More information about Suriname is available on the Suriname Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SURINAME RELATIONS
Suriname is a valued U.S. partner working to advance key priorities of both countries. Since the reestablishment of a democratic, elected government in 1991, the United States has maintained positive and mutually beneficial relations with Suriname based on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, rule of law, and civilian authority over the military. The two countries work together to enhance the security and prosperity of the region through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), prevent communicable diseases and promote healthy lifestyles through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and strengthen military-to-military cooperation through Department of Defense funding.
U.S. Assistance to Suriname
The United States provides training to military officers, law enforcement, prosecutors and policymakers to promote a better understanding of the role of the military in a civilian government, improve law enforcement capabilities, prevent communicable diseases, and assist in the fight against transnational crime. Our joint efforts continue to strengthen civil society and bolster democratic institutions in Suriname and the region. Under CBSI, the U.S. is contributing to the building of a DNA forensics laboratory, providing training for the police’s Trafficking in Persons Unit and supporting programs for at-risk youth. The United States also sponsored Suriname’s participation in the Container Control Program of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a regional project to raise port security and combat trafficking in illicit goods.
The U.S. provides assistance and training for disaster preparedness and mitigation as well as significant support for humanitarian aid projects through funding from the Department of Defense. Peace Corps Suriname also works with the national government and local and non-governmental organizations to promote healthy lifestyles, sustainable development, and sound business practices in the interior and districts of Suriname. The Peace Corps office closed in August 2013.
Suriname is densely forested and increased interest in large-scale commercial logging and mining in Suriname's interior raises environmental concerns. Numerous non-governmental environmental organizations promote technical cooperation with the government of Suriname to prevent destruction of the country's tropical rain forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. U.S. experts continue to work closely with natural resource officials in Suriname to encourage sustainable development of the interior and alternatives such as ecotourism.
Bilateral Economic Relations:
Suriname's growing economy and sound economic indicators create new possibilities for U.S. exports and investments. The United States remains one of Suriname's principal trading partners. U.S. companies have longstanding investments in the extractive industries including bauxite and gold, and have recently signed or explored agreements with the government of Suriname to expand current operations. U.S. companies also have agreements for offshore oil exploration with state oil company Staatsolie.
Principal U.S. exports to Suriname include chemicals, vehicles, machine parts, meat, and wheat. Availability of U.S. consumer products increased significantly in the last few years through Suriname's privately-held trading and import-export companies. Opportunities for U.S. exporters, service companies, and engineering firms will likely continue to expand over the next decade with increased activity in the mining and oil sectors by American companies. Suriname is looking to U.S. and other foreign investors to assist in the commercial development of its vast natural resources and to help finance infrastructure improvements.
Suriname's Membership in International Organizations:
Following independence from the Netherlands in 1975, Suriname became a member of the United Nations. In recent years, the country has focused on bolstering its regional relationships through membership in CARICOM, UNASUR, and CELAC. Suriname is one of only two countries in the Western Hemisphere to be a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Suriname and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the Organization of American States, Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Suriname is Jay N. Anania; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Suriname maintains an embassy in the United States at 4301 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 460, Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel. 202-244-7488; fax. 202-244-5878). There also is a Suriname consulate general at 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 325, Miami, FL 33126 (tel. 305-265-4655, fax. 305-265-4599).
More information about Suriname is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Suriname Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Suriname Page
U.S. Embassy: Suriname
History of U.S. Relations With Suriname
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Travel and Business Information
