Wanica | |
|---|---|
 | |
.svg) Map of Suriname showing Wanica district | |
| Coordinates:5°48′N55°16′W / 5.800°N 55.267°W /5.800; -55.267 | |
| Country | Suriname |
| Capital | Lelydorp |
| Area | |
• Total | 443 km2 (171 sq mi) |
| Population (2012 census)[1] | |
• Total | 118,222 |
| • Density | 267/km2 (691/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-3 |
Wanica is a district ofSuriname located in the north of the country. Wanica'scapital city isLelydorp, the second-largest city in Suriname. Wanica has apopulation of 118,222 and anarea of 443 km2. Following neighboringParamaribo, Wanica is the second most populated andurbanized district of Suriname. Two-thirds of the country's population live in these two districts.[1]
The district was created in 1983 out of parts of the formerSuriname District. The district was named Wanica after Pad van Wanica, the main road, Wanica Creek (present in the district), and the fact that the name had already been used on old maps.[2]
The discovery of gold inBrokopondo andSipaliwini lead to the construction of theLawa Railway and growth of the villages next to the railway line,[3] and especiallyKofi Djompo.[4] The railway line was decommissioned in 1986.[5]
The district's capital, originally calledKofi Djompo, was renamed in 1905 forDutcharchitectCornelis Lely, who was responsible for many largeconstruction projects in the Netherlands and was also governor of Suriname.[4]Javanese immigration and the closeness toParamaribo, have resulted in a partially suburban, and still partially agricultural district.[3] The beginning of the 21st century have seen many building projects in the district.[6]
Rice used to be the main crops grown in Wanica, but the late 20th century saw a shift towardsanimal husbandry.Fruit and vegetables are of lesser significance.[6] Trade and businesses have increased, and are mainly located around Lelydorp. Lelydorp needs a clear city structure and has many agricultural areas close to the centre and neighbourhoods.[6]
Wanica is divided into 7 resorts (ressorten):
| Brokopondo District |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Commewijne District | ||
| Coronie District | ||
| Marowijne District | ||
| Nickerie District | ||
| Para District | ||
| Paramaribo District | ||
| Saramacca District | ||
| Sipaliwini District | ||
| Wanica District | ||
Authority control databases: Geographic |
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5°47′48″N55°15′50″W / 5.79667°N 55.26389°W /5.79667; -55.26389
