es, HPP and PVF)

Political pressure groups and leaders: Union for Liberation and

International organization participation: ACP, Caricom, ECLAC,
FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, 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
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, American Embassy Paramaribo,
Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-3390

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

Economy--overview: The economy is dominated by the bauxite
industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export
earnings. After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the WIJDENBOSCH
government ended the structural adjustment program of the previous
government, 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 the Netherlands deteriorated. Economic
growth slowed in 1998, with decline in the mining, construction, and
utility sectors. Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term
will depend on renewed commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal
policies and to the introduction of structural reforms to liberalize
markets and promote competition.

GDP: purchasing power parity--$1.48 billion (1998 est.)

GDP--real growth rate: 2% (1998 est.)

GDP--per capita: purchasing power parity?$3,500 (1998 est.)

GDP--composition by sector:
agriculture: 10%
industry: 32%
services: 58% (1996)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1998 est.)

Labor force: NA

Labor forc