Suriname

One of the smallest countries in South America, Suriname has one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the region. The country's economy depends on its abundant natural resources, especially bauxite, of which it is one of the world's largest producers. Almost all of the southern four-fifths of the country is covered by intact tropical rainforest. Because of the diversity of habitats and temperatures, the biodiversity of Suriname is considered high. From north to south, the country can be divided into four main ecological zones: young coastal plain, old coastal plain, savannah or Zanderij belt and interior residual uplands. The vegetation of the coastal area is better known than that of the inland areas. It is made up of around 4,000 species of ferns and seed plants, as well as many mosses, weeds and mildews. Around nine-tenths of Suriname is covered by heterogeneous forest, with more than 1000 species of trees. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, which covers nearly 1 600 000 hectares, was created in west-central Suriname in June 1998. This is one of the world's largest protected areas of rainforest and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Around 150 species of mammals live here, among them monkeys, wild pigs, deer, manatees, jaguars, ocelots, armadillos, sloths, anteaters and tapirs. The reptiles found here include caimans, iguanas and the Boa Constrictor. The beaches of the east coast are breeding grounds for marine turtles, which protected by law. In the country you can find 650 species of birds, including hummingbirds, vultures and parrots.