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Suriname: Quick Facts

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Last updated
Takeaways from AP's report on how Suriname's Saamaka are fighting to protect their rainforest • Oct. 26, 2026, 9:24 AM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Republiek Suriname • Dutch Guiana • Republic of Suriname • Netherlands Guiana
Head Of State And Government President: Chandrikapersad Santokhi
Capital Paramaribo
Population (2026 est.) 658,200
Form Of Government multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [51])
Official Language Dutch
Official Religion none
Official Name Republiek Suriname (Republic of Suriname)
Total Area (Sq Km) 163,820
Total Area (Sq Mi) 63,251
Monetary Unit Suriname dollar (SRD)
Population Rank (2026) 172
Population Projection 2030 622,000
Density: Persons Per Sq Mi (2026) 10.4
Density: Persons Per Sq Km (2026) 4
Urban-Rural Population Urban: (2020) 66% • Rural: (2020) 34%
Life Expectancy At Birth Male: (2021) 67.2 years • Female: (2021) 72 years
Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000) (2024) 3,610
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$) (2024) 5,690

Photos

Flag with green top and bottom stripes bordered by thinner white stripes in turn bordering a thicker red stripe in the center of the flag. The red stripe has a large yellow star in the middle.
Map of Suriname showing its national boundaries, major cities including Paramaribo, and neighboring countries Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil. Disputed border areas claimed by Suriname are marked along the western and southern edges. An inset locator map shows Suriname's position on the northern coast of South America.
Suriname: Maroni River
Map of northern South America highlighting Suriname in orange, with neighboring countries labeled, including Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The capital city, Paramaribo, is marked with a dot and labeled. Surrounding bodies of water such as the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are also shown.
Map of Suriname highlighting its physical features, including major rivers, mountain ranges such as the Wilhelmina and Eilerts de Haan mountains, and named nature reserves like Raleighvallen and Central Suriname. The map shows borders with Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil, as well as disputed areas. An inset locator map in the top left corner places Suriname within the northern part of South America.
Paramaribo, Suriname
Presidential Palace in Suriname
Suriname
See All Images and Interactives →

Related Topics and References

Topics
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Henck Arron
prime minister of Suriname
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Francis Willoughby, 5th Baron Willoughby
governor of Barbados

Related Places

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Bakhuis Gebergte
hill range, Suriname
Map of Latin America showing countries, major cities, and key physical features such as mountain ranges, highlands, and rivers. The map includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, with labeled regions like the Andes, Brazilian Highlands, and Gran Chaco, as well as an inset highlighting the West Indies. Surrounding bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, are also labeled.
history of Latin America
Map showing the countries of South America with national capitals and surrounding bodies of water, including the Atlantic and Pacific.
South America
continent
Paramaribo, Suriname
Paramaribo
national capital, Suriname
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Nieuw Nickerie
Suriname
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Brokopondo
Suriname
default image
Wilhelmina Gebergte
mountains, Suriname
Suriname River, Suriname
Suriname River
river, Suriname
Brazil
Brazil
country, South America
Atlantic Ocean, with depth contours and submarine features
Atlantic Ocean
Guyana
Guyana
country, South America
France
French Guiana
territorial collectivity, France
The Guianas
The Guianas
region, South America
Investigate vegetation unique to cloud forests atop tepui and lowland rainforests in Guiana Highlands region
Guiana Highlands
region, South America
Maroni River
Maroni River
river, South America

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