What countries border Suriname?
What is the current weather in Suriname?
What is Suriname famous for?
What is the capital of Suriname?
Capital | Paramaribo |
Government Type | presidential republic |
Currency | Suriname Guilder (SRG) |
Total Area |
63,251 Square Miles 163,820 Square Kilometers |
Location | Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana |
Language | Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese |
GDP - real growth rate | 1.5% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $16,700.00 (USD) |
What is the population of Suriname?
Ethnic Groups | Hindustani (also known locally as ""East Indians""; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, ""Maroons"" (their African ancestors were brought to the count |
Nationality Noun | Surinamer(s) |
Population | 609,569 |
Population Growth Rate | 1.15% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | PARAMARIBO (capital) 278,000 |
Urban Population | 69.700000 |
What type of government does Suriname have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: President Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI (since 16 July 2020); Vice President Ronnie BRUNSWIJK (since 16 July 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI (since 16 July 2020); Vice President Ronnie BRUNSWIJK (since 16 July 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly; president and vice president serve a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 13 July 2020 (next to be held in May 2025) election results: 2020: Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA |
Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Suriname dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years |
National Holiday | Independence Day, 25 November (1975) |
Constitution |
history: previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership; amended 1992 |
Independence | 25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands) |
What environmental issues does Suriname have?
Overview |
Suriname lies on the northeast coast of South America, bordered by French Guiana in the east, Brazil in the south, and by Guyana in the west. Most of the country's 220-mile shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean consists of mud flats and mangrove swamp. Parts of Suriname's boundaries with French Guiana and Guyana are in dispute. Suriname has a land area of 63,000 square miles (163,000 sq. km.). Most Surinamers, however, live in the 1,900-square-mile narrow coastal plain about 50 KM wide in and around the major population centers of Paramaribo (250,000), Moengo and Nieuw Nickerie (38,000). Suriname's coastal area is mostly flat. Hills and low mountains reach a maximum height of about 4,000 feet (1,230 meters) in the heavily forested interior. Between these two zones lie the savanna lands, 30-40 miles wide. Large rivers and streams flow through Suriname from south to north, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Although they provide major transportation routes between the coast and the interior, the number of rivers has proved a historical hindrance to east-west land transportation. |
Climate |
Suriname's climate is tropical, hot and humid year-round. Daytime temperatures in Paramaribo average 75°F to 90°F. Temperatures in the interior, not moderated by the steady coastal breezes, are generally higher. Seasons are distinguished mainly by more or less rain, with annual rainfall averaging 87 inches. Indeed, locals will tell you that the four seasons of Suriname are: 1) Little Rainy Season (December to February); 2) Little Dry Season (March to April); 3) Big Rainy Season (May to August); and Big Dry Season (September to November). The hottest months of the year are September and October when temperatures average 90 �F (32 �C). Suriname lies outside hurricane and earthquake zones. Parts of Paramaribo experience heavy flooding. Isolated flooding occurs on some city streets and in low-lying areas of Paramaribo for up to 24 hours at a time. |
Border Countries | Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km |
Environment - Current Issues | deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities |
Environment - International Agreements | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Terrain | mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps |
How big is the Suriname economy?
Economic Overview |
Economic overview of Suriname: Economy and GDP: Suriname's economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy. Its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is primarily driven by the extractive industries, including mining and oil production. Other important sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and services. Natural Resources: Suriname is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, and hardwood forests. These resources play a significant role in the country's economy, attracting foreign investments and generating export revenues. Mining Sector: Suriname has a well-developed mining sector, with bauxite being its most significant mineral export. Bauxite mining and alumina production are key contributors to the country's economy and provide employment opportunities. Gold mining is also a prominent industry, with Suriname being one of the top gold producers in South America. Oil and Energy Sector: Suriname has recently emerged as an oil-producing nation. Significant offshore oil discoveries have led to the development of oil fields, attracting international oil companies and investment. The oil sector has the potential to significantly impact Suriname's economy in the coming years. Agriculture: Agriculture plays an important role in Suriname's economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Key agricultural products include rice, bananas, citrus fruits, vegetables, and shrimp. The government has made efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and expand export opportunities for agricultural products. Services Sector: The services sector is an important contributor to Suriname's economy. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including trade, transportation, finance, tourism, and telecommunications. The government has been focusing on diversifying the services sector to reduce reliance on extractive industries. Infrastructure and Investment: Suriname has been investing in infrastructure development to support economic growth. Improvements in transportation, energy, telecommunications, and ports are crucial for attracting investments, enhancing trade, and fostering economic development. Challenges: Suriname faces several economic challenges, including high public debt, inflation, and unemployment. The country is working towards fiscal consolidation, promoting sustainable economic growth, and attracting foreign investment through policy reforms and initiatives. Regional Integration: Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Regional integration and cooperation play a role in facilitating trade, investment, and economic development in Suriname. |
Industries | bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing |
Currency Name and Code | Suriname Guilder (SRG) |
Export Partners | US 25.7%, Norway 20.4%, France 8.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 6.5%, Canada 6.1%, Iceland 6.1%, Netherlands 5.7% |
Import Partners | US 22.7%, Netherlands 16.1%, China 12.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.4%, France 7.6%, Japan 6%, Netherlands Antilles 4.5% |
What current events are happening in Suriname?
Source: Google News
What makes Suriname a unique country to travel to?