Suriname

Geography

Suriname is a country at the northeast coast of South America. The land has a total area of 163,820 km² (63,251 mi²) and a total coastline of 386 km (239.8 mi). This land area is approximately 79% of the area of Minnesota. Suriname is thus one of the largest countries in the Americas and the 92nd biggest in the world. With 3.7 inhabitants per km² it is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. More than half of all residents (66%) live within cities. More than every third inhabitant lives in Paramaribo.

Suriname is comparatively low at an average elevation of 246 meters above sea level. The highest mountain peak (Julianatop) is at 1,230 meters. There are direct national borders with the three neighboring countries Brazil, French Guiana and Guyana. The distance between New York City and the Capital Paramaribo is about 4,310 km (2,678 mi).

The climate in Suriname

In Suriname, as in all equatorial countries, there is a tropical climate. Unlike in Europe or the USA, there is almost no difference between the seasons. The daylight hours vary little, and the temperature differences between summer and winter are also lower. Depending on the season, the average daytime temperatures range between 30 and 34 degrees. In the colder months, the average night temperatures drop down to 23 °C.

• Detailed climate data for Suriname
• Hurricanes

Languages

Mother tongue	Distribution
Sranantonga	81.0 %
other	19.0 %

Religions

Religion	Distribution
Roman Catholics	22.8%
Protestants	25.2%
Native religions	5.0%
Hinduists	27.4%
Muslims	19.6%

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Economy

GDP:	2.98 bn $
Exportations:	2,446.4 M $
Importations:	1,845.1 M $
› Tourism receipts:	19.00 M $
› Debt rate:	125.70 %
› Unemployment rate:	8.6 %
› Inflation rate:	52.45 %
› Corruption index:	40 (bad)
› Energy consumption:	2.9 bn kWh

According to the definition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Suriname is a developing country because of its lower economic performance.

In terms of revenues, Suriname ranks only 85th in the world and, with an average annual income of 4,410 USD is one of the upper middle-income countries.

Suriname is considered one of the most dangerous countries worldwide.

Land use

0% Urban areas:	693 km²
1% Agricultural areas:	934 km²
97% Forest:	159,577 km²
5% Water areas:	7,820 km²
2% Others:	2,616 km²

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Transport

Roadways:	4,304 km
Waterways:	1,200 km
Commercial harbors:	10
› Airports:	1