| Local name: Republiek van Suriname |
| Surface : 163,265
sq km (63,037 sq miles) |
| Population : 423.000 inhabitants |
| Climate: The climate is warm and humid;
temperatures average about 27° C (81° F). Even at night, the
temperature rarely drops below 24° C (75° F). At mid-day during the
dry seasons the temperature may reach 36° C (96° F) in the shade.
The constant trade winds bring some cooling relief. |
| Electricity: 110/220
volts AC, 60Hz. European round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp
fittings are in use. |
| PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for at least 6 months after
arrival required by all. VISAS: Required
by all except the following: nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados,
Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, The Gambia, Grenada,
Guyana, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malaysia,
The Philippines, Singapore, St Kitts & Nevis, St
Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Switzerland and Trinidad &
Tobago; nationals of China (PR) holding Hong Kong (SAR)
passports; transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or
first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided holding onward or
return documentation and not leaving the airport. |
| Capital :
Paramaribo. Population: 214,000 |
| System :
Republic since 1987. Gained independence
from The Netherlands in 1975 - The
51-seat National Assembly has legislative powers and is elected every
4 years. The Assembly elects the president, who holds executive power,
and the vice-president, who doubles as prime minister. The National
State Council, which includes members of the military, has an
ill-defined ‘advisory’ role as well as the power of veto over
legislation. |
| Languages : 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. |
| Religions : 45
per cent Christian, 28 per cent Hindu and 20 per cent Muslim. |
| Money : The official currency
of Suriname is the Surinamese guilder (SRG). |
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