(ABOP), Ronnie BRUNSWIJK

International organization participation: ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO,
G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC,
OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Arnold Theodoor HALFHIDE
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 Dennis K. HAYS
embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo
mailing address: P. O. Box 1821, Paramaribo; pouch address: American
Embassy Paramaribo, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-3390
telephone: [597] 472900, 477881, 476459
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

@Suriname:Economy

Economy-overview: The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry,
which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings.
Following a dismal year in 1994-which saw the value of the Surinamese
guilder plummet by about 70%, inflation rise to more than 600%, and
national output fall for the fifth consecutive year-nearly all
economic indicators improved in 1995-97. The VENETIAAN government
unified the exchange rate as part of its structural adjustment program
(SAP). After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the WIJDENBOSCH
government ended the SAP claiming it was unfair to the poorer elements
of society. Tax revenues fell as old taxes lapsed and the government
failed to implement new tax alternatives. By the end of 1997, the
allocation of new Dutch development funds was frozen as Surinamese
government relations with Holland deteriorated. Suriname's economic
prospects for the medium term will depend on renewed commitment to
financially responsible monetary and fiscal policies.

GDP: purchasing power parity-$1.44 billion (1997 est.)

GDP-real growth rate: 4% (1997 est.)

GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$3,400 (1997 est.)

GDP-composition by sector:
agriculture: 14%
industry: 33%
services: 53% (1994)

Inflation rate-consumer price index: 8% (1997 est.)

Labor force: NA
by occupation: agriculture, industry,