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Economy

Agricultural products (Agriculture-products) [time series]

paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chicken; forest products and shrimp of increasing importance

Budget [time series]

revenues: $317 million expenditures: $333 million, including capital expenditures of $52 million (1997 est.)

Exchange rates (Currency) [time series]

1 Surinamese guilder, gulden, or florin (Sf.) = 100 cents

Debt - external (Debt-external) [time series]

$216 million (1996 est.)

Economic aid [time series]

recipient: the Netherlands provided a 1996 aid package of $224 million to Suriname, Aruba, and the Netherlands Antilles

Economic overview (Economy-overview) [time series]

The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Following a dismal year in 1994-which saw the value of the Surinamese guilder plummet by about 70%, inflation rise to more than 600%, and national output fall for the fifth consecutive year-nearly all economic indicators improved in 1995-97. The VENETIAAN government unified the exchange rate as part of its structural adjustment program (SAP). After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the WIJDENBOSCH government ended the SAP claiming it was unfair to the poorer elements of society. Tax revenues fell as old taxes lapsed and the government failed to implement new tax alternatives. By the end of 1997, the allocation of new Dutch development funds was frozen as Surinamese government relations with Holland deteriorated. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on renewed commitment to financially responsible monetary and fiscal policies.

Electricity - capacity (Electricity-capacity) [time series]

425,000 kW (1995)

Electricity - consumption per capita (Electricity-consumption per capita) [time series]

3,727 kWh (1995)

Electricity - production (Electricity-production) [time series]

1.601 billion kWh (1995)

Exchange rates [time series]

Surinamese guilders, gulden, or florins (Sf.) per US$1-central bank midpoint rate: 401.00 (January 1998), 401.00 (1997), 401.26 (1996), 442.23 (1995), 134.12 (1994); parallel rate: 412 (December 1995), 510 (December 1994), 109 (January 1994) note: beginning July 1994, the central bank midpoint exchange rate was unified and became market determined

Exports [time series]

total value: $434.3 million (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: alumina, aluminum, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas partners: Norway 33%, Netherlands 26%, US 13%, Japan 6%, Brazil 6%, UK 3% (1994)

Fiscal year [time series]

calendar year Communications

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP) [time series]

purchasing power parity-$1.44 billion (1997 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP-composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 14% industry: 33% services: 53% (1994)

Real GDP per capita (GDP-per capita) [time series]

purchasing power parity-$3,400 (1997 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (GDP-real growth rate) [time series]

4% (1997 est.)

Imports [time series]

total value: $490 million (f.o.b., 1997 est.) commodities: capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods partners: US 40%, Netherlands 24%, Trinidad and Tobago 11%, Japan 3% (1994)

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

6.5% (1994 est.)

Industries [time series]

bauxite and gold mining, alumina and aluminum production, lumbering, food processing, fishing

Inflation rate (consumer prices) (Inflation rate-consumer price index) [time series]

8% (1997 est.)

Labor force [time series]

NA by occupation: agriculture, industry, services

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 5, FM 32, shortwave 1

Radios [time series]

290,256 (1993 est.)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

international facilities good domestic: microwave radio relay network international: satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones) [time series]

43,522 (1992 est.)

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

10 (1998 est.)

Televisions [time series]

59,598 (1993 est.)

Unemployment rate [time series]

20% (1997)

Geography

Area [time series]

total: 163,270 sq km land: 161,470 sq km water: 1,800 sq km

Area - comparative (Area-comparative) [time series]

slightly larger than Georgia

Climate [time series]

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Coastline [time series]

386 km

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m highest point: Wilhelmina Gebergte 1,286 m

Environment - current issues (Environment-current issues) [time series]

deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

International environmental agreements (Environment-international agreements) [time series]

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geographic coordinates [time series]

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Geography - note (Geography-note) [time series]

mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna which for the most part is increasingly threatened by new development; relatively small population most of which lives along the coast

Irrigated land [time series]

600 sq km (1993 est.)

Land boundaries [time series]

total: 1,707 km border countries: Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: NA permanent crops: NA permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 96% other: 4% (1993 est.)

Location [time series]

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana

Map references [time series]

South America

Maritime claims [time series]

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards [time series]

Natural resources [time series]

timber, hydropower potential, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Terrain [time series]

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Government

Administrative divisions [time series]

10 districts (distrikten, singular-distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Constitution [time series]

ratified 30 September 1987

Country name [time series]

conventional long form: Republic of Suriname conventional short form: Suriname local long form: Republiek Suriname local short form: Suriname former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Data code [time series]

Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis K. HAYS embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: P. O. Box 1821, Paramaribo; pouch address: American Embassy Paramaribo, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-3390 telephone: [597] 472900, 477881, 476459

