Saramacca | |
|---|---|
 | |
.svg) Map of Suriname showing Saramacca district | |
| Coordinates:5°46′57″N55°37′29″W / 5.78250°N 55.62472°W /5.78250; -55.62472 | |
| Country | Suriname |
| Capital | Groningen |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,636 km2 (1,404 sq mi) |
| Population (2012 census)[1] | |
• Total | 17,480 |
| • Density | 4.807/km2 (12.45/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-3 |
Saramacca is a district ofSuriname, in the north. Saramacca'scapital city isGroningen, with other towns and cities includingBatavia,Kampong Baroe,Uitkijk, Maho andBoskamp. Saramacca has apopulation of 17,480 and anarea of 3,636 km2.[1]
Saramaka is also the name of a group ofMaroons who established communities along theSaramacca River having fledslavery.
The district was founded in 1983, but the history dates back to 1790 when the first plantation was opened.[2] Until 1936, Saramacca could only be access byboat, but with the construction of a road toParamaribo, which is now part of theEast-West Link, Saramacca was removed for its isolation.[3] In 1982, oil was discovered in Sarammacca which boosted its economy.[3] On 13 December 2014,Staatsolie opened anoil refinery.[4]
The district has traditionally been the site of dozens of small, family ownedfarming communities, and it has only been recently that large agricultural projects have begun to emerge, primarily geared to the production ofbananas,rice, and peanuts.[5]Boskamp is a fishing village.[4][3]
The district is known for itsbirds, withornithologists andbirdwatchers coming from all over the world to study and admire Saramacca'stoucans,parrots andcocks-of-the-rock.[6]
Saramacca is home to three nature reserves:Coppename Monding Nature Reserve (12,000 hectares),Boven Coesewijne Nature Reserve (27,000 hectares) and theNoord Saramacca [nl] Special Control Area (88,400 hectares).[4]
Saramacca is divided into 6 resorts (ressorten):
