More information about Suriname is available on the Suriname Country Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SURINAME RELATIONS
The United States and Suriname enjoy a close and constructive partnership. Together the two countries work to promote joint economic prosperity, deepen trade ties, and defend and advance respect for democracy and human rights in the region. The more than 500 alumni of U.S. government exchange programs continue to use their new knowledge, networks, and passion for community service to advance efforts to combat corruption, advance democratic values, expand media literacy, support entrepreneurs, and ensure the protection of domestic violence victims. Through cultural, sports, and environmental programming and exchanges we highlight the many shared values we hold dear. The two countries also work together to enhance the security and prosperity of the region through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), to strengthen military-to-military cooperation, and to promote a more economically prosperous Suriname with a developed civil society infrastructure through cultural and educational programs and exchanges.
U.S. Assistance to Suriname
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has supported Suriname’s fight against the virus through over $1 million in donations of PPE, medical supplies, vaccines, funding for virus prevention efforts, and the sharing of skills and knowledge. The United States Government also continues to conduct subject matter expert exchanges and share best practices with Surinamese military and law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, government employees, and policymakers to build capacity and bolster democratic institutions both in Suriname and the region at large. Specifically, U.S. assistance facilitates professionalization and respect for civilian authority over the military, improved capacity to identify and prosecute money laundering; and more effective combatting of illegal narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, corruption, and other crimes. 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 addressing port security and combatting trafficking in illicit goods.
Working with non-governmental institutions and individuals, the two nations are supporting health initiatives and advocating for equal rights for all citizens. A recent exchange program for the leadership of Suriname’s nursing academy led to the initiation of bilateral collaboration efforts between experts in the United States and those in Suriname. Since 2019, Suriname has hosted the Department’s Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, helping hundreds of young female entrepreneurs develop their business skills and enjoy prosperity. Through the Department’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), a team of alumni are undertaking a year-long effort to provide guidance to community leaders to combat domestic violence and develop resources for the victims of such violence. Over the years, the U.S. embassy has organized an annual, five-week film festival with accompanying study guides for more than 8,000 junior high and high school students in January/February. This festival features movies focusing on civil rights to promote equal rights for all citizens and to celebrate the achievements of those of African descent.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Suriname’s emerging economy creates new possibilities for U.S. exports and investments. The United States remains one of Suriname’s principal trading partners. U.S. companies have long-standing investments in the extractive industries, including Surgold, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Newmont Mining, which opened a gold mine and refinery in Suriname in 2016. U.S. companies also have agreements for offshore oil exploration with state oil company Staatsolie.
Principal U.S. exports to Suriname include chemicals, excavating machinery and other machine parts, and food, including meat and poultry. There is wide availability of U.S. consumer products through Suriname’s privately held trading and import-export companies. Opportunities for U.S. exporters, service companies, and engineering firms are expected to continue to expand over the next decade, with increased activity in the mining and oil sectors by U.S. 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
Suriname is a member of a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the International Monetary Fund, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.
Bilateral Representation
Principal U.S. embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Suriname maintains an embassy in the United States at 4201 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-244-7488; fax. 202-244-5878) and a 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:
CIA World Factbook Suriname Page
U.S. Embassy
History of U.S. Relations With Suriname
Travel Information
State Caribbean Landing Page
U.S. Strategy for Engagement in the Caribbean
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
