Instead of beginning with statistics or geography, imagine stepping into a place where the air feels fresher, the sky seems wider, and the landscape is wrapped in endless shades of green. Some countries may have beautiful parks or impressive woodlands, but there is one place where the forest is not just part of the scenery—it is the very heart of the nation.
Forests shape a region’s spirit, influence its climate, and protect its natural charm. They give shelter to countless creatures, support the balance of nature, and help the planet breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing life-giving oxygen. Many countries are blessed with rich greenery, but one stands out for the sheer depth and purity of its wilderness.
Suriname, often lovingly known as the Land of Forests, is almost entirely draped in lush tropical woodland. Nearly all of its territory is covered in rainforest, making it one of the most forest-rich nations on Earth. Its green expanses hold untouched ecosystems, extraordinary wildlife, and some of the cleanest natural environments found anywhere. A large part of its forests forms a corner of the vast Amazon biome, giving the country a global ecological importance far greater than its size.
Resting on South America’s northern coastline and sharing borders with Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana, Suriname thrives close to the mighty Amazon region. This location gifts it abundant rainfall, sprawling rivers, and a thriving diversity of plants and animals. The land’s natural wealth and deep green landscapes have earned Suriname a reputation as one of the world’s truly green nations.
People often refer to it as the land of forests because its rainforests remain largely intact, with remarkably low deforestation rates. Its untouched wilderness shelters rare animals, valuable medicinal plants, and Indigenous communities whose way of life protects and respects the delicate rhythm of nature. Their longstanding traditions help preserve the ecological treasures that make the region so special.
Today, Suriname remains one of the few places where more than 90% of the land is still covered by dense rainforest. From coastal mangroves to towering mountain forests and riverbank vegetation bursting with life, its landscapes are a living tapestry of diversity. Together, these ecosystems shape the country’s identity, reminding the world what a truly thriving natural environment looks like.
