Axion 3D Atlas/ATLAS.iso/stats/222.txt

Text File | 1998-01-23 | 13KB | 333 lines

{bitmap= 26,50,"flags\Surinam.bmp"}
{bigtext=150,120,"Suriname"}



{1}Geography{4}
{4}To see a map of Suriname, click {z,"-70.677551,-5.937265,-43.578947,14.816868",here}{4}!

{2}Location:{4} Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana
and Guyana

{2}Area:{4}
{3}total area:{4} 163,270 sq km
{3}land area:{4} 161,470 sq km
{3}comparative area:{4} slightly larger than Georgia

{2}Land boundaries:{4}
{3}total:{4} 1,707 km
{3}border countries:{4} Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

{2}Coastline:{4} 386 km

{2}Maritime claims:{4}
{3}exclusive economic zone:{4} 200 nm
{3}territorial sea:{4} 12 nm

{2}International disputes:{4} claims area in French Guiana between Litani Rivier and Riviere Marouini
(both headwaters of the Lawa Rivier); claims area in Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne)
and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)

{2}Climate:{4} tropical; moderated by trade winds

{2}Terrain:{4} mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps
{3}lowest point:{4} unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m
{3}highest point:{4} Wilhelmina Gebergte 1,286 m

{2}Natural resources:{4} timber, hydropower potential, fish, shrimp, bauxite, iron ore, and small amounts
of nickel, copper, platinum, gold

{2}Land use:{4}
{3}arable land:{4} NEGL%
{3}permanent crops:{4} 0%
{3}meadows and pastures:{4} 0%
{3}forest and woodland:{4} 97%
{3}other:{4} 3%

{2}Irrigated land:{4} 590 sq km (1989 est.)

{2}Environment:{4}
{3}current issues:{4} deforestation as foreign producers obtain timber concessions

{2}natural hazards:{4} NA

{2}international agreements:{4} party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of
the Sea

{2}Geographic note:{4} mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna which for the most
part is not threatened because of the lack of development; relatively small population most of
which lives along the coast


{1}People{4}

{2}Population:{4} 436,418 (July 1996 est.)

{2}Age structure:{4}
{3}0-14 years:{4} 34% (male 74,959; female 71,500)
{3}15-64 years:{4} 62% (male 136,287; female 132,407)
{3}65 years and over:{4} 4% (male 9,930; female 11,335) (July 1996 est.)

{2}Population growth rate:{4} 1.6% (1996 est.)

{2}Birth rate:{4} 24.15 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Death rate:{4} 5.84 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Net migration rate:{4} -2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Sex ratio:{4}
{3}at birth:{4} 1.05 male(s)/female
{3}under 15 years:{4} 1.05 male(s)/female
{3}15-64 years:{4} 1.03 male(s)/female
{3}65 years and over:{4} 0.88 male(s)/female
{3}all ages:{4} 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

{2}Infant mortality rate:{4} 29.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

{2}Life expectancy at birth:{4}
{3}total population:{4} 70.04 years
{3}male:{4} 67.51 years
{3}female:{4} 72.7 years (1996 est.)

{2}Total fertility rate:{4} 2.68 children born/woman (1996 est.)

{2}Nationality:{4}
{3}noun:{4} Surinamer(s)
{3}adjective:{4} Surinamese

{2}Ethnic divisions:{4} Hindustani (also known locally as "East" Indians; their ancestors emigrated from
northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed European and African
ancestry) 31%, Javanese 15.3%, "Bush Black" (also known as "Bush Creole" whose ancestors
were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves) 10.3%, Amerindian 2.6%,
Chinese 1.7%, Europeans 1%, other 1.1%

{2}Religions:{4} Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant 25.2%
(predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

{2}Languages:{4} Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes
called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua
franca among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

{2}Literacy:{4} age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
{3}total population:{4} 93%
{3}male:{4} 95.1%
{3}female:{4} 91%


{1}Government{4}

{2}Name of country:{4}
{3}conventional long form:{4} Republic of Suriname
{3}conventional short form:{4} Suriname
{3}local long form:{4} Republiek Suriname
{3}local short form:{4} Suriname
{3}former:{4} Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

