World Country Guide

General Information

Area
163,265 sq km (63,037 sq miles).

Population
429,000 (UN estimate 2001).

Population Density
2.6 per sq km.

Capital
Paramaribo. Population: 214,000 (2000).

Geography
Surinam is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by the Marowijne River (which forms the border with French Guiana), to the west by the Corantijn River (which forms the border with Guyana), and to the south by forests, savannahs and mountains, which separate it from Brazil. In the northern part of the country are coastal lowlands covered with mangrove swamps. Further inland runs a narrow strip of savannah land. To the south, the land becomes hilly and then mountainous, covered with dense tropical forest, and cut by numerous rivers and streams.

Government
Republic since 1987. Gained independence from The Netherlands in 1975. Head of State: President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan since 2000.

Language
Dutch is the official language. Sranan Tongo, originating in Creole, is the popular language. The main languages are Hindi and Javanese. English, Chinese, French and Spanish are also spoken.

Religion
Approximately 48 per cent Christian, 27 per cent Hindu and 20 per cent Muslim.

Time
GMT - 3.

Electricity
127 volts AC, 60Hz. European round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.

Communications

Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 597. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone
GSM 900 network. Main operator is Telesur GSM. Coverage is mainly limited to Paramaribo.

Fax
Faxes can be sent from the Telesur offices on Spanhoec Street, Paramaribo, and some hotels.

Internet
ISPs include SRNet (website: www.sr.net).

Telegram
These can only be sent from offices of Telesur (Telecommunicatiebedrijf Surinam) in both Paramaribo and the districts.

Post
Post office hours: 0700 to mid-afternoon. Airmail to and from Europe usually takes about one week to arrive.

Press
Dutch-language dailies include De Ware Tijd and De West.

Radio
BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.