ominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

Languages: Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles
and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others),
Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total
population: 93% male: 95% female: 91% (1995 est.)

Government Suriname

Country name: Republic of Suriname conventional short form: Guiana
local long form: Republiek Suriname

Government type: constitutional democracy

Capital: Paramaribo

Administrative divisions: 10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt);
Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo,
Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Independence: 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Constitution: ratified 30 September 1987

Legal system: based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal
theory

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN
(since 12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since
12 August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN
(since 12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since
12 August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government cabinet: of the National Assembly elections: president and
vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no presidential
or vice presidential candidate receives a constitutional majority in
the National Assembly after two votes, by the larger People's Assembly
(869 representatives from the national, local, and regional councils),
for five-year terms; election last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held NA
May 2005) election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN elected president
by the National Assembly; percent of legislative vote - Runaldo Ronald
VENETIAAN 72.5%; Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP) 19.6%; total votes cast - Runaldo
Ronald VENETIAAN (New Front) 37 votes, Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP) 10 votes
note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the
call for elections a year early

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee
(51 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms