Random Country of the week:

Suriname ~

Only recently released from Dutch colonial status in 1975, this tiny, sparsely populated nation on the northern coast of South America is unique and little-known. With a diverse popluation typical of colonial holdings (boasting an even spread of Hindustani, Creole, and long-escaped African slaves known as Maroons) the many languages (Dutch, English, Hindustani, Taki-Taki, etc) and religions (Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, and some animistic beliefs) of this random backwater represent a varied interface of cultures that creates a distinct meltingpot on the remote edges of South America.

With a total population of only slightly over 400,000 and the majority of those residing in the coastal regions, Suriname, together with neighboring countries of Guyana and French Guiana, have been called America's heart of darkness. The dense and remote interior jungle is largely unexplored and unknown to the outside world, although there is a growing "expiditionary tourism" trade including inland river adventures for the daring, even better if you speak Dutch.