A large number of Scottish and English settlers arrived in the area during the British Occupation,[3] and primarily grew cotton and coffee.

[9] The name Nickerie is probably based on Neekeari which was first reported by Teenstra in 1596 for an indigenous tribe living the area.

The first Surinamese hospital outside of Paramaribo,[13] Mungra Medical Centre, is located on the Annastraat in Nieuw-Nickerie.

There are quite a number of hotels in the city, and the nearby Bigi Pan Nature Reserve opened opportunities for ecotourism.

A distinctly drier period occurs from September to November, whilst May to July are the wettest months, although the weather is persistently uncomfortable, hot and humid throughout the year.