Suriname flag

Suriname

Republic of Suriname

Capital

Paramaribo

Region

Americas

Population

616,500

Area (km²)

163,820

💡Quick Summary

Suriname, a small South American nation in the Americas region, boasts a population of about 616,500 spread across its 163,820 km² of lush rainforests and coastal plains. Its vibrant capital, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and cultural diversity, blending Indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences. With a GDP that's not specified here, the country's economy thrives on natural resources like bauxite, gold, and oil, making it a hidden gem for eco-tourism and biodiversity.

Key Insights

Replacement Level Fertility Despite Small Population

Suriname's fertility rate of 2.25 is slightly above the replacement level (2.1), indicating a population that is sustaining itself naturally, contrasting with many developed nations experiencing population decline. This suggests a relatively stable demographic future, assuming migration remains constant.

Moderate Life Expectancy and Infant Mortality

The country maintains a respectable life expectancy of 73.63 years, comparable to many upper-middle-income nations. However, the infant mortality rate of 15.2 per 1,000 live births is relatively high for the region, suggesting ongoing challenges in prenatal and early childhood healthcare access or quality.

Near-Universal Access to Electricity

Suriname has achieved near-universal access to electricity, reaching 99.6% of its population. This is a significant infrastructure achievement, especially for a developing nation with a small population spread across a large, heavily forested territory, indicating successful utility deployment.

Highly Urbanized Population in a Forested Land

A striking contrast exists between Suriname's vast, untouched forest area and its highly concentrated population, with over two-thirds (65.7%) living in urban areas. This suggests that population centers are highly localized, likely along the coast or major rivers, leaving the interior largely uninhabited.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$3.47B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$5,521.98

GDP Growth (%)

2.42%

Inflation (%)

51.59%

Unemployment (%)

7.63%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-18.00%-12.00%-6.00%0.00%6.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230200,000400,000600,000800,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%5.0%10.0%15.0%20.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$2,500$5,000$7,500$10,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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