Meet world's most forested country, where 93% of the land is covered by rainforest

When people think of rainforest destinations, countries such as Brazil or Costa Rica usually spring to mind. But tucked away on the north-eastern coast of South America is a little-known nation that quietly holds one of the world's most remarkable environmental records.

Welcome to Suriname - the most forested country on Earth by percentage of land area.

Around 93% of Suriname's territory is covered by forests, the vast majority of which consists of pristine tropical rainforest. This extraordinary landscape has earned the country recognition as a High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) nation, making it a global leader in rainforest conservation.

Where is Suriname?

Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America, bordered by Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.

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Despite being located on the South American mainland, Suriname has strong Caribbean cultural influences. Dutch is its official language, making it the only sovereign country outside Europe where Dutch is the official language.

Its capital, Paramaribo, is known for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, where Dutch colonial architecture blends with vibrant Caribbean culture.

Why is 93% of Suriname covered in forest?

Unlike many countries that experienced extensive industrialisation and large-scale deforestation, Suriname has remained sparsely populated, with most of its approximately 600,000 residents living along the northern coast.

The country's vast interior remains largely untouched, forming part of the ancient Guiana Shield, one of the world's oldest geological formations and one of the largest remaining expanses of intact tropical rainforest.

Much of the rainforest has never been cleared for agriculture or urban development, allowing ecosystems to remain remarkably intact.

A biodiversity hotspot

Suriname's forests are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife.

The country's rainforests support jaguars, giant anteaters, tapirs, giant river otters, harpy eagles, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and hundreds of fish, reptile and amphibian species.

Scientists continue to discover new species in Suriname's remote forests, highlighting just how little of the country's biodiversity has been fully documented.

The rainforest also supports numerous Indigenous and Maroon communities, many of whom have lived sustainably within these forests for centuries.

One of the world's few carbon-negative countries

Suriname is widely recognised as one of the few countries that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, thanks largely to its enormous forest cover.

Its forests act as a massive carbon sink, helping remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while playing an important role in regulating regional rainfall and protecting biodiversity.

This has made Suriname increasingly important in international climate discussions.

Not without environmental challenges

Although Suriname has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world, its forests are not immune to pressure.

Gold mining, illegal logging and infrastructure development continue to threaten parts of the rainforest, particularly in remote regions.

The government has pledged to preserve its exceptional forest cover while balancing economic development, although conservation groups say long-term success will depend on effective enforcement and stronger protection for Indigenous land rights.

Why is the country not so popular?

Despite its extraordinary natural wealth, Suriname receives far fewer international visitors than many neighbouring destinations.

Its relatively small population, limited tourism infrastructure and low international profile mean it rarely features on mainstream travel itineraries.

Yet for travellers seeking untouched rainforest, remarkable biodiversity and rich cultural diversity, Suriname offers an experience unlike almost anywhere else.

A hidden environmental treasure

In an era when tropical forests continue to disappear across much of the world, Suriname stands out as an environmental success story.

Its 93% forest cover is more than an impressive statistic - it represents one of the planet's largest remaining expanses of intact tropical rainforest and highlights the critical role small nations can play in protecting Earth's biodiversity and climate.

For now, Suriname remains one of the world's best-kept secrets - a country where nature still overwhelmingly shapes the landscape.