Includes historical data for Suriname’s Gross Domestic Product growth, debt-to-GDP ratio and more, as well as information on trade, banking and financial sector leadership.
Crude Oil And Gold Exports Crucial For Economic Health
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 The country grapples with high public debt, corruption, outdated regulatory processes and inadequate infrastructure.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.
Macroeconomy & Sovereign Data
| Type of Government | Presidential republic |
|---|---|
| Capital | Paramaribo |
| Sovereign Ratings |
S&P: CCC+ Moody’s: Caa3 Fitch: Restricted default |
| Total Population | 647,000 |
| Median Age | 28.4 |
| Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) | 22,442.32 |
| Total GDP (2023) | 4.3 billion |
Suriname GDP & Economic Overview
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Suriname
Banking & Finance
Trade & Investment
| Total Exports | USD 1.7 billion (2023) |
|---|---|
| Leading Exports |
Gold Lumber Refined Petroleum Excavation Machinery Rice |
| Total Imports | USD 2.6 billion (2022) |
| Leading Imports |
Refined Petroleum Excavation Machinery Delivery Trucks Cars Cigarettes |
| Source: | World Integrated Trade Solution |
Suriname Leading Companies
| De Surinaamsche Bank (DSB) | Financials |
|---|---|
| Surinaamse Postspaarbank (SPSB) | Financials |
| Staatsolie | Energy, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production |
| Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) | Utllities |
| Suriname Aluminum | Metals & Mining |
| Telesur | Telecommunication Services |
Major Trade Partners — Import
| United States | 25% |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 17% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 14% |
| China | 9% |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 3% |
Major Trade Partners — Export
| Switzerland | 49% |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 26% |
| Belgium | 4% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 3% |
| Brazil | 3% |
Global Finance Rankings & Awards
Data Sources:
UN World Population Prospects
World Inequality Report
S&P Global Ratings
Moody’s
Fitch Ratings
IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
CIA The World Factbook
World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution
Forbes Global 2000