Suriname
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 616
Currency
💱 Surinamese dollar
Languages
🗣️ Dutch
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Suriname
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Surinamer
Independence
November 25, 1975 (from the Netherlands)
Top-Level Domain
.sr
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+597
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Paramaribo
ISO Alpha-2
SR
ISO Alpha-3
SUR
UN Code
740
Geographic Coordinates
4,-56
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
163,820#92 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
616,500#170 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
3.92
Highest Point (m)
1,230 meters (Julianatop)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Forest: 95.8%, arable land: 0.4%, other: 3.8% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
20 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
386 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; two rainy seasons
Natural Resources
Bauxite, gold, oil, iron ore, copper, nickel, platinum, forests, hydropower potential, fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana
Major Rivers
Suriname River, Corantijn River, Maroni River
Major Lakes
No major lakes.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
10 districts
Legal System
Based on Dutch civil law
Chief of State
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi
Head of Government
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the President.
Elections
President indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term.
Judicial Branch
Court of Justice (highest court).
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (51 seats).
Major Political Parties
Progressive Reform Party (VHP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Surinamese dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.52#171 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.49#159 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7,069.87#119 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.77
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
35.05
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
50.85
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.21#25 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
257,128
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.83#55 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt levels vary; consult recent financial reports for the most current data.
Budget
The government's annual budget information is available from official sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2010)Checked September 29, 2026
2.3#153 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2010)Checked September 29, 2026
1.68#168 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves data can be found from the Central Bank of Suriname.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online from various financial websites and banks.
GDP by Sector
The economy is primarily driven by mining (especially bauxite and gold), agriculture, and services.
Major Industries
Major industries include mining (bauxite, gold), oil, agriculture, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Netherlands, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2012)Checked September 29, 2026
92.87#92 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
17.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.8
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is often near zero, indicating a balance between immigration and emigration.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 30 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
65.79#104 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively slow but ongoing.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
73.8#115 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is estimated to be relatively low compared to some other countries, but current data can be found from health organizations.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.41
Ethnic Groups
The population is diverse, consisting of East Indian, Creole, Maroon, Javanese, Chinese, and mixed ethnicities.
Religions
Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam are the main religions.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Dutch
Education
Education System
Suriname's education system follows a structure of primary, secondary, and higher education, with a mix of public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2002)Checked September 29, 2026
11.4
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Suriname is around 4-5% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The Anton de Kom University of Suriname is the main university.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Suriname's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous, African, Dutch, Indian, and Javanese influences, reflected in its languages, music, and traditions.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Three Kings Day (2026-01-06)
- World Religion Day (2026-01-18)
- Chinese New Year (2026-02-17)
- Day of the Revolution (2026-02-25)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Indian Arrival Day (2026-06-05)
- Keti Koti (2026-07-01)
- Javanese Arrival Day (2026-08-08)
Popular Music
Popular music genres in Suriname include kaseko, kawina, and Indian-Surinamese styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional Surinamese food features dishes like 'pom', 'moksi meti', and roti, influenced by diverse culinary traditions.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Suriname.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include Keti Koti (Emancipation Day), Holi Phagwa, and various cultural celebrations.
Famous People
Famous Surinamese people include artists, athletes, and politicians such as Clarence Seedorf and Chan Santokhi.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Suriname has several historical sites, particularly in Paramaribo, reflecting its colonial past.
UNESCO Sites
Paramaribo's Historic Inner City is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Growing tourism sector, ecotourism focus.
Top Tourist Attractions
Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Brownsberg Nature Park, Paramaribo.
Famous Cities
Paramaribo.
National Parks
Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Brownsberg Nature Park.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check specific regulations.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index data varies and is best found through independent health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and provider; information may be obtained from medical facilities.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and medical centers in Suriname.
Universal Healthcare
Suriname's healthcare system provides access to public and private healthcare services, but universal healthcare coverage is not fully established.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from primary care to specialized services, with public and private facilities available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, and access can be obtained by contacting local emergency numbers.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 115.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 112.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 115.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Suriname fluctuate, with some reports indicating moderate levels of crime.
Safety Index
The safety index in Suriname is moderate.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is a small percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, with police, ambulance, and fire departments providing assistance.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Suriname maintains a military force called the National Army (Landsleger).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is generally available in urban areas, with ongoing development in rural regions.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is generally available, but availability may vary.
Sanitation Access
Access to improved sanitation facilities is available, but further improvements are needed.
Railways
Suriname has no active railway system.
Roadways
Roads vary in condition; improvements are ongoing, especially in urban areas.
Transportation System
Suriname's transportation system includes roads, air travel, and river transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
Ports
Paramaribo has a major port.
Public Transit
Public transit options in Suriname are limited.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
87.4#77 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Moderate mobile penetration.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Few TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.06#68 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited; generally considered moderate.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, especially due to mining and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Hydropower is the primary renewable energy source; solar is emerging.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, mining pollution, and coastal erosion are significant issues.
Natural Hazards
Flooding and seasonal heavy rainfall are the main natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; landfilling is common, recycling is limited.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements, including climate change and biodiversity.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of CARICOM, OAS, and other international organizations.
Major Treaties
Participates in major international treaties related to environmental protection and trade.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to a number of countries, primarily within the Caribbean region and some others.