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Flag of Suriname

Suriname

South America · Paramaribo · presidential republic

What Suriname means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Suriname

$75M

U.S. imports, 2025

-17.6%

change in one year

$486M

U.S. exports, 2025

654K

Population

$4.7B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Suriname makes

America bought $75M in goods from Suriname in 2025 — down 17.6% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Fish and shellfish

fish, shrimp, shellfish

$40M53.3%

Nonferrous metals, other

$11M15.2%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$7M9.4%

Lumber

lumber for homebuilding

$4M5.3%

Copper

copper for wiring

$4M4.8%

Shingles, wallboard

$1M1.8%

Other parts and accessories of vehicles

car parts and accessories

$1M1.6%

Fuel oil

fuel oil

$1M1.5%

Minimum value shipments

$730K1%

Engines and engine parts

$628K0.8%

2026 so far (through April): $34M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Suriname

$486M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Petroleum products, other

$46M

Meat, poultry, etc.

$30M

Minimum value shipments

$29M

Industrial machines, other

$28M

Industrial engines

$26M

Drilling & oilfield equipment

$22M

Excavating machinery

$20M

Measuring, testing, control instruments

$19M

Fuel oil

$17M

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Suriname

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Suriname. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Made for America

What Suriname makes for America

Suriname is a direct U.S. source of 2 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.

Reference

The country itself

South America · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

The Spaniards first explored Suriname in the 16th century, and the English then settled it in the mid-17th century. Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of African slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. The Netherlands granted the colony independence in 1975. Five years later, the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared Suriname a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government -- a four-party coalition -- returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power. President BOUTERSE ran unopposed in 2015 and was reelected. Opposition parties campaigned hard against BOUTERSE in the run-up to the 2020 elections, and a multi-party coalition led by Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI’s VHP and Ronnie Brunswijk’s ABOP was installed.

Regional map of Suriname

Geography

Location
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana
Area
163,820 sq km
Climate
tropical; moderated by trade winds
Terrain
mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps
Natural resources
timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore
Coastline
386 km
Natural hazards
flooding

People & society

Population
653,605 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Surinamer(s)
Ethnic groups
Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 27.4%, Maroon (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 21.7%, Creole (mixed White and Black) 15.7%, Javanese 13.7%, mixed 13.4%, other 7.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2012 est.)
Languages
Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is the native language of Creoles and much of the younger population), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese
Religions
Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical 11.2%, Moravian 11.2%, Reformed 0.7%, Lutheran 0.5%), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 1.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 3.2% (2012 est.)
Median age
32.3 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
72.7 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
upper middle-income South American economy; new floating currency regime; key aluminum goods, gold, and hydrocarbon exporter; new IMF plan for economic recovery and fiscal sustainability; controversial hardwood industry
Industries
gold mining, oil, lumber, food processing, fishing
Agricultural products
rice, sugarcane, oranges, vegetables, chicken, cassava, plantains, pineapples, eggs, citrus fruits (2023)
Exports - partners
Switzerland 49%, UAE 28%, Guyana 5%, USA 4%, France 3% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 22%, China 12%, Netherlands 11%, Trinidad & Tobago 9%, Guyana 8% (2023)

