Former Dutch colony, independent 1975.

The population is a mixture of peoples including Amerindians, descendants of African slaves, many of whom escaped into the interior and built African villages there, Indians from India, Chinese and others.

In 1980 military coup broke the apparent social harmony which prevailed during the colonial period. Since then there has been an intermittent but increasing amount of political violence. This was partially resolved in 1988 but the military leader, Desi Bouterse, remained as commander of the army.

A further military coup overthrew the civilian government in December 1990 and restored Bouterse.

In May 1993 a civilian government was still trying to reduce the power of Bouterse. European Community warned that a renewed military regime would lose all European aid.

Dutch

Creole

Yoruba

Amerindian langs.

Military government 1980-88 has led to destruction of the political class by execution and emigration. The country is close to lawlessness.

Election due May 2000. President Wijdenbosch thought likely to be re-elected on a program of privatising state industries.

Extremely poor after years of fighting and emigration.

Government threatens to sell the rain forest to Japanese and Indonesian companies who wish to clear cut it.

The coasts might be suitable sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants to produce non-carbon emitting energy, fresh water and mitigation of Hurricanes.

Bad during the military years