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Motto: |
Justita, Pietas, Fides (Justice,
Peace and Prosperity) |
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Location: |
On the northern coast of South America,
bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the North, Guyana to the West, French
Guiana to the East and Brazil to the South.
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Geographic
coordinates: |
4 00 N, 56 00 W |
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History: |
Originally, Amerindians inhabited the
country up to the 15th century. Settlers came from England, The
Netherlands and Germany among others. African slaves, indentured
labourers from India, Indonesia and China were brought to Suriname
during the 18th century. Struggle for possession by the French, British
and Dutch ended with control by the Netherlands in 1815. Slavery was
abolished in 1863. The country gained independence in 1975. In February
1980 a military coup brought commander Desi Bouterse into power.
In 1987 national elections were held and democracy was restored.
In October 1997 an attempt to overthrow the government was foiled. |
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Elections: |
Last elections were held in 2000. |
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Ruling Party: |
New Front (multi party coalition) |
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Major Political Parties: |
Nieuw Front multi-party Coalition (NF) , Democratic
Party (DP), National Democratic Party (NDP), Reformed Progressive Party
(HPP), Party for Revival and Democratisation (BVD), Democratic
Alternative - 91 (DA-91), Democratic Alternative (DA) |
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Economic Summary: |
Agriculture accounts for about 7% of GDP and employs about 15% of the
labour force. The main crops are rice, fruit (including bananas)
and vegetables. Rice accounts for approximately half of total
cultivated land and about 10% of total exports. Shrimp made up
7.6% of total exports in 1996, and scalefish accounted for a further
0.8%. There is a small fish-farming sector producing fish, shrimp
and crabmeat mainly for domestic consumption.
The timber industry is a potential growth sector, supported by the
abundance of tropical forestry resources.
As the world's eighth larges bauxite producer, in 1998 total world
production share was estimated at 3.2%. Alumina and aluminum are
crucial to the economy, accounting for more than two-thirds of export
earnings.
Gold continues to be a potential growth area despite suffering
severely from weak world prices in 1998 and 1999. Production in
1998 was estimated at 770,000 ounces.
Manufacturing accounts for approximately 10% of GDP. Food
processing is about 60% of manufacturing activities. This sector
includes aluminium production, import-substituting industries using
local and imported inputs, and processing of local agricultural
products.
Tourism is a prime potential growth sector. The interior
rainforest and coastal wetlands augurs well for a vibrant eco-tourism
industry.
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Airport: |
Johan Adolph Pengel International;
Zanderij |
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Status: |
Independent Republic - 25 November 1975 |
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Capital: |
Paramaribo |
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Head of Government: |
Elections last held 25 May 2005 (next to be
held in 2010)
The President of the Republic of Suriname is H.E. Dr. Ronald Runaldo
Venetiaan (Dutch: President van de Republiek Suriname) is, in accordance
with the Constitution of 1987, the head of state, head of government,
and commander-in-chief of Suriname.
The President and a Vice President are elected by the National Assembly
to a five-year mandate and are accountable to the Assembly. During his
time in office, the President must forfeit any additional posts in
politics or business.
H.E. Dr. Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan, (born June 18, 1936) is a
mathematician and member of the Afro-Surinamese and Roman Catholic
communities. He is affiliated with the National Party of Suriname, a
centrist party. Venetiaan was elected to a record third term (second
consecutive) in 2005.
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Area: |
163,820 square kilometres (63,251 square
miles) |
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Population: |
408,041 (mid-1995) |
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GDP Per Capita (at current market prices): |
EC$5,465 (1997) |
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Total Exports: |
EC$1,815.9m (1997) |
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Total Imports: |
EC$1,618.1m (1997) |
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Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$99.2m (1997) |
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Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$225.3m (1997) |
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Business Hours: |
Commercial: 7:30-16:30hrs Monday to
Friday
7:30-12:30 Saturday
Government: 7:00-15:00 Monday to
Thursday; 7:00-14:30 Friday
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National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January);
Phagwah; Ash Wednesday; Good Friday;
Easter Monday; Id-Ul-Fitr; Labour Day (01 May); Emancipation Day (01
July); Diwali; Independence Day (25 November); Christmas Day (25
December); Boxing Day (26 December) |
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Date of CARICOM Membership: |
4 July 1995 |
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National Anthem: |
God zij met ons Suriname
Hij verheft ons heerlijk Land
Hoe wij hier ook samen kwamen
Aan zijn grond zijn wij verpand
Werkend houden we in gedachten
Recht en Waarheid maken vrij
Al wat goed is te Betrachten
Dat geeft aan ons land waardij.
Opo kondre man Un opo
Sranan gron e kari un
Wans' ope tata komopo
Wi mus' seti kondre bun
Stre def' stre Wi no sa frede
Gado de wi fesiman
Heri libi te na dede
Wi sa feti gi Sranan
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Highest National Award: |
Drager van het Groot Lint in de Ere; Orde
van de Palm |
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Favourite Dish: |
Pinda Soup with Tom Tom; Saoto soup; Pom |
