[2] The region was largely left alone during the colonial period, as the Dutch that controlled Suriname were fearful of the Portuguese in Brazil, and it was not until the 20th century that development projects began.

An increase in schools is planned, because some children have to travel long distances by foot or boat to neighbouring villages.

[6] In the 1950s, Operation Grasshopper established many tiny airstrips in the district in order to make the territory accessible.

[7] Sipaliwini district had seen occasional fighting in the late 1960s between Guyanese and Surinamese troops over border disputes in the south-west Tigri Area of the Coeroeni resort.

[10] The Sipaliwini Savanna Nature Reserve has been established in 1972, and is 1,000 km2 (390 sq mi) of savannah, and the second largest in Suriname.

[12] The Tumuk Humak Mountains are located in the southeastern part of the district, along the border with French Guiana.