Country Profile: Suriname
Suriname, located on the northern coast of South America, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, with French Guiana to the east and Guyana to the west. With a population of approximately 646,758, it is the smallest independent country on the continent and is characterized by a diverse ethnic makeup, predominantly consisting of Hindustani, Maroon, and Creole communities. Its economy is upper middle-income, heavily reliant on natural resources like gold, bauxite, and timber, while governance has transitioned from military regimes to a multiparty democracy since the late 1980s. The country boasts a rich cultural tapestry, influenced by its colonial history and various ethnic groups.
Geography
Suriname is situated on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring countries Brazil, French Guiana, and Guyana. The country's terrain is predominantly characterized by rolling hills and a narrow coastal plain, interspersed with swamps and tropical rainforest. Rich in natural resources, Suriname's land is largely covered by forest, making up approximately 94.5% of the country.
- Total Area: 163,820 sq km
- Highest Point: Juliana Top at 1,230 m
- Lowest Point: -2 m in the coastal plain
- Coastline: 386 km
- Major Rivers: Includes Amazon drainage area
- Natural Hazards: Primarily flooding
People and Society
Suriname has an estimated population of 646,758 as of 2024, with a gender distribution of 320,352 males and 326,406 females. The country's ethnic diversity is reflected in its population, with significant proportions of Hindustani, Maroon, and Creole. Dutch is the official language, while Sranang Tongo and various other languages are also spoken widely.
- Urban Population: 66.4% of total population (2023)
- Median Age: 32 years (2024 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 72.7 years (2024 est.)
- Birth Rate: 14.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 29.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
- Total Fertility Rate: 1.89 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Economy
Suriname's economy is characterized as an upper middle-income status, transitioning with the adoption of a new floating currency regime. The primary sectors include the extraction of natural resources, with significant exports in gold, aluminum products, and hydrocarbons. The country is currently pursuing an IMF-backed economic recovery plan.
- GDP (PPP): $12.316 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita (PPP): $19,400 (2024 est.)
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 2.8% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
- Inflation Rate: 16.2% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $2.793 billion (2024 est.)
- Imports: $2.571 billion (2024 est.)
Government
Suriname is governed as a presidential republic, with a system influenced by Dutch civil law. The current president, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, was elected in 2025 and serves alongside a cabinet appointed by her. The legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly, comprising 51 members elected under a proportional representation system.
- Independence: Achieved on 25 November 1975
- Administrative Divisions: 10 districts
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Constitution: Ratified on 30 September 1987
- Political Parties: Multiple parties including National Democratic Party (NDP) and Progressive Reform Party (VHP)
Military and Security
The Suriname National Army, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, is tasked with safeguarding the country's sovereignty. The military plays a crucial role in domestic security and emergency response. Military service is voluntary, with no conscription imposed.
- Military Personnel: Approximately 2,000
- Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
- Military Equipment: Limited inventory of older equipment
- Legal Military Service Age: 18 years (voluntary)
Energy
Suriname maintains a high electricity access rate of 99%, with a mix of energy sources including hydroelectric power and fossil fuels. The country's electricity generation capacity is predominantly derived from renewable sources.
- Installed Capacity: 537,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Coal Imports: 2 metric tons (2023 est.)
- Total Petroleum Production: 14,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Environment
Suriname faces environmental challenges including deforestation and water pollution due to mining activities. The country is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at preserving its biodiversity.
- Forest Coverage: 94.5% of land (2022 est.)
- Air Pollution: 12.17 µg/m³ particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
- Water Resources: Total renewable water resources of 99 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air, sea, and ground facilities. Suriname's civil aviation and maritime capabilities support its connectivity.
- Airports: 55 (2025)
- Merchant Marine: 13 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 4 (including 3 with oil terminals)
Communications
Suriname has a growing telecommunications sector, with high mobile phone penetration and a sizable internet user base, indicating a modern communication framework.
- Mobile Phone Subscriptions: 989,000 (2023)
- Internet Users: 78% of population (2023 est.)
- Fixed Line Subscriptions: 129,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 646,758 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 163,820 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $12.316 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 99% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 14.9 births/1,000 people | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 72.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Real GDP per capita (PPP) | $19,400 | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.89 children/woman | 2024 estimate |
| Military Personnel | Approximately 2,000 | 2025 estimate |
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