Government

Government type
presidential republic
Capital
Paramaribo
Independence
25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)
Constitution
previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987
Executive branch
President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025)
Legislative branch
National Assembly (Nationale Assemblee)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
The Spaniards first explored Suriname in the 16th century, and the English then settled it in the mid-17th century. Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of African slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. The Netherlands granted the colony independence in 1975. Five years later, the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared Suriname a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government -- a four-party coalition -- returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power. President BOUTERSE ran unopposed in 2015 and was reelected. Opposition parties campaigned hard against BOUTERSE in the run-up to the 2020 elections, and a multi-party coalition led by Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI’s VHP and Ronnie Brunswijk’s ABOP was installed.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Suriname. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
(597) 556-700; EMER: (597) 710-1112; US Embassy Paramaribo, Kristalstaat 165, Paramaribo, Suriname; caparamar@state.gov; https://sr.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
597
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; moderated by trade winds
Currency (Code)
Surinamese dollars (SRD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
127 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F
Major Languages
Dutch, English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
Major Religions
Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical, Moravian, Reformed, Lutheran), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%
Time Difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Presidential Palace; Galibi Nature Reserve; Central Suriname Nature Reserve; Commewijne River; Brownsberg Nature Park
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, basketball, table tennis, volleyball
Cultural Practices
When invited to a household the guest is usually expected to partake in a meal.
Tipping Guidelines
Customers are expected to leave a 10% tip at restaurants, if a service charge has not already been added. Rounding up cab fare is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Woven baskets and wicker items, batik cloth, tribal woodcarvings, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, hand-rolled cigars, cotton hammocks, bamboo items
Traditional Cuisine
Pom — a casserole made with chicken pieces, chicken sausages, tomatoes, onions, celery, garlic, hot peppers, salt, pepper, sugar, nutmeg, orange and lemon juice, and pomtajer (a root vegetable)
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Geography
Location
Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana
Geographic coordinates
4 00 N, 56 00 W
Map references
South America
Area - total
163,820 sq km
Area - land
156,000 sq km
Area - water
7,820 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Georgia
Land boundaries - total
1,907 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Brazil 515 km; French Guiana 556 km; Guyana 836 km
Coastline
386 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical; moderated by trade winds
Terrain
mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps
Elevation - highest point
Juliana Top 1,230 m
Elevation - lowest point
unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m
Elevation - mean elevation
246 m
Natural resources
timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore
Land use - agricultural land
0.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
91.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
600 sq km (2020)
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage
Amazon (6,145,186 sq km)
Population distribution
population is concentrated along the northern coastal strip; the remainder of the country is sparsely populated
Natural hazards
flooding
Geography - note
smallest independent country on the South American continent; mostly tropical rainforest; great diversity of flora and fauna; relatively small population, mostly along the coast
People and Society
Population - total
653,605 (2025 est.)
Population - male
323,747
Population - female
329,858
Nationality - noun
Surinamer(s)
Nationality - adjective
Surinamese
Ethnic groups
Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 27.4%, Maroon (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 21.7%, Creole (mixed White and Black) 15.7%, Javanese 13.7%, mixed 13.4%, other 7.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2012 est.)
Languages - Languages
Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is the native language of Creoles and much of the younger population), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese
Languages - major-language sample(s)
Het Wereld Feitenboek, een omnisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
Religions
Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical 11.2%, Moravian 11.2%, Reformed 0.7%, Lutheran 0.5%), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 1.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 3.2% (2012 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
22.5% (male 73,864/female 71,573)
Age structure - 15-64 years
70% (male 226,417/female 226,235)
Age structure - 65 years and over
7.5% (2024 est.) (male 20,071/female 28,598)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
43 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
31.8 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
11.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
8.9 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
32.3 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
31 years
Median age - female
32.9 years
Population growth rate
1.04% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
14.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
2.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population is concentrated along the northern coastal strip; the remainder of the country is sparsely populated
Urbanization - urban population
66.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
239,000 PARAMARIBO (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.07 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.7 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
84 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
29.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
37.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
21 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
72.7 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
69 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
76.7 years
Total fertility rate
1.87 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.9 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 98.7% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 96.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 98% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 3.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
13.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.36 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
2.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 91.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 8.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
26.4% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
6.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
3.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
2.87 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
6.7% (2018 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.2% (2018 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
8.8% (2018)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
36% (2018)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
19.6% (2018)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
8.6% national budget (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
11 years (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
10 years (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
11 years (2021 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Suriname
Country name - conventional short form
Suriname
Country name - local long form
Republiek Suriname
Country name - local short form
Suriname
Country name - former
Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana
Country name - etymology
name may derive from the Surinen people who inhabited the area at the time of European contact
Government type
presidential republic
Capital - name
Paramaribo
Capital - geographic coordinates
5 50 N, 55 10 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the name comes from the Guaraní words para (water or river) and maribo (inhabitants)
Administrative divisions
10 districts ( distrikten , singular - distrikt ); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica
Legal system
civil law system influenced by Dutch civil law
Constitution - history
previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Suriname
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025)
Executive branch - head of government
President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly; president and vice president serve a 5-year term (no term limits)
Executive branch - most recent election date
6 July 2025
Executive branch - election results
2025: Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA 2020: Chandrikapersad "Chan" SANTOKHI elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA 2015: Desire Delano BOUTERSE reelected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA
Executive branch - expected date of next election
2030
Executive branch - note
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch - legislature name
National Assembly (Nationale Assemblee)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
51 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
5/25/2025
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
National Democratic Party (NDP) (18); Progressive Reform Party (VHP) (17); National Party of Suriname (NPS) (6); General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) (6); Other (4)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
31.4%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
May 2030
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
High Court of Justice of Suriname (consists of the court president, vice president, and 4 judges)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
court judges appointed by the national president in consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council, and the Order of Private Attorneys; judges serve for life
