Suriname

First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. 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 exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party New Front coalition - returned to power in 1991 and has ruled since, expanding to eight parties in 2005.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 470,784

Nationality (Noun): Surinamer(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Surinamese

Official Language(s): Dutch

Major Languages Spoken: Akan, Dutch, English, Sranan

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Suriname

Country Name (short form): Suriname

Country Name (local long form): Republiek Suriname

Country Name (local short form): Suriname

Name of Capital: Paramaribo

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Suriname: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana

Land Area: 161470 sq km

Water Area: 1800 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Georgia

Total Land Boundry: 1,703 km

Coastline: 386 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

International Phone Code: 597

Currency Code: Surinam dollar (SRD)

Internet Country Code: .sr

US Embassy Location: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo

US Embassy Mailing Address: US Department of State, 3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington, DC, 20521-3390