Nestled on South America’s Atlantic coast, it is the world’s greenest country, with 93% of its land covered by rainforest. Though it relies heavily on mining, first bauxite and aluminum, now primarily gold, it remains one of the few carbon-negative countries on the planet. But beyond its mining and biodiversity, Suriname is stepping into the spotlight as a rising economic player, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

The history between Suriname and the United States dates back over 400 years, beginning with European colonialism. In 1667, the Treaty of Breda saw the Dutch secure Suriname while the British took Manhattan, forever shaping the two regions. Fast forward to the 20th century, American companies like Alcoa transformed Suriname’s economy through bauxite mining. During World War II, the U.S. stationed troops in Suriname to protect its bauxite reserves, vital to the Allied war effort. Since Suriname’s independence in 1975, the U.S. has remained a key partner, supporting its development, democracy, and economic growth. Today, the local presence of the American Chamber of Commerce serves as a key gateway for U.S. investors seeking opportunities in Suriname.

“Suriname is incredibly diverse, home to multiple ethnicities, languages, and religions,” says Dr. Henry Ori, Minister of Education, Science and Culture. A blend of Indian, Maroon, Creole, Javanese, Chinese, Dutch and Indigenous communities shape its identity, further enriched by migration from Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti.

Suriname stands at a pivotal juncture in its economic journey. Under President Santokhi’s leadership, the country has made significant strides in stabilizing its economy, reducing debt and inflation while implementing policies that foster a more attractive investment climate. “We are positioning Suriname as a regional logistics hub,” the President explains. “Our strategic location, coupled with the development of shore bases, airports, and trade corridors, will unlock new opportunities across the region.” 

With vast offshore oil reserves on the horizon, the government is establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to secure long-term prosperity for future generations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Ramdin highlights the broader impact: “Oil and gas will be the engine of transformation, stimulating growth across healthcare, hospitality, and beyond.”

Finance Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing highlights clear progress: “Through targeted reforms, subsidy cuts, tax modernization, and monetary restructuring, we’ve lowered the debt-to-GDP ratio from 148% to 85.7% while diversifying into agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure.” He credits the IMF program as a key catalyst. As noted in its final review on March 24, 2025: “The objectives of the program have been broadly achieved. The economy is growing, inflation is receding, public debt is declining, central bank governance has strengthened, and investor confidence is returning.