{2}Type of government:{4} republic

{2}Capital:{4} Paramaribo

{2}Administrative divisions:{4} 10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne,
Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

{2}Independence:{4} 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

{2}National holiday:{4} Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

{2}Constitution:{4} ratified 30 September 1987

{2}Legal system:{4} NA

{2}Suffrage:{4} 18 years of age; universal

{2}Executive branch:{4}
chief of state and head of government: President Ronald R. VENETIAAN (since 16 September
1991) and Prime Minister Jules R. AJODHIA (since 16 September 1991), who is also the vice
president, were elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly; election last held 6
September 1991 (next to be held NA May 1996); results - elected by the National Assembly -
Ronald VENETIAAN (NF) 80% (645 votes), Jules WIJDENBOSCH (NDP) 14% (115 votes), Hans
PRADE (DA '91) 6% (49 votes)
{3}cabinet:{4} Cabinet of Ministers was appointed by the president from among the members of the
National Assembly
{3}note:{4} Commander in Chief of the National Army maintains significant power

{2}Legislative branch:{4} unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 25 May 1991 (next to be held NA
May 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (51 total) NF 30, NDP 10, DA '91 9,
independents 2

{2}Judicial branch:{4} Supreme Court, justices nominated for life

{2}Political parties and leaders:{4} The New Front (NF), a coalition of four parties (NPS, VHP, KTPI,
SPA), leader Ronald R. VENETIAAN; Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Jaggernath LACHMON;
National Party of Suriname (NPS), Ronald VENETIAAN; Party of National Unity and Solidarity
(KTPI), Willy SOEMITA; Suriname Labor Party (SPA), Fred DERBY; Democratic Alternative '91
(DA '91), a coalition of two parties (AF, and BEP) formed in January 1991, Winston JESSURUN;
Alternative Forum (AF), Gerard BRUNINGS; Party for Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP),
Caprino ALLENDY; Pendawa Lima, Marsha JAMIN; National Democratic Party (NDP), Desire
BOUTERSE; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers' Union (PALU), Ir Iwan KROLIS; The
Alliance, a combination of three parties (DP, HPP, PVF), Ernie BRUNINGS; Democratic Party
(DP), Ernie BRUNINGS; Reformed Progressive Party (HPP), Harry KISOENSINGH; Party of the
Federation of Land Workers PVF), Jwan SITAL

{2}Other political or pressure groups:{4} Surinamese Liberation Army (SLA), Ronnie BRUNSWIJK,
Johan "Castro" WALLY; Union for Liberation and Democracy, Kofi AFONGPONG; Mandela
Bushnegro Liberation Movement, Leendert ADAMS; Tucayana Amazonica, Alex JUBITANA,
Thomas SABAJO

{2}International organization participation:{4} ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,
ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU,
LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTrO

{2}Diplomatic representation in US:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador Willem A. UDENHOUT
{3}chancery:{4} Suite 108, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
{3}telephone:{4} [1] [phone], 7490 through 7492
{3}FAX:{4} [1] [phone]
{3}consulate(s) general:{4} Miami

{2}US diplomatic representation:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador Roger R. GAMBLE
{3}embassy:{4} Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
{3}mailing address:{4} P. O. Box 1821, American Embassy Paramaribo, Department of State,
Washington, DC, 20521-3390
{3}telephone:{4} [597] 472900, 477881, 476459
{3}FAX:{4} [597] 420800

{2}Flag:{4} five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and
green (double width); there is a large yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band


{1}Economy{4}

{2}Economic overview:{4} The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for
upwards of 15% of GDP and more than 65% of export earnings. Following a dismal year in 1994
which saw the value of the Surinamese currency plummet by about 80%, inflation rise to more
than 600%, and national output fall for the fifth consecutive year, nearly all economic indicators
improved in 1995. The VENETIAAN government unified the exchange rate and the currency
gained some of its lost value. In addition, inflation fell to double digits and tax revenues increased
sufficiently to nearly erase the budget deficit. The release of substantial development aid from the
Netherlands - which had been held up due to the government's failure to initiate economic reforms
- also helped buoy the economy. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend
on continued implementation of needed economic restructuring; the outcome of the national
elections in May 1996 will be an important factor in determining future government policy.

