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Surinamese Proverbs

Suriname, officially known as the Republic of Suriname, is a sovereign state on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south. At just under 165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi), it is the smallest country in South America. Suriname has a population of approximately 566,000, most of whom live on the country’s north coast.

Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname, located on the banks of the Suriname River in the Paramaribo District. The historic inner city of Paramaribo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Dutch is the sole official language, and is the language of education, government, business, and the media. Over 60% of the population speaks Dutch as a mother tongue, and most of the rest speak it as a second language.

“God zij met ons Suriname” or “Opo kondreman” is the national anthem of Suriname.
Lyrics [English translation]

God be with our Suriname
May He elevate our lovely land
How we came here together
We are dedicated to its soil
Working we keep in mind
Justice and truth will set free
All that’s good to watch
Will give value to our land.

Rise country men, rise
The soil of Suriname is calling you.
Where ever our ancestors came from
We should take care of our country.
There is a fight to fight, we shall not be afraid
God is our leader
Our whole life until death,
We will fight for Suriname.


Proverbial Wisdom from Suriname

Sayings of Surinamese origin

You have two ears, but you never hear words twice.

You don’t need to open your mouth at noon to cough in the evening.

If you like ocra, you will have to like the seeds as well.

If a person shave you with a razor, do not shave him with broken glass.

A dog with many masters, dies of starvation.

Suriname, officially known as the Republic of Suriname, is a sovereign state on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south. At just under 165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi), it is the smallest country in South America. Suriname has a population of approximately 566,000, most of whom live on the country’s north coast.

Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname, located on the banks of the Suriname River in the Paramaribo District. The historic inner city of Paramaribo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Dutch is the sole official language, and is the language of education, government, business, and the media. Over 60% of the population speaks Dutch as a mother tongue, and most of the rest speak it as a second language.

“God zij met ons Suriname” or “Opo kondreman” is the national anthem of Suriname.
Lyrics [English translation]

God be with our Suriname
May He elevate our lovely land
How we came here together
We are dedicated to its soil
Working we keep in mind
Justice and truth will set free
All that’s good to watch
Will give value to our land.

Rise country men, rise
The soil of Suriname is calling you.
Where ever our ancestors came from
We should take care of our country.
There is a fight to fight, we shall not be afraid
God is our leader
Our whole life until death,
We will fight for Suriname.

Categories: Sayings of American origin