Country Profile: Suriname

Suriname, the smallest independent country on the South American continent, is known for its diverse geography, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural mosaic. Located on the northern coast of South America, it has a population of approximately 653,605 people, predominantly residing along the coast. As an upper middle-income economy, Suriname relies heavily on exports of gold, aluminum goods, and hydrocarbons while navigating recent economic challenges. The country operates as a presidential republic, with a history marked by colonialism, military coups, and a gradual return to democracy.

Geography

Suriname is situated in Northern South America, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, and Guyana to the west. It features a predominantly tropical climate and is characterized by rolling hills and a narrow coastal plain. With 91.7% of its land covered by forests, the country boasts rich natural resources, including timber, gold, and bauxite.

Area: 163,820 sq km
Coastline: 386 km
Highest Point: Juliana Top at 1,230 m
Major Natural Resources: timber, gold, bauxite
Land Use: 91.7% forest, 0.4% agricultural land (2023)

People and Society

The population of Suriname is estimated at 653,605 in 2025, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes Hindustani, Maroon, and Creole communities. The official language is Dutch, but English and local dialects such as Sranang Tongo are widely spoken. The country has a rich religious diversity, with significant populations of Protestants, Hindus, and Muslims.

Population (2025 est.): 653,605
Urban Population: 66.4% (2023)
Life Expectancy: 72.7 years (2024 est.)
Median Age: 32.3 years (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 29.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

Suriname's economy is classified as upper middle-income, driven primarily by its exports of gold, aluminum, and hydrocarbons. The country has recently undergone economic adjustments, including a new floating currency regime backed by an IMF recovery plan. Agricultural activities contribute moderately to the GDP, while services dominate the economic landscape.

GDP (PPP): $12.316 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 2.8% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Exports: $2.793 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 16.2% (2024 est.)

Government

Suriname is a presidential republic with a legal system influenced by civil law from the Dutch tradition. The Constitution was last ratified in 1987. The president serves as both the head of state and government, with elections held for the National Assembly every five years. The most recent election occurred in July 2025.

Capital: Paramaribo
Latest Presidential Election: 6 July 2025
Number of Legislative Seats: 51
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Independence Date: 25 November 1975

Military and Security

The Suriname National Army is responsible for national defense, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Military service is voluntary for individuals aged 18-28, with approximately 2,000 personnel. The military also collaborates with police forces to combat crime and assist during natural disasters.

Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military Personnel: Approximately 2,000 (2025)
Military Service Age: 18-28 years
Police Force: Suriname Police Force (KPS)

Energy

Suriname has made significant strides in electrification, achieving 99% access across the population. The majority of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources. Recent trends show a shift toward more sustainable energy practices.

Electrification Rate: 99% (2022 est.)
Installed Generating Capacity: 537,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Percentage from Hydroelectricity: 42% (2023 est.)

Environment

Suriname faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution from mining activities. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at preserving biodiversity and addressing climate change.

Forested Area: 91.7% of land (2023 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 2.521 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Annual Municipal Solid Waste: 78,600 tons (2024 est.)
Percentage of Waste Recycled: 16.9% (2022 est.)

Transportation

Suriname has a well-developed transportation network, including numerous airports and a growing civil aviation sector. The country is served by several ports and has a merchant marine fleet that supports its trade activities.

Airports: 55 (2025)
Total Merchant Marine: 13 (2023)
Total Ports: 4 (2024)

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Suriname includes both fixed-line and mobile telephony, with significant internet penetration. The majority of the population has access to telecommunication services, with a growing number of internet users.

Mobile Subscriptions: 902,000 (2024)
Internet Users: 78% of the population (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 125,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	653,605 (2025 est.)
Area	163,820 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$12.316 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.4% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	14.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.7 years (2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	99% (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	2.521 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption	1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Total Waste Recycled	16.9% (2022 est.)