Oost, Suriname

Oost is a resort in Suriname, located in the Para District. Its population at the 2012 census was 8,016.^[1] The main town in the resort is Paranam. Oost is also home to the former leper colony Bethesda.^[2] The Paranam alumina refinery is located near the town of Paranam.^[3] The Accaribo area is becoming tourist spot with the main attractions White Beach and Caribo Beach Resort.^[4]

Oost
Resort
Bauxite factory at Paranam
Map showing the resorts of Para District.   Oost
Country	Suriname
District	Para District
Area
• Total	446 km^2 (172 sq mi)
Population  (2012)^[1]
• Total	8,016
• Density	18/km^2 (47/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-3 (AST)

The former capital of Suriname, Torarica is located in the Oost Resort. It was settled by Portuguese Jews in 1629. One origin offered for its name is as a Portuguese coinage meaning "Opulent Torah".^[5] By 1665, the village of Paramaribo was expanded and quickly outranked Torarica.^[6]

The Lokono village of Powakka is located in the resort.^[7]

References

1. "Resorts in Suriname Census 2012" (PDF). Retrieved 23 May 2020.
2. "Where is Bethesda in Suriname?". Geo Targit. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
3. "Suralco - Paranam Alumina Refinery". Industry About. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
4. "Planning Office Suriname - Districts" (PDF). Planning Office Suriname (in Dutch). Retrieved 23 May 2020.
5. Briggs, Philip (2015-02-01). Suriname. Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 9781841629100.
6. "Paramaribo Suriname 2". Suriname.nu (in Dutch). Retrieved 29 May 2020.
7. Planning Office (2014). "Planning Office Suriname - Districts" (PDF). Planning Office Suriname (in Dutch). p. 147.

Coordinates: 5°30′27″N 55°05′33″W / 5.50750°N 55.09250°W / 5.50750; -55.09250