Suriname
Suriname is a culturally diverse parliamentary republic located on the northeastern coast of South America, distinguished by its vast rainforests and rich colonial history. Recent estimates place the population at approximately 646,000 people, with a projected GDP per capita of $7,203.
Where is Suriname?
Suriname
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Suriname
- Coordinates
- 4.00°, -56.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 645.6K
- Area
- 163,820 km²
- Density per km²
- 4 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.88%
- Annual growth
- +5.7K people
- Daily growth
- +15.53 people
- World population share
- 0.01%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Suriname
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Paramaribo
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 163,820 km²
- Languages
- Dutch
- Currency
- Surinamese dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-03:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy is heavily influenced by its abundant natural resources, particularly gold, timber, and bauxite, alongside emerging offshore oil developments. Recent data shows a GDP growth rate of 1.7% and an unemployment rate of 7.8%, while the nation holds a GDP per capita rank of global 117 of 212. In regional terms, it ranks 32 of 45 in the Americas for total GDP and 8 of 12 within South America for GDP per capita.
Society
Social indicators highlight a high literacy rate of 92.9%, which ranks global 92 of 170 according to the latest available data. Life expectancy at birth is currently 73.8 years, placing the country at a rank of global 116 of 215. Digital connectivity is strong for the region, with 87.4% of the population using the internet, a figure that ranks global 77 of 212.
Climate & Environment
The nation experiences a tropical climate with consistent temperatures averaging 27 °C (81 °F) and high humidity throughout the year. Two distinct rainy seasons support the extensive lush vegetation that covers over 90% of its 163,820 km² (63,251 sq mi) territory.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1975-11-25 (Netherlands)
Suriname is a parliamentary republic where political power is vested in a unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly. This body consists of 51 members elected by popular vote to five-year terms. The National Assembly is responsible for electing the president and vice president, who require a two-thirds majority to take office. As both the head of state and the head of government, the president holds significant executive authority, including the appointment of the cabinet. The legal system is based on Dutch civil law, reflecting the colonial history of the country. Politics in Suriname are deeply influenced by its diverse ethnic landscape, with parties often forming around Hindustani, Maroon, Creole, and Javanese interests. Since the restoration of civilian rule in the late 1980s, the nation has maintained a competitive multi-party system, though governance continues to focus on balancing the needs of its multi-ethnic population and strengthening democratic institutions.
History
Long before European arrival, the territory was inhabited by indigenous Arawak and Carib tribes. In the 17th century, the region became a focal point for colonial competition between the English and the Dutch. Under the Treaty of Breda in 1667, the Dutch took control of the area, then known as Dutch Guiana, in exchange for ceding New Amsterdam to the British. The colonial economy was built on plantation agriculture, primarily sugar, which relied on the labor of enslaved Africans. Many escaped into the dense interior, forming independent Maroon communities that preserved West African traditions. Following the abolition of slavery in 1863, the Dutch recruited indentured laborers from India, Indonesia, and China, creating the diverse demographic mosaic seen today. Suriname achieved full independence from the Netherlands on 25 November 1975. The early years of sovereignty were marked by political instability, including a military coup in 1980 that led to years of authoritarian rule. A transition back to civilian democracy began in 1987 with the adoption of a new constitution. Since then, the nation has worked to stabilize its economy and political system while maintaining close ties with the Netherlands and its South American neighbors.
Notable Facts
- Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America by land area, covering 163820 km² (63251 sq mi), with an official 2024 population of approximately 0.6 million people.
- Approximately 93% of the country is covered by dense tropical rainforest, making it one of the most forested nations in the world and a significant global carbon sink.
- The capital, Paramaribo, features a historic inner city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, noted for its unique fusion of Dutch architectural styles with local traditional materials.
- The country exhibits remarkable religious harmony, illustrated by the Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Mosque standing directly next to each other in the capital.
- The highest point in the nation is Juliana Top, which reaches an elevation of 1230 m (4035 ft) in the Wilhelmina Mountains, while the lowest points in the coastal plain sit at -2 m (-7 ft).
