Oost, Suriname
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Oost | |
|---|---|
 Bauxite factory at Paranam | |
 Map showing the resorts of Para District. Oost | |
| Country |  Suriname |
| District | Para District |
| Area | |
• Total | 446 km2 (172 sq mi) |
| Population (2012)[1] | |
• Total | 8,016 |
| • Density | 18.0/km2 (46.6/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-3 (AST) |
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 a tourist spot with the main attractions being White Beach and Caribo Beach Resort.[4]
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 that it is a Portuguese coinage meaning "Opulent Torah".[5] By 1665, the village of Paramaribo had expanded and quickly outranked Torarica.[6]
