Suriname Fifth Grade (GLO) - Geography

Terrain and Landscapes

Suriname's terrain is diverse, featuring mostly rolling hills, a narrow, swampy coastal plain, and two main mountain ranges: the Bakhuis and Van Asch Van Wijck Mountains. The country is primarily covered by rainforest, with some savanna and coastal swamps. Juliana Top is the highest point, reaching 1,230 meters (4,040 ft).

Climate

Suriname has a tropical climate, which is warm and moist due to its location near the equator. The northern, populated area experiences four seasons: two rainy seasons (early December to early February and late April to mid-August) and two dry seasons (early February to late April and mid-August to early December). The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 27.5°C in the north and 23°C to 25°C in the south.

Rivers and Coastal Areas

Several major rivers flow northward through Suriname into the Atlantic Ocean. These rivers, including the Courantyne (which forms part of the border with Guyana), the Coppename, and the Suriname River, serve as important transportation routes. The coastal area is mostly flat and features polders, which are reclaimed, fertile lands created by diking and drainage. Suriname's coastline is 386 km long.

Natural Resources

Suriname is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, timber, hydropower, and fish. Bauxite is a particularly important resource, with Suriname being one of the top producers in the world.

Landmarks

Suriname has various landmarks, both natural and man-made. Fort Zeelandia is a historic fortress in Paramaribo. The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is another notable landmark in the capital city. Central Suriname Nature Reserve is the largest of Suriname's eleven nature reserves.