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
cantonal courts
Judicial branch - note
note: appeals beyond the High Court are referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice; human rights violations can be appealed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights with judgments issued by the Inter-American Court on Human Rights
Political parties
Brotherhood and Unity in Politics or BEP Democratic Alternative '91 or DA91 General Liberation and Development Party or ABOP National Democratic Party or NDP National Party of Suriname or NPS Party for Democracy and Development in Unity or DOE Party for National Unity and Solidarity or KTPI People's Alliance (Pertjajah Luhur) or PL Progressive Workers' and Farmers' Union or PALU Progressive Reform Party or VHP Reform and Renewal Movement or HVB Surinamese Labor Party or SPA
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Jan Marten Willem SCHALKWIJK (since 19 April 2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 629-4302
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 629-4769
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Miami
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Robert J. FAUCHER (since 31 January 2023)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
165 Kristalstraat, Paramaribo
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington DC 20521-3390
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[597] 556-700
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[597] 551-524
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)
National holiday
Independence Day, 25 November (1975)
Flag
description: five horizontal bands of green (top, double-width), white, red (quadruple-width), white, and green (double-width); a five-pointed yellow star is centered on the red band meaning: red stands for progress and love, green for hope and fertility, and white for peace, justice, and freedom; the star represents the unity of ethnic groups
National symbol(s)
royal palm, faya lobi (flower)
National color(s)
green, white, red, yellow
National anthem(s) - title
"God zij met ons Suriname!" (God Be With Our Suriname)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Cornelis Atses HOEKSTRA and Henry DE ZIEL/Johannes Corstianus DE PUY
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1959; originally adapted from a Sunday-school song written in 1893; contains lyrics in both Dutch and Sranang Tongo
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
3 (2 cultural, 1 natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Central Suriname Nature Reserve (n); Historic Inner City of Paramaribo (c); Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery (c)
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income South American economy; new floating currency regime; key aluminum goods, gold, and hydrocarbon exporter; new IMF plan for economic recovery and fiscal sustainability; controversial hardwood industry
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$12.316 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$11.976 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$11.68 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
2.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
2.4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$19,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$19,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$18,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$4.714 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
16.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
51.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
52.4% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
7.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
39.9% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
48.3% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
rice, sugarcane, oranges, vegetables, chicken, cassava, plantains, pineapples, eggs, citrus fruits (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
gold mining, oil, lumber, food processing, fishing
Industrial production growth rate
2.1% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
255,500 (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
7.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
7.7% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
8.2% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
24.2% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
16.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
35.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022
39.2 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
2.2% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
30.1% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
4.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
3.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$863 million (2019 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$1.648 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt - Public debt 2016
75.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
$9.306 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$148.118 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
$76.321 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$2.793 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$2.533 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$2.6 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 49%, UAE 28%, Guyana 5%, USA 4%, France 3% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, fish, refined petroleum, wood, tobacco (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$2.571 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$2.203 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$2.342 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 22%, China 12%, Netherlands 11%, Trinidad & Tobago 9%, Guyana 8% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, excavation machinery, trucks, tobacco (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$1.632 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$1.346 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$1.195 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$2.645 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Surinamese dollars (SRD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
33.181 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
36.776 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
24.709 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
18.239 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
9.31 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
99% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
100%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
98%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
537,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
245.206 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
57.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
42% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
2 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
14,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
17,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
89 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
7.173 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
6.967 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
60.896 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
129,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
20 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
902,000 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
142 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
2 state-owned TV stations; 1 state-owned radio station; multiple private radio and TV stations (2019)
Internet country code
.sr
Internet users - percent of population
78% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
125,000 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
20 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
PZ
Airports
55 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
13 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 5, oil tanker 3, other 5
Ports - total ports
4 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
3
Ports - ports with oil terminals
3
Ports - key ports
Moengo, Nieuw Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Suriname National Army (Nationaal Leger or NL); Army (Landmacht), Navy (Marine); Air Force (Luchtmacht), Military Police (Korps Militaire Politie) Ministry of Justice and Police: Suriname Police Force (Korps Politie Suriname or KPS) (2026)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2019
1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2018
1.1% of GDP (2018 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2017
1.1% of GDP (2017 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2016
1.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2015
1.4% of GDP (2015 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 2,000 National Army (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Suriname Army has a limited inventory of older or secondhand armaments originating from such suppliers as Brazil, France, the Netherlands, and India (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the National Leger is responsible for defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign aggression; other special tasks include border control and supporting domestic security as required; the military police, for example, have direct responsibility for immigration control at the country’s ports of entry, and the military assists the police in combating crime, particularly narco-trafficking, including joint military and police patrols, as well as joint special security teams; in addition, the military provides aid and assistance during times of natural emergencies and participates in socio-economic development projects (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
3,241 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; pollution of inland waterways from small-scale mining activities
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; moderated by trade winds
Land use - agricultural land
0.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
91.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
66.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
2.521 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
2.507 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
14,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
78,600 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
16.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
49.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
135.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
431.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
99 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)