Republic of Suriname.

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  • Source:
    Background Notes on Countries of the World 2003. May2003 Suriname, p1. 14p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      SURINAME politics & government; SURINAME description & travel; HISTORY of Suriname; ETHNOLOGY
    • Subject Terms:
      SURINAMEReport Available
    • Abstract:
      The Republic of Suriname has a geographical area of 63,265 square kilometer. Its capital is Paramaribo. The population is one of the most ethnically varied in the world. Each ethnic group preserves its own culture and many institutions, including political parties, tend to follow ethnic lines. The Republic of Suriname is a constitutional democracy. The legislative branch of government consists of a 51-member unicameral National Assembly, simultaneously and popularly elected for a 5-year term. The executive branch is headed by the president, who is elected by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly or, failing that, by a majority of the People's Assembly for a 5-year term. A vice president, normally elected at the same time as the president, needs a simple majority in the National Assembly or People's Assembly to be elected for a 5-year term. Surinamese armed forces consist of the national army under the control of the Minister of Defense and a smaller civil police force, which is responsible to the Minister of Justice and Police. A small air force, navy and military police also exist. The backbone of Suriname's economy is the export of alumina and small amounts of aluminum produced from bauxite mined in the country. Suriname's bauxite deposits have been among the world's richest. Since gaining independence, Suriname has become a member of the United Nations, the OAS, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Caribbean Community and Common Market and the Association of Caribbean States; it is associated with the European Union through the Lome Convention. Since the reestablishment of a democratic, elected government in 1991, the United States has maintained positive and mutually beneficial relations with Suriname. To strengthen civil society and bolster democratic institutions, the U.S. has provided training regarding appropriate roles for the military in civil society to some of Suriname's military officers and decision makers.