Suriname

World Book Index

Introduction

Suriname, a small yet vibrant nation located on the northeastern coast of South America, has a rich and complex history that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. The Spaniards first explored this territory in the 16th century, but it was the English who established the first settlements in the mid-17th century. In 1667, Suriname became a Dutch colony, a status it maintained until gaining independence in 1975. This historical backdrop has shaped Suriname into a unique tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, making it a fascinating subject of study for those interested in the dynamics of post-colonial societies.

Neighboring countries

Brazil - French Guiana - Guyana

Geography

Area
Total: 163,820 sq km
Land: 156,000 sq km
Water: 7,820 sq km

Suriname is characterized by its tropical climate, which is moderated by trade winds, contributing to a unique environmental landscape. The country is endowed with abundant natural resources, including timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, and iron ore. This wealth of resources plays a crucial role in the nation's economy and offers significant potential for sustainable development, provided that environmental considerations are taken into account.

People and Society

Population
Total: 646,758 (2024 estimated)

Suriname's demographic composition is a reflection of its historical migrations and cultural exchanges. The population is diverse, with significant ethnic groups including Hindustani (27.4%), Maroon (21.7%), Creole (15.7%), Javanese (13.7%), mixed (13.4%), and other groups (7.6%). This ethnic plurality is accompanied by a variety of languages spoken, with Dutch as the official language, while English is widely spoken. Sranang Tongo, a native language of the Creole community, and Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi, are also prevalent. The religious landscape is equally diverse, with Protestantism (23.6%), Hinduism (22.3%), Roman Catholicism (21.6%), and Islam (13.8%) being the most practiced faiths. The population growth rate of 1.07% (2024 estimated) indicates a steady increase, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation's social and economic development.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: Paramaribo

The government of Suriname operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the chief of state and head of government. Currently, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has been in office since 16 July 2025, leading the nation through a period of political and economic transformation. Diplomatic relations are maintained with various countries, including the United States, represented by Ambassador Robert J. Faucher since 31 January 2023, and the Netherlands, which has historical ties to Suriname.

Economy

Economic overview
Suriname's economy is classified as an upper middle-income South American economy, characterized by a new floating currency regime. The nation is a key exporter of aluminum goods, gold, and hydrocarbons, which are vital to its economic framework. The government has initiated a new IMF plan aimed at economic recovery and fiscal sustainability, addressing the challenges posed by a controversial hardwood industry. This economic strategy is crucial for ensuring long-term stability and growth.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$12.316 billion (2024 estimated)
$11.976 billion (2023 estimated)
$11.68 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$19,400 (2024 estimated)
$19,000 (2023 estimated)
$18,700 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$2.793 billion (2024 estimated)
$2.533 billion (2023 estimated)
$2.6 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
Switzerland 49%, UAE 28%, Guyana 5%, USA 4%, France 3% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Gold, fish, refined petroleum, wood, tobacco (2023)

Imports
$2.571 billion (2024 estimated)
$2.203 billion (2023 estimated)
$2.342 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
USA 22%, China 12%, Netherlands 11%, Trinidad & Tobago 9%, Guyana 8% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, ships, excavation machinery, trucks, tobacco (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.722, ranking it 114th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 46th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.269. (more information)