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Arnold Theodoor HALFHIDE chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: President Jules WIJDENBOSCH (since 14 September 1996); Vice President Pretaapnarian RADHAKISHUN (since 14 September 1996); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jules WIJDENBOSCH (since 14 September 1996); Vice President Pretaapnarian RADHAKISHUN (since 14 September 1996); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly note: First Advisor of State maintains significant power elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate receives a constitutional majority vote in the National Assembly after two votes, by the larger Peoples Assembly (the National Assembly members and 289 local and regional councillors), for five-year terms; election last held 23 May 1996; runoff election held 5 September 1996 (next to be held NA May 2001) election results: Jules WIJDENBOSCH elected president; percent of legislative vote NA; National Assembly failed to elect president; results reflect the People's Assembly votes-Jules WIJDENBOSCH (NDP) 438, Ronald VENETIAAN (NF) 407

Diplomatic representation in the US (FAX) [time series]

[1] (202) 244-5878 consulate(s) general: Miami

Diplomatic representation in the US (FAX) [time series]

[597] 420800

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); there is a large yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band

Government type [time series]

republic

Independence [time series]

25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

International organization participation [time series]

ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Judicial branch [time series]

Supreme Court, justices nominated for life

Legal system [time series]

based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal theory

Legislative branch [time series]

unicameral National Assembly or National Assemblee (51 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 23 May 1996 (next to be held NA May 2001) election results: percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-NDP 16, NF 14, BVD 5, KTPI 5, Pendawa Lima 4, Alliance 3, DA '91 2, OPDA 2

Capital (National capital) [time series]

Paramaribo

National holiday [time series]

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

The New Front (NF), a coalition of three parties (NPS, VHP, SPA), leader Ronald R. VENETIAAN; Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Jaggernath LACHMON; National Party of Suriname (NPS), Ronald VENETIAAN; Party of National Unity and Solidarity (KTPI), Willy SOEMITA; Suriname Labor Party (SPA), Fred DERBY; Democratic Alternative '91 (DA '91), a coalition of parties (AF, and BEP) formed in January 1991, Winston JESSURUN; Alternative Forum (AF), Rick VAN RAVENSWAY; Party for Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP), Caprino ALLENDY; Pendawa Lima, Paul SOMOHARDJO; National Democratic Party (NDP), Desire BOUTERSE; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers' Union (PALU), Ir Iwan KROLIS; The Progressive Development Alliance, a combination of two parties (HPP, PVF), Harry KISOENSINGH; Democratic Party (DP), Frank PLAYFAIR; Reformed Progressive Party (HPP), Harry KISOENSINGH; Party of the Federation of Land Workers PVF), Jwan SITAL; Party for Renewal and Democracy (BVD), Atta MUNGRA; Independent Progressive Democratic Alternative (OPDA), Joginder RAMKHILAWAN

Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]

Union for Liberation and Democracy, Kofi AFONGPONG; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement, Leendert ADAMS; Tucayana Amazonica, Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJO; General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP), Ronnie BRUNSWIJK

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal

Military

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

National Army (includes small Navy and Air Force elements), Civil Police

Military expenditures - dollar figure (Military expenditures-dollar figure) [time series]

$8.5 million (1997 est.)

Military expenditures (Military expenditures-percent of GDP) [time series]

1.6% (1997 est.)

Military manpower - availability (Military manpower-availability) [time series]

males age 15-49: 117,031 (1998 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service (Military manpower-fit for military service) [time series]

males: 68,985 (1998 est.)

People

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 33% (male 72,945; female 69,468) 15-64 years: 62% (male 133,840; female 129,452) 65 years and over: 5% (male 10,309; female 11,966) (July 1998 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

22.48 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)

Death rate [time series]

5.79 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)

Ethnic groups [time series]

Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15.3%, "Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 10.3%, Amerindian 2.6%, Chinese 1.7%, white 1%, other 1.1%

Infant mortality rate [time series]

27.44 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)

Languages [time series]

Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 70.61 years male: 68.05 years female: 73.29 years (1998 est.)

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93% male: 95% female: 91% (1995 est.)

Nationality [time series]

noun: Surinamer(s) adjective: Surinamese

Net migration rate [time series]

-8.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)

Population [time series]

427,980 (July 1998 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

0.77% (1998 est.)

Religions [time series]

Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female (1998 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

2.59 children born/woman (1998 est.)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international (Disputes-international) [time series]

claims area in French Guiana between Litani Rivier and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa Rivier); claims area in Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari [Kutari] Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)

Illicit drugs [time series]

transshipment point for South American drugs destined mostly for Europe SVALBARD (territory of Norway)

Transportation

Airports [time series]

45 (1997 est.)

Airports - with paved runways (Airports-with paved runways) [time series]

total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (1997 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways (Airports-with unpaved runways) [time series]

total: 40 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 33 (1997 est.)

Roadways (Highways) [time series]

total: 4,530 km paved: 1,178 km unpaved: 3,352 km (1996 est.)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,421 GRT/2,990 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, container 1 (1996 est.)

Ports (Ports and harbors) [time series]

Albina, Moengo, New Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam, Wageningen

Railways [time series]

total: 166 km (single track) standard gauge: 80 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 86 km 1.000-m gauge

Waterways [time series]

1,200 km; most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with drafts ranging up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterways