Suriname Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Suriname, formerly also known as Dutch Guiana, state of northern South America; 163,300 km², 576,000 residents (2019).Suriname borders French Guiana in the east, Brazil in the south and Guyana in the west and has a coast to the Atlantic in the north. The capital is Paramaribo (240 900 residents, 2012).

Country facts

Republic of Suriname / Republic of Suriname
Country abbreviation: SR
Area: 163 300 km²
Population (2019): 576,000 residents
Capital: Paramaribo
Main languages: sranan, hindi, dutch
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Dési Bouterse (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 5,950
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 4,990
Currency unit: 1 Surinamese dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: SRD
Country Number (Telephony): 597
Internet Domain Name: sr
Time difference compared to Sweden: −4
National Day: November 25 (Independence Day, 1975)

Nature

Land use: forest (96%), agricultural land (0.5%), other (3.5%)
Highest mountain: Julianatop (1 230 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 4 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.1%; birth rate 17 ‰, death figure 6 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (65%), 65- (7%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 68 years, women 75 years
Infant mortality (2019): 20 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 700,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.720 (place 100 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 66%
Most popular city (2012): Paramaribo (240 900 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (12%), industry (31%), service (57%)
Exports (2017): USD 2,028 million
Main export products: aluminum, gold, oil
Main exporting countries: Switzerland, Belgium, United Arab Emirates
Imports (2017): US $ 1,293 million
Main import products: capital goods, fuels, food
Main importing countries: USA, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago
Railway network: nothing in use

Geography of Suriname

Location and Size

Suriname is located in the northeastern part of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west. With an area of approximately 163,821 square kilometers (63,251 square miles), Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America, both in terms of population and land area. Despite its small size, Suriname is rich in natural resources and offers diverse landscapes ranging from tropical rainforests to coastal plains and rivers.

Topography

Suriname’s landscape is characterized by three main regions: the coastal plains, the interior lowlands, and the mountainous interior. The coastal plains, which cover about one-third of the country, are home to the majority of Suriname’s population. These plains are located at or slightly above sea level and are prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season. The interior of Suriname is dominated by dense rainforests and lowland jungles, which make up around two-thirds of the country’s total area. This region is sparsely populated and largely undeveloped, with rich biodiversity and extensive natural resources. The central region of Suriname is home to the Tumuc-Humac Mountains, which form part of the natural boundary with French Guiana. These mountains contain some of the highest elevations in the country.

Rivers and Lakes

Suriname’s rivers are essential to the country’s transportation, economy, and ecology. The Suriname River is the longest and most important river in the country, flowing from the mountains in the south to the Atlantic Ocean in the north. Other significant rivers include the Marowijne River, which forms part of the border with French Guiana, and the Coppename and Saramacca rivers. These rivers provide important waterways for transport, particularly in the interior, where road infrastructure is limited. Suriname also has several lakes, most of which are situated in the central and southern regions, but they are relatively small compared to those in other parts of the world.

Climate

Suriname has a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity, warm temperatures, and distinct wet and dry seasons. The coastal areas and the interior regions experience tropical rainforest climate conditions, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F) throughout the year. Suriname’s wet season lasts from April to August, followed by a shorter wet season from November to February. The country experiences considerable rainfall during these periods, with the heaviest rains occurring in the interior. The dry season is generally from August to November. Tropical storms are not uncommon, particularly in the coastal regions. The country’s climate supports a rich array of plant and animal life, making Suriname’s rainforests one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.

Population of Suriname

Demographics

As of 2024, Suriname has an estimated population of around 650,000 people. The population is concentrated mainly in the coastal areas, particularly around the capital city, Paramaribo, which is the largest city and the economic and cultural center of the country. Due to Suriname’s relatively small population, it has one of the lowest population densities in South America. Despite the country’s wealth of natural resources, its population is not large by regional standards, in part due to emigration and relatively low birth rates.

