[1] Saramaka is also the name of a group of Maroons who established communities along the Saramacca River having fled slavery.

The district was founded in 1983, but the history dates back to 1790 when the first plantation was opened.

[4] The district has traditionally been the site of dozens of small, family owned farming communities, and it has only been recently that large agricultural projects have begun to emerge, primarily geared to the production of bananas, rice, and peanuts.

[4][3] The district is known for its birds, with ornithologists and birdwatchers coming from all over the world to study and admire Saramacca's toucans, parrots and cocks-of-the-rock.

[6] Saramacca is home to three nature reserves: Coppename Monding Nature Reserve (12,000 hectares), Boven Coesewijne Nature Reserve (27,000 hectares) and the Noord Saramacca [nl] Special Control Area (88,400 hectares).