US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Roger R. GAMBLE embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: P. O. Box 1821, Paramaribo telephone: [597] 472900, 477881, 476459 FAX: [597] 410025
Flag: 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
@Suriname:Economy
Overview: The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for 15% of GDP and about 70% of export earnings. Paramaribo has failed to initiate the economic reforms necessary to stabilize the economy or win renewed Dutch aid disbursements. The government continues to finance deficit spending with monetary emissions. As a result, high inflation, high unemployment, widespread black market activity, and hard currency shortfalls continue to mark the economy.
National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (1994 est.)
National product real growth rate: -0.8% (1994 est.)
National product per capita: $2,800 (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 225% (1994 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA
Budget:
revenues: $300 million
expenditures: $700 million, including capital expenditures of $70
million (1994 est.)