Calcutta, Suriname

Calcutta is a resort in Suriname, located in the Saramacca District. Its population at the 2012 census was 1,647, and is mainly inhabited by East Indians. The town is named after Calcutta, India. From 1873 onwards, indentured workers were recruited from India to work the plantations. Most of the workers departed from Calcutta. About one third returned to India, but most decided to stay in Suriname.

Calcutta, Suriname
Resort
Map showing the resorts of Saramacca District.
  Calcutta
Country Suriname
DistrictSaramacca District
Area
  Total1,655 km2 (639 sq mi)
Elevation
4 m (13 ft)
Population
 (2012)
  Total1,647
  Density1.00/km2 (2.6/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-3 (AST)

Calcutta is the place where oil was discovered in 1965 which marked the beginning of Staatsolie, the national oil and gold company. Calcutta is a major centre of rice cultivation.

The resorts also contains the village of Boskamp and the indigenous village of Kalebaskreek. The former leprosy colony of Batavia is located in the resort.

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