Suriname

As one of Latin America’s smallest and most ethnically diverse nations, Suriname relies heavily on commodity exports like crude oil and gold, which alone contribute to about a third of government revenues, alongside agricultural goods, forestry and fisheries. Additionally, as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and formerly known as Dutch Guiana, Suriname benefits from financial aid from the Netherlands and expatriate remittances.

However, despite enjoying a relatively high standard of living, Suriname has also faced challenges since gaining independence in 1975, including coups and civil unrest that have negatively impacted governance and the business climate. The country grapples with high public debt, corruption, outdated regulatory processes and inadequate infrastructure. The banking sector is underdeveloped, making access to credit difficult, while the formal labor market remains small, with the public sector serving as a primary source of employment.