SURINAM, a river of the colony of Dutch Guiana, which is sometimes called by its name, rises in a mountain-chain in the south of the colony, and flows northwards through its centre into the Atlantic, which it enters near Paramaribo, after a course of about 300 miles. Its chief tributaries are the Commewyne, Errewyne, and Para. Large vessels can ascend the river for 30 miles. The banks are in general well wooded; but below Paramaribo they are laid out in plantations. The mouth of the Surinam is defended by forts.