The northern part of Para is one of the oldest cultivated areas of Suriname, and has been home to sugar and tobacco plantation since the 17th century[2] which were mainly located along the Suriname River and the Para Creek.[3] The southern part of the district contained wood plantations,[2] and is still in use by logging companies.[4]: 139 In 1968, the District was established, and named after the Para Creek. In 1983, the District was quadrupled in size.[2]
The district used to be accessible only by boat. The discovery of gold in Brokopondo and Sipaliwini lead to the construction of the Lawa Railway and growth of the villages next to the railway line.[5] The railway line was decommissioned in 1986.[6]
During World War II American troops were stationed in Suriname. The existing airport at Zorg en Hoop was insufficient, and the airstrip at Zanderij, was upgraded to a major airport.[7] In 1936,[8] a road, currently named Indira Gandhiweg, had been built parallel to the railway line to connect Paramaribo with Onverwacht, which was extended to the airport.[5] In the 1960s, the Avobakaweg was constructed to provide access to the south of the country.[9]
The main part of the economy is the bauxite mining.[2] Gold also plays a major role in the economy of Para. The main roads and airport have resulted in companies moving into Para. Agriculture is mainly focused on cassava, asparagus bean and pineapples.[12] Tourism has seen a steady growth over the 20th and 21st centuries. There are several holiday resorts in the district, and White Beach in Oost is becoming a main attraction.[12]