of National Assembly delegates and regional/municipal representatives, is convened to elect the president by a simple majority.
Who appoints the members of the High Court of Justice of Suriname, and for what term?
Answer: The President, for life, after consultation with specified bodies.
Members of the High Court of Justice of Suriname are appointed for life by the President, following consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council, and the National Order of Private Attorneys.