Geography
- Highest Point
- Juliana Top (1,230 m)
- Lowest Point
- unnamed location in the coastal plain (-2 m)
- Coastline
- 386 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in SurinameExplore weather and climate data for cities in Suriname
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Paramaribo
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 24°C | 34°C / 28°C | 20days (205 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February best | 30°C / 24°C | 34°C / 28°C | 16days (131 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 82% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| March best | 30°C / 24°C | 35°C / 28°C | 18days (105 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 30°C / 24°C | 36°C / 29°C | 25days (219 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 29°C | 29days (407 mm) Wet | 8.3h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| June | 31°C / 24°C | 37°C / 29°C | 28days (376 mm) Wet | 8.7h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| July | 32°C / 24°C | 38°C / 29°C | 28days (232 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 32°C / 24°C | 39°C / 29°C | 19days (171 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 33°C / 25°C | 40°C / 29°C | 12days (63 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| October | 33°C / 25°C | 39°C / 29°C | 18days (96 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 32°C / 24°C | 38°C / 29°C | 23days (157 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 31°C / 24°C | 36°C / 29°C | 25days (206 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 30°C / 24°C . Feb: 30°C / 24°C . Mar: 30°C / 24°C . Apr: 30°C / 24°C . May: 30°C / 25°C . Jun: 31°C / 24°C . Jul: 32°C / 24°C . Aug: 32°C / 24°C . Sep: 33°C / 25°C . Oct: 33°C / 25°C . Nov: 32°C / 24°C . Dec: 31°C / 24°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 205 mm. Feb: 131 mm. Mar: 105 mm. Apr: 219 mm. May: 407 mm. Jun: 376 mm. Jul: 232 mm. Aug: 171 mm. Sep: 63 mm. Oct: 96 mm. Nov: 157 mm. Dec: 206 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Suriname is approximately 645.6K (2024).
The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo.
Suriname's GDP per capita is $7.2K (2024).
Life expectancy in Suriname is 73.76 years (2024).
Suriname covers 163,820 km² (63,251 sq mi).
Suriname is very sparsely populated, with about 4 people per km² — well below the global average of 60.
Suriname's population is growing steadily at 0.9% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Suriname falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $7.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Suriname's intentional homicide rate is 6.5 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Suriname are February, March, based on climate data for the capital.
According to current estimates, the population of Suriname is approximately 646,000 people. This figure reflects a steady annual growth rate of 0.88%, with about 65.8% of the population living in urban centers. The country is one of the most sparsely populated in the world, with a density of 4 people per km² (10 sq mi).
Dutch is the official language of Suriname and is used in government, education, and media, reflecting its history as a former Dutch colony. Sranan Tongo, a creole language, is widely used as a lingua franca. The nation's diverse heritage also means Hindustani, Javanese, and various indigenous languages are commonly spoken. (58 words)
Suriname holds a GDP per capita of $7,203, which ranks global 117 of 212 and 8 of 12 within South America. The country's total GDP ranks global 171 of 212. Its economic performance is closely tied to global commodity prices for its primary exports, including gold and timber. (55 words)
Recent data indicates that 87.4% of the population in Suriname are internet users, which ranks global 77 of 212. This high level of digital penetration is supported by a growing telecommunications infrastructure. The widespread use of mobile technology has significantly increased connectivity in both urban and rural areas. (56 words)
Suriname has an adult literacy rate of 92.9%, which ranks global 92 of 170. Education is compulsory and modeled after the Dutch system, ensuring a high level of basic literacy across various ethnic groups. This educational foundation supports the country's parliamentary democracy and its diverse workforce. (53 words)
Current estimates show Suriname has an estimated 2026 population of 645,619 people. This figure is based on the latest official 2024 data of 634,431 and a steady annual growth rate of 0.88%. The population has grown consistently since the stabilization of migration patterns following independence.
Suriname currently holds a population rank of global 167 of 215. In its own region, it ranks 27 of 46 in the Americas and is the 12th largest, or smallest, sovereign nation among the 12 countries in South America. Its small population size is a defining national characteristic.
The population density of Suriname is approximately 4 people per km² (10.4 per sq mi). This low figure is due to the fact that approximately 90% of the population lives along the 386 km (240 mi) coastal strip, leaving the vast forested interior virtually uninhabited.
The population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.88%. This growth is sustained by a natural increase, with an estimated 30 births occurring daily compared to 12 deaths. Despite historical periods of mass emigration to the Netherlands, the country maintains a positive net change of 15 people per day.
The fertility rate in Suriname is currently 2.23 births per woman. This is slightly above the replacement level of 2.1, indicating that the population will continue to grow naturally. Suriname ranks 89 of 215 globally for its fertility rate, placing it in the upper-middle range of nations.
Approximately 65.8% of the population lives in urban areas, primarily in and around the capital city of Paramaribo. This high urbanization rate reflects the concentration of infrastructure, healthcare, and employment opportunities along the coast, while the interior remains home to smaller Maroon and Indigenous settlements.
All Indicators
Explore Suriname's data across 50+ indicators
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