r Roger R. GAMBLE
embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
mailing address: P. O. Box 1821, American Embassy Paramaribo,
Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-3390
telephone: [597] 472900, 477881, 476459
FAX: [597] 420800

Flag: 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
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Economic overview: The economy is dominated by the bauxite
industry, which accounts for upwards of 15% of GDP and more than 65%
of export earnings. Following a dismal year in 1994 which saw the
value of the Surinamese currency plummet by about 80%, inflation
rise to more than 600%, and national output fall for the fifth
consecutive year, nearly all economic indicators improved in 1995.
The VENETIAAN government unified the exchange rate and the currency
gained some of its lost value. In addition, inflation fell to double
digits and tax revenues increased sufficiently to nearly erase the
budget deficit. The release of substantial development aid from the
Netherlands - which had been held up due to the government's failure
to initiate economic reforms - also helped buoy the economy.
Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on
continued implementation of needed economic restructuring; the
outcome of the national elections in May 1996 will be an important
factor in determining future government policy.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 0.7% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $2,950 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 21.6%
industry: 23.7%
services: 54.7% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 62% (1995)

Labor force: 98,240
by occupation: agriculture, industry, services

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $300 million
expenditures: $700 million, including capital expenditures of $70
million (1994 est.)

Industries: bauxite mining, alumina and aluminum production,
lumbering, food processing, fishing

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 420,000 kW
production: 1.4 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 3,123 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts,
plantains, peanuts; beef, chicken; forest products and shrimp of
increasing importance

Illicit dr