{2}GDP:{4} purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1995 est.)

{2}GDP real growth rate:{4} 0.7% (1995 est.)

{2}GDP per capita:{4} $2,950 (1995 est.)

{2}GDP composition by sector:{4}
{3}agriculture:{4} 21.6%
{3}industry:{4} 23.7%
{3}services:{4} 54.7% (1994 est.)

{2}Inflation rate (consumer prices):{4} 62% (1995)

{2}Labor force:{4} 98,240
{3}by occupation:{4} agriculture, industry, services

{2}Unemployment rate:{4} NA%

{2}Budget:{4}
{3}revenues:{4} $300 million
{3}expenditures:{4} $700 million, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1994 est.)

{2}Industries:{4} bauxite mining, alumina and aluminum production, lumbering, food processing, fishing

{2}Industrial production growth rate:{4} NA%

{2}Electricity:{4}
{3}capacity:{4} 420,000 kW
{3}production:{4} 1.4 billion kWh
{3}consumption per capita:{4} 3,123 kWh (1993)

{2}Agriculture:{4} paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chicken; forest
products and shrimp of increasing importance

{2}Illicit drugs:{4} transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe

{2}Exports:{4} $293.6 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
{3}commodities:{4} alumina, aluminum, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas
{3}partners:{4} Norway 33%, Netherlands 26%, US 13%, Japan 6%, Brazil 6%, UK 3% (1992)

{2}Imports:{4} $194.3 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
{3}commodities:{4} capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods
{3}partners:{4} US 42%, Netherlands 22%, Trinidad and Tobago 10%, Brazil 5% (1992)

{2}External debt:{4} $180 million (March 1993 est.)

{2}Economic aid:{4}
{3}recipient:{4} ODA, $NA

{2}Currency:{4} 1 Surinamese guilder, gulden, or florin (Sf.) = 100 cents

{2}Exchange rates:{4} Surinamese guilders, gulden, or florins (Sf.) per US$1 - central bank midpoint
rate: 402.32 (December 1995), 442.23 (1995), 134.12 (1994); parallel rate: 412 (December 1995),
510 (December 1994), 109 (January 1994)
{3}note:{4} beginning July 1994, the central bank midpoint exchange rate was unified and became
market determined

{2}Fiscal year:{4} calendar year


{1}Transportation{4}

{2}Railways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 166 km (single track)
standard gauge: 80 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 86 km 1.000-m gauge

{2}Highways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 4,470 km
{3}paved:{4} 1,162 km
{3}unpaved:{4} 3,308 km (1990)

{2}Waterways:{4} 1,200 km; most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with drafts ranging
up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterways

{2}Ports:{4} Albina, Moengo, New Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam, Wageningen

{2}Merchant marine:{4}
{3}total:{4} 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,421 GRT/2,990 DWT
{3}ships by type:{4} cargo 1, container 1 (1995 est.)

{2}Airports:{4}
{3}total:{4} 38
{3}with paved runways over 3,047 m:{4} 1
{3}with paved runways under 914 m:{4} 31
{3}with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m:{4} 6 (1995 est.)


{1}Communications{4}

{2}Telephones:{4} 43,522 (1992 est.)

{2}Telephone system:{4} international facilities good
{3}domestic:{4} microwave radio relay network
{3}international:{4} satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

{2}Radio broadcast stations:{4} AM 5, FM 14, shortwave 1

{2}Radios:{4} 290,256 (1993 est.)

{2}Television broadcast stations:{4} 6 (1987 est.)

{2}Televisions:{4} 59,598 (1993 est.)


{1}Defense{4}

{2}Branches:{4} National Army (includes small Navy and Air Force elements), Civil Police

{2}Manpower availability:{4}
{3}males age 15-49:{4} 119,010
{3}males fit for military service:{4} 70,400 (1996 est.)

{2}Defense expenditures:{4} $NA, NA% of GDP