Country Profile

Situated in amidst of french guiana and guyana, suriname is characterized as the smallest independent nation of south america as per the area and population. Suriname comprises of total 163,270 sq km area which can be segregated into 161,470 sq km & 1,800 sq km land and water area respectively. Enriched with high natural resources of bauxite, gold, copper etc, suriname holds nearly 122 cu km renewable water resources. The nation is a home place for around 475,996 people, which are chiefly engage into mining industry. The official record has shown massive increase in literacy rate among both male and female groups. While in male group it is 92.7% whereas it is recorded near to 87.2% in female group. The mining sector i.e, gold, oil, alumina etc., contributes nearly to 55% of total GDP, which in turns make economy more stable and prosperous. GDP is recorded nearly to $3.449 billion which is increasing at an average growth rate of 5.1%. More than half of the country's population has found employment in service sector, which has potential of consuming nearly 78% of labor force.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Mining sector contributes nearly to 55% of total exports.
• Enrich with high quality bauxite deposits.
• The country's industrial production rate is recorded at 6.5%.
• Though gold sector is largely an informal sector but it contributes substantial part in economic growth.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Alumina, Crude Oil, Lumber, Shrimp and Fish, Rice, Bananas.

Main Destinations of Exports
Norway, Canada, USA, Belgium, France, UAE.

Major Import Items
Capital Equipment, Petroleum, Foodstuffs, Cotton, Consumer Goods.

Main Origins of Imports
USA, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Japan, Brazil.

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules

• Valid passport with remaining minimum 6 months validity.
• Visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant.
• A business letter written on company's letter head detailing about designation of applicant apart from mentioning about hi/her motive and duration of trip. It should be addressed to the 'Embassy of Suriname', signed by company person other the applicant itself.
• Letter of your business associate or host company/organization working in suriname.
• Duplicate copy of the return ticket or printed travel iterniary.

Business Hours
Offices: 07:00-15:00(Monday to Thursday) & 07:00-14:30(Friday)

Public holidays