Country Profile: Suriname

Suriname is located in Northern South America, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, French Guiana, and Guyana. With a population of approximately 653,605, the country boasts a diverse ethnic composition, predominantly comprised of Hindustani, Maroon, and Creole communities. Suriname's economy is marked as an upper middle-income economy, primarily exporting aluminum goods, gold, and hydrocarbons, while navigating through recent economic reforms. The governance system is a presidential republic, reflecting a commitment to democracy since its transition away from military rule in the late 20th century.

Geography

Suriname is situated between French Guiana and Guyana along the North Atlantic coast. The country covers an area of 163,820 square kilometers, featuring a tropical climate and diverse geography, including rolling hills and a narrow coastal plain. Suriname's population is unevenly distributed, with most residents living along the northern coastal strip.

Area: 163,820 sq km
Coastline: 386 km
Highest Point: 1,230 m (Juliana Top)
Natural Hazards: Flooding

People and Society

Suriname's population is expected to reach 653,605 by 2025, with a median age of 32.3 years. The society is characterized by a rich tapestry of cultures, including Dutch, Sranang Tongo, and several indigenous and immigrant languages. The major religions practiced are Protestantism, Hinduism, and Roman Catholicism, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its people.

Urban Population: 66.4% of total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 72.7 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 14.63 births/1,000 population (2025)
Infant Mortality Rate: 29.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025)

Economy

Suriname has an upper middle-income economy, with its GDP expected to reach $12.316 billion by 2024. The economy is heavily reliant on exports of gold and aluminum, and it is currently undergoing an IMF-backed fiscal recovery plan. Agriculture, industry, and services make up the key sectors of its economy.

GDP Growth Rate: 2.8% (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita: $19,400 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 16.2% (2024 est.)

Government

Suriname is governed as a presidential republic, with a National Assembly that oversees legislative activities. The capital, Paramaribo, serves as the central hub of political and administrative functions. As of July 2025, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons holds the presidency, indicating a leadership transition aimed at strengthening democratic processes.

Independence: 25 November 1975
Number of Districts: 10
Last General Election: 6 July 2025

Military and Security

The Suriname National Army serves as the country's primary defense force, supplemented by the Suriname Police Force for domestic security. Military service is voluntary, with personnel strength around 2,000 soldiers. Suriname's military focuses on protecting sovereignty, assisting police operations, and providing disaster relief.

Military Expenditure: 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Personnel Strength: Approximately 2,000 in National Army (2025)
Military Service Age: 18-28 years for voluntary service

Energy

Suriname's total population has a high electricity access rate of 99%, with the energy mix dominated by fossil fuels and hydroelectric power. The country produces a modest amount of petroleum and natural gas, working towards improving its energy consumption efficiency.

Installed Power Capacity: 537,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 1.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Total Petroleum Production: 14,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Suriname grapples with environmental challenges including deforestation and pollution from mining activities. Despite these issues, the country remains committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at preserving biodiversity and tackling climate change.

Forested Area: 91.7% of land (2023 est.)
Total CO2 Emissions: 2.521 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Water Resource: 99 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Suriname has a comprehensive transportation network, including numerous airports and a merchant marine fleet. The main transportation hubs are located in Paramaribo, and the country is served by several small ports, facilitating trade and travel.

Airports: 55 (2025)
Ports: 4 total, with 3 having oil terminals

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Suriname is developing, with a rising number of mobile and internet subscriptions. Approximately 78% of the population uses the internet, highlighting the increasing connectivity within the country.

Fixed Line Subscriptions: 129,000 (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 902,000 (2024)
Broadband Subscriptions: 125,000 (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	653,605 (2025 est.)
Area (sq km)	163,820
GDP (PPP, billions)	$12.316	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.4%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate (per 1,000)	14.63	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)	72.7	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	99%	(2022 est.)
Military Personnel	~2,000	(2025 est.)
Urban Population	66.4%	(2023)
Inflation Rate	16.2%	(2024 est.)