Region: South America

Capital: Paramaribo

Population: 436,935 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 163,265 sq km

Currency: guilder

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,500 (2003 est.)

Background:
Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to rule through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1989, the military overthrew the civilian government, but a democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991.

Economy – Overview
The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on renewed commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote competition. The government of Ronald VENETIAAN has begun an austerity program, raised taxes, and attempted to control spending. However, in 2002, President VENETIAAN agreed to a large pay raise for civil servants, which threatens his earlier gains in stabilizing the economy. The Dutch Government has agreed to restart the aid flow, which will allow Suriname to access international development financing. The short-term economic outlook depends on the government's ability to control inflation and on the development of projects in the bauxite and gold mining sectors.

United Nations membership date: 4 December 1975

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Suriname to the United Nations
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 320
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-826-0660
Fax: 212-980-7029