Ethnic Groups

Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in South America. The majority of Suriname’s population is of East Indian descent, accounting for approximately 37% of the population. These East Indians are descendants of indentured laborers brought to Suriname by the Dutch after the abolition of slavery. The Afro-Surinamese, who make up about 37% of the population, are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to Suriname during the colonial era to work on sugar plantations. Other significant ethnic groups include the Javanese (approximately 15%), who were brought to Suriname as indentured laborers from Indonesia in the early 20th century, as well as smaller communities of Maroons (descendants of runaway slaves), Indigenous peoples, and people of European, Chinese, and Lebanese descent. This rich cultural diversity contributes to the country’s complex social dynamics.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in Suriname, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination, followed by Protestantism. The significant presence of East Indians and Javanese in Suriname also brings Hinduism and Islam to the country. Hinduism is practiced primarily by people of Indian descent, while Islam is mostly practiced by the Javanese and other smaller groups. Indigenous religions are still practiced by the native Amerindian populations, although Christianity has largely supplanted these beliefs. Suriname is known for its religious tolerance, with various religious groups living side by side and participating in each other’s cultural and religious festivals. This coexistence is a defining characteristic of the country’s social fabric.

Language

The official language of Suriname is Dutch, which is the language of government, education, and business. Dutch was adopted as the official language after Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, and it remains the language of the state. However, Suriname is home to several other languages spoken by its diverse population. Sranan Tongo, an English-based Creole language, is widely spoken as a lingua franca, especially in informal settings. Other languages spoken in Suriname include Hindi (used by the East Indian community), Javanese (used by the Javanese community), and various Indigenous languages such as Aukan and Wayana.

Economy of Suriname

Economic Overview

Suriname has a small, open economy that relies heavily on natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, and timber. The country has significant mineral deposits, with bauxite being a particularly important export. Suriname’s economy has historically been centered around resource extraction, but the country also has a burgeoning agricultural sector, which produces rice, bananas, and coconuts, as well as a growing services sector. Agriculture and mining account for a large portion of Suriname’s GDP, though the economy is relatively vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations.

The country has experienced periods of economic growth, particularly during the boom in gold prices in the 2010s, but it also faces challenges such as high levels of public debt, inflation, and income inequality. Suriname’s infrastructure is underdeveloped in many regions, particularly outside the capital city, limiting the country’s economic potential. Despite its challenges, Suriname remains one of the wealthier countries in the region, particularly due to its mineral wealth.

Agriculture

Agriculture is an important part of Suriname’s economy, with both subsistence and commercial farming being practiced. The fertile soil along the Suriname River supports the cultivation of rice, bananas, plantains, and other tropical fruits. Suriname has historically been a major exporter of rice to regional markets. Other key agricultural products include coconuts, citrus fruits, and vegetables. The country also produces sugar, though at a smaller scale compared to other tropical countries. Suriname’s agricultural industry is supported by its tropical climate, but it faces challenges such as the occasional flooding of the coastal plains and fluctuations in global commodity prices.

Mining and Resources

Suriname is endowed with rich natural resources, particularly in the mining sector. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of bauxite, which is used in the production of aluminum. The bauxite industry has been a major driver of Suriname’s economy since the 20th century, with major international mining companies operating in the country. Gold mining has also become increasingly important, and Suriname is one of the top gold producers in South America. In addition to gold and bauxite, Suriname has significant oil reserves and produces petroleum, although the sector has faced challenges related to declining production and infrastructure limitations. Timber, particularly mahogany, is another valuable natural resource.

Trade and Industry

Suriname’s economy is highly dependent on exports, particularly bauxite, gold, and agricultural products. The country’s major trade partners include the Netherlands, the United States, and neighboring Brazil and French Guiana. However, Suriname faces challenges in trade, including limited infrastructure, high transportation costs, and a dependence on a few key export products. Industrial development outside of the mining sector has been slow, and the manufacturing base is limited. The country’s government has been working to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and renewable energy.

Economic Challenges

Despite its natural wealth, Suriname faces several economic challenges, including high unemployment, inflation, and public debt. The country’s reliance on a small number of resource exports makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations in global markets. The agricultural sector is also vulnerable to climate change and flooding, and many rural areas lack adequate infrastructure to support growth. Additionally, the country has faced challenges related to political instability, which has contributed to economic uncertainty. Suriname’s relatively small population and limited domestic market further complicate efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on natural resources.

