# Paramaribo

> capital city of Suriname

**Wikidata**: [Q3001](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3001)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramaribo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paramaribo

## Summary
Paramaribo is the capital city and primary administrative center of Suriname, situated on the banks of the Suriname River near the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1613, it serves as the country's political and cultural hub, characterized by its Dutch colonial architecture and status as a large human settlement. The city covers an area of 182 square kilometers and had a preferred population estimate of 223,757 in 2019.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Capital city, big city, and administrative territorial entity of Suriname.
- **Location**: Coordinates 5.866°N, 55.166°W; bordered by the Suriname River and the Atlantic Ocean.
- **Area**: 182 square kilometres.
- **Elevation**: 3 metres above sea level.
- **Inception**: Founded in 1613.
- **Population**: 
    - 2019 (preferred): 223,757
    - 2012: 240,000
    - 2004: 242,946
    - 1995: 228,551
    - 1980: 167,798
    - 1853: 16,031
    - 1831: 15,265
- **Time Zone**: UTC−03:00.
- **Demonym**: Paramaribien (masculine singular), Paramaribienne (feminine singular).
- **Official Language**: Dutch.
- **UN/LOCODE**: SRPBM.
- **Administrative Status**: Located in the Paramaribo District (distinct from the district itself).
- **Sports Infrastructure**: Owner of Eddy Blackman Stadion and André Kamperveen Stadium.
- **Sister Cities**: Antwerp, Willemstad, Yogyakarta, Hangzhou.

## FAQs
**What is the geographical location of Paramaribo?**
Paramaribo is located in the Paramaribo District of Suriname, specifically at coordinates 5.866°N 55.166°W. It sits at an elevation of 3 metres above sea level, situated on or next to the Suriname River and the Atlantic Ocean.

**What are the demographic details and language of the city?**
The city has an estimated population of 223,757 as of 2019, with historical records showing growth from 15,265 in 1831. The official language is Dutch, and residents are referred to as Paramaribiens (masculine) or Paramaribiennes (feminine).

**What is the historical timeline of Paramaribo's administrative status?**
The city was founded in 1613. It has served as the capital of Suriname (preferred status) and was historically the capital prior to 1975. Its administrative location has shifted over time, residing in "Surinam" prior to 1954, "Suriname" from 1954 to 1975, and specifically the "Paramaribo District" starting November 25, 1975.

**What cultural and international connections does Paramaribo have?**
Paramaribo maintains "twin" relationships with Antwerp, Willemstad, Yogyakarta, and Hangzhou. It is recognized by numerous international encyclopedias and databases, including Encyclopædia Britannica, Otto's Encyclopedia, and the Great Russian Encyclopedia.

## Why It Matters
Paramaribo serves as the political, administrative, and demographic heart of Suriname. As the capital city and a "big city" classification, it functions as the central node for the nation's governance and culture. Its inclusion in the "Wikipedia:Vital articles/Level/4" list underscores its global significance. The city's historical depth, dating back to 1613, and its distinct Dutch colonial heritage—evidenced by official Dutch language usage and UNESCO-related heritage buildings—make it a critical point of interest for understanding South American and Caribbean history. It acts as the home for key national infrastructure, including the André Kamperveen Stadium and Eddy Blackman Stadion, highlighting its role in national sports and recreation.

## Notable For
- **Capital Status**: The primary administrative and political center of Suriname.
- **Dutch Heritage**: One of the few capitals outside Europe where Dutch is the official language.
- **Vital Article**: Recognized as a Level 4 Vital Article on Wikimedia projects.
- **Unique Demonym**: Residents are specifically known as Paramaribien or Paramaribienne.
- **Sports Ownership**: Uniquely listed as the "owner" of two major stadiums (Eddy Blackman Stadion and André Kamperveen Stadium).
- **Heritage**: Featured in imagery highlighting UNESCO Heritage Buildings along the Waterkant.
- **Extensive Global Documentation**: Possesses identifiers across a vast array of global knowledge bases, from GND and VIAF to Quora and iNaturalist.

## Body

### Geography and Environment
Paramaribo is situated at 5.866°N latitude and 55.166°W longitude within the Paramaribo District. The city occupies an area of 182 square kilometres and has a very low elevation of just 3 metres above sea level. Its geography is defined by its proximity to major bodies of water; it is located in or next to the Suriname River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city operates on UTC−03:00 time zone.

### Demographics
The population of Paramaribo has fluctuated over two centuries. In 1831, the population was recorded at 15,265, growing to 16,031 by 1853. A significant population increase occurred by 1980, reaching 167,798. The population peaked in the records provided at 242,946 in 2004. The preferred current estimate is 223,757 residents as of 2019, a slight decrease from the 2012 census count of 240,000.

### Governance and Administration
The city is officially known as Paramaribo, a name also used natively. It is distinct from the "Paramaribo District," though it has been located within that district since November 25, 1975. Prior to 1975, it was administratively located in "Suriname" (starting December 15, 1954) and before that in "Surinam." It holds the status of a city, a big city, and an administrative territorial entity. The official website for the city is `paramaribo.com`.

### History and Culture
Founded in 1613, Paramaribo has evolved into a cultural hub with a unique linguistic profile; Dutch is the official language. The cityscape features the "Waterkant" (waterside) area, known for its UNESCO Heritage Buildings. Culturally, the city is documented in the Gynopedia database and the Cultureel Woordenboek (Cultural Dictionary) under "gebouwd-erfgoed" (built heritage).

### Sports and Infrastructure
Paramaribo is the owner of two significant sports venues: the Eddy Blackman Stadion and the André Kamperveen Stadium. This highlights the city's role in hosting national and potentially international sporting events.

### International Relations
The city maintains official twinning relationships with four international cities:
-   Antwerp
-   Willemstad
-   Yogyakarta
-   Hangzhou

### Knowledge Base Identifiers
Paramaribo is extensively cataloged across global databases and academic sources.
- **Library & Archives**: Library of Congress Authority ID (n79059231), GND ID (4406196-1), VIAF ID (150083605), and SELIBR ID (156285).
- **Geography & Nature**: GeoNames ID (3383330), iNaturalist Place ID (11973), OpenStreetMap Node ID (281537750).
- **Encyclopedias**: It is indexed in Encyclopædia Britannica (place/Paramaribo), the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Otto's Encyclopedia, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, Brockhaus Enzyklopädie, the Great Russian Encyclopedia, and Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana.
- **Digital & Web**: The city has a Google Play Store ID, a Quora Topic ID (Paramaribo-Suriname), and a Wolfram Language Entity Code (`Entity["Concept", "CapitalOfSuriname::284p2"]`). It is also indexed in the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names and the WordNet 3.1 Synset.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/suriname-population/cities/)
6. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
7. GeoNames
8. BBC Things
9. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/sr.htm)
10. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
11. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
12. iNaturalist