NS [Radjen Nanan PANDAY], Political Wing of the FAL or PVF [Jiwan
SITAL], Trefpunt 2000 or T-2000 [Arti JESSURUN]); National
Democratic Party or NDP [Desire BOUTERSE]; New Front for Democracy
and Development or NF (a coalition includes National Party Suriname
or NPS (Ronald VENETIAAN], United Reform Party or VHP [Ram SARDJOE],
Pertjaja Luhur or PL [Salam Paul SOMOHARDJO], Surinamese Labor Party
or SPA [Siegfried GILDS]); Party for Democracy and Development in
Unity or DOE [Marten Schalkwijk]; People's Alliance for Progress or
VVV (a coalition of Democratic National Platform 2000 or DNP-2000
[Jules WIJDENBOSCH], Grassroots Party for Renewal and Democracy or
BVD [Tjan GOBARDHAN], Party for National Unity and Solidarity of the
Highest Order or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA], Party for Progression,
Justice, and Perserverance or PPRS [Renee KAIMAN], Pendawalima or PL
[Raymond SAPOEN]); Union of Progressive Surinamers or UPS [Sheoradj
PANDAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:
Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs [Ricardo PANE];
Association of Saramaccan Authorities or Maroon [Head Captain WASE];
Women's Parliament Forum or PVF [Iris GILLIAD]

International organization participation:
ACP, Caricom, CSN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDB,
IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, MIGA,
NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

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
commit