Government of Suriname

Political Structure

Suriname is a constitutional democracy, with a president who serves as both the head of state and government. The president is elected for a five-year term through a direct popular vote, with the possibility of reelection. Suriname has a multi-party political system, and elections are held every five years. The country’s political system is characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president appoints a cabinet of ministers who oversee various government departments and work to implement national policies.

Legislative System

Suriname has a unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly, which consists of 51 members elected by popular vote. The National Assembly is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch. Legislative elections are held every five years, and the political system is based on proportional representation. While the president holds significant executive powers, the National Assembly plays an important role in shaping government policies and decisions.

Judiciary

Suriname’s judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The highest court in the country is the Court of Justice, which has the authority to interpret the constitution and hear appeals from lower courts. The judicial system is based on civil law, and the legal process is governed by the Surinamese Code of Civil Procedure. While the judicial system is generally considered fair, concerns about corruption and inefficiencies in the legal process persist. The legal system also incorporates Dutch legal principles due to Suriname’s colonial history.

Culture of Suriname

Art and Architecture

Suriname’s culture is shaped by its diverse ethnic groups and colonial history. The country has a rich tradition of visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and crafts, which often reflect the cultural heritage of its Indigenous, African, Indian, Javanese, and European populations. Suriname’s architecture is similarly diverse, with Dutch colonial buildings found in the capital, Paramaribo, alongside traditional wooden houses and structures built by the various ethnic communities. The historic city center of Paramaribo has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved colonial-era architecture.

Music and Dance

Music is an integral part of Surinamese culture, with various genres reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity. Traditional Afro-Surinamese music, including the popular genre known as kaseko, is performed with instruments like drums and brass. Indian and Javanese influences can be heard in the music of those communities, particularly in the use of sitars and gamelan orchestras. Suriname’s music scene is also influenced by Caribbean and Latin American rhythms, such as reggae, salsa, and merengue. Dance plays a prominent role in cultural celebrations and religious festivals, with traditional dances often being performed during festivals and ceremonies.

Cuisine

Surinamese cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, Indonesian, and Dutch influences, reflecting the country’s ethnically diverse population. Common ingredients include rice, plantains, cassava, and yams, as well as meats such as chicken, fish, and beef. Popular dishes include roti (a flatbread), pom (a casserole made with chicken and vegetables), and maaltijd (a hearty stew). Surinamese cuisine also features a wide range of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas, and is often flavored with spices like curry, ginger, and garlic.

Festivals and Traditions

Suriname’s cultural diversity is celebrated through a wide variety of festivals and traditions. The country’s Hindu community celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights, while the Muslim community observes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Suriname’s African and Afro-Surinamese population celebrates Keti Koti, which marks the abolition of slavery. The Maroon Day, or Srefidensi, celebrates the independence of Suriname and the freedom of runaway slaves. Paramaribo is known for its vibrant festivals, with music, dance, and food playing a central role in celebrations throughout the year.

History of Suriname

Early History

The area now known as Suriname was originally inhabited by various Indigenous peoples, including the Arawaks and Caribs. These groups lived along the coast and in the interior of the country and were skilled in agriculture, fishing, and crafting. The first European explorers arrived in the early 16th century, with the Spanish being the first to claim the area. However, the Dutch were the first to establish permanent settlements in the 17th century, founding the colony of Suriname in 1667.

Colonial Era

Suriname was a Dutch colony for most of its history, although it changed hands between the Dutch and the British several times. During the colonial period, the Dutch established sugar plantations and brought enslaved Africans to work the land. The country also became a significant producer of coffee and cocoa. Suriname’s history of slavery and the plantation economy left deep social and racial divisions, which continue to influence the country’s culture and politics.

Independence

Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. The transition to independence was peaceful, and Suriname became a republic with a parliamentary system. However, the early years of independence were marked by political instability, with military coups and authoritarian rule leading to periods of repression. In the 1980s, a civil war broke out between the government and Marxist rebels, resulting in a period of violence and instability.

Recent History

Since the 1990s, Suriname has made efforts to stabilize its political system and improve its economy. The country has faced challenges related to corruption, economic dependency on natural resources, and social inequality. However, Suriname has made strides in terms of democratic governance and has experienced periods of economic growth, particularly due to the gold boom. Today, Suriname continues to balance its rich natural resources with its social and economic challenges, and its diverse cultural heritage remains a central part of the national identity.