City (pop., 1999 est.: 233,000), seaport, and capital of Suriname.
Located on the Suriname River near the Atlantic Ocean, it was originally an Indian village before becoming a French settlement (с 1640). In 1651 it became a British colony but was ceded to the Dutch in 1667. It is built on a shingle reef that stands 16 ft (5 m) above the river at low tide. Much of the distinctive Dutch colonial architecture and a canal system remain. Since 1945 the city has grown considerably because of tourism and industries.