Suriname’s legal system is influenced by its Dutch colonial history, and while it doesn’t have widely recognized “weird” laws, there are some unique regulations and cultural practices that might seem unusual to outsiders:
Driving on the Left Side: Unlike most South American countries, Suriname mandates driving on the left side of the road. This practice stems from its colonial ties to the Netherlands, where left-side driving was customary.
School Uniform Color Codes: In Suriname, school uniforms are color-coded based on educational levels. Elementary students typically wear green shirts, while middle-school students don blue shirts. This system helps easily identify students’ educational stages.
Single Cinema Hall: The entire country has only one cinema, T.B.L. Cinemas, located in the capital, Paramaribo. It operates part-time, with specific showtimes on weekdays and weekends.
Diverse Religious Holidays: Reflecting its multicultural society, Suriname officially recognizes and celebrates a wide array of religious holidays, including Holi, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Christmas. This inclusivity is enshrined in national policies, ensuring that various cultural and religious practices are honored.
While these aspects may not be “weird” in a negative sense, they highlight Suriname’s unique blend of cultural influences and historical legacies.