Suriname

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 brought about a democratic election. In 1989, the military overthrew the civilian government, but a democratically elected government returned to power in 1991.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana
related countries: Netherlands

Official Name:
Republiek Suriname
short form: Suriname
int'l long form: Republic of Suriname
former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

ISO Country Code: sr

Time:
Local Time = UTC -3h

Country Calling Code: +597

Capital City: Paramaribo (pop. 250 000)

Other Cities: Nieuw Nickerie, Moengo.

Government:
Type: Constitutional democracy.
Constitution: September 30, 1987.
Independence: November 25, 1975.

Geography:
Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana.
Area: 163 194 sq. km. (63 037 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Varies from coastal swamps to savanna to hills.

Climate: Tropical; moderated by trade winds.

People:
Nationality: Noun--Surinamer(s). Adjective--Surinamese.
Population: 450 000.
Ethnic groups: Hindustani (East Indian) 37%, Creole 31%, Javanese 15%, Bush Negro 10%, Amerindians 3%, Chinese 1.7% (percentages date from 1972 census, the last in which ethnicity data was collected).
Religions: Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Moravian, several other Christian denominations, Jewish, Baha'i.
Languages: Dutch (official), English, Sranan Tongo (Creole language), Hindustani, Javanese.
Literacy: 90%

Natural resources: Timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore.

Agriculture products: Paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; forest products; shrimp.

Industries: Bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing.

Exports partners: Norway 31.1%, USA 16%, Canada 13.2%, Belgium 10.8%, France 8.8%, Iceland 4.6% (2004)

Imports partners: USA 28.2%, Netherlands 21.1%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.4%, Japan 7.2%, China 4.3% (2004)

Currency: Surinamese Guilder (SRG)