Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Henry Lothar ILLES chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488 FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878 consulate(s) general: Miami
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marsha E. BARNES embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: Department of State, 3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington, DC, 20521-3390 telephone: [597] 472900 FAX: [597] 420800
Flag description:
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
Economy Suriname
Economy - overview:
The economy is dominated by the alumina industry, which accounts
for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Suriname's
economic prospects for the medium term will depend on continued
commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the
introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote
competition. The government of Ronald VENETIAAN has begun an
austerity program, raised taxes, and attempted to control spending.
While - in 2002 - President VENETIAAN agreed to a large pay raise
for civil servants, threatening his earlier gains in stabilizing the
economy, he has not repeated this promise in the run-up to the May
2005 elections. The Dutch Government has agreed to restart the aid
flow, which will allow Suriname to access international development
financing, but plans to phase out funds over the next five years.
The short-term economic outlook depends on the government's ability
to control inflation and on the development of projects in the
bauxite and gold mining sectors. Prospects for local onshore oil
production are good, as a drilling program is underway. Offshore oil
drilling was given a boost in 2004 when the State Oil Company
(Staatsolie) signed exploration agreements with Repsol and Mearsk.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$1.885 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
4.2% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13% industry: 22% services: 65% (2001 est.)
Labor force:
104,000 (2003)