Country Profile: Suriname

Suriname is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, French Guiana, and Guyana. With a population of approximately 653,605, it is the smallest independent country on the continent. The economy is classified as upper-middle income, relying heavily on exports of aluminum goods, gold, and hydrocarbons, while governance has transitioned from military rule back to democracy since the late 20th century. Suriname operates as a presidential republic, with recent elections leading to the establishment of a multi-party coalition government.

Geography

Suriname is primarily tropical, characterized by a mix of rolling hills and a narrow coastal plain that features swamps. The country is slightly larger than Georgia and has a total area of 163,820 sq km, comprised mostly of land. A significant portion of its natural resources, including timber and gold, remains untapped due to its dense rainforest terrain.

Area: 163,820 sq km (total)
Coastline: 386 km
Land borders: 1,907 km (Brazil: 515 km; French Guiana: 556 km; Guyana: 836 km)
Highest point: Juliana Top at 1,230 m
Climate: Tropical, moderated by trade winds

People and Society

The population of Suriname is diverse, featuring ethnic groups such as Hindustani, Maroon, and Creole. The majority of the population is concentrated along the coastal regions, with Paramaribo being the largest urban area. Dutch is the official language, while several other languages are spoken, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the nation.

Population (2025 est): 653,605
Urban population: 66.4% of total
Median age: 32.3 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy: 72.7 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate: 14.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Economy

Suriname's economy is classified as upper middle-income, heavily reliant on gold mining and the hydrocarbon sector. The country has faced challenges, including high inflation rates, yet has policies in place for recovery and fiscal sustainability. The labor market is diverse, with the service sector being a significant component.

GDP (PPP): $12.316 billion (2024 est.)
GDP growth rate: 2.8% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Exports (2024 est.): $2.793 billion
Top export commodity: gold

Government

Suriname operates as a presidential republic, with a structure that supports democratic governance. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislative body, and the judiciary is influenced by Dutch civil law. Recent elections reaffirmed the importance of multi-party representation in Suriname's political landscape.

Capital: Paramaribo
Government type: Presidential republic
Last election: 6 July 2025
Number of districts: 10
Suffrage: Universal at age 18

Military and Security

The Suriname National Army is responsible for the country’s defense and domestic security, assisting the police with issues like drug trafficking. Military service is voluntary, with no conscription, and the total military personnel is approximately 2,000.

Military personnel: ~2,000 (2025 est.)
Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Service age: 18-28 years for voluntary service
Military obligations: No conscription
Primary military roles: Border control, domestic security support

Energy

Suriname relies on a mix of hydroelectric and fossil fuels for its energy needs, achieving nearly universal electricity access. The country has significant potential for renewable energy generation but currently has a limited capacity for solar energy.

Electricity access: 99% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed generating capacity: 537,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Petroleum production: 14,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Hydropower contribution: 42% of total installed capacity

Environment

Suriname faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution from mining activities, but remains committed to several international environmental agreements. The country is rich in biodiversity, largely preserved within its extensive rainforest areas.

Forest coverage: 91.7% of land area (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.521 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generation: 78,600 tons annually (2024 est.)
Recycling of municipal waste: 16.9% (2022 est.)
Water resources: 99 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Suriname's transport infrastructure includes a network of highways, railways, and ports, alongside an extensive air transportation system with numerous small airports. The country has a limited merchant marine fleet but possesses several ports for commercial activities.

Airports: 55 (2025)
Merchant marine fleet: 13 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 4 (2024)
Key ports: Paramaribo, Moengo, Nieuw Nickerie
Heliports: 1 (2025)

Communications

Communication infrastructure in Suriname includes a mix of fixed and mobile telephony services, with a high percentage of internet accessibility. The country is equipped with multiple broadcasting media, reflecting its diverse culture.

Internet users: 78% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 902,000 (2024 est.)
Fixed line subscriptions: 129,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 125,000 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media: 2 state-owned & multiple private stations

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	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.7 years	(2024 est.)
Electric Access	99%	(2022 est.)
Military Personnel	~2,000	(2025 est.)
Inflation Rate	16.2%	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	66.4%	(2023)