🇸🇷Suriname Political Stability: 30.3/100

Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America, located on the Guiana Shield. It features a lowland coastal area where most of the population resides, while the southern region is dominated by tropical rainforest, covering about 80% of the land. The country has a very hot and wet tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 29 to 34 °C (84 to 93 °F) and experiences two wet and two dry seasons throughout the year.

Suriname has a diverse population with a rich multicultural heritage. The official language is Dutch, and the population is approximately 591,919 as of 2020.

World Bank governance: rule of law 39th percentile, corruption control 25th percentile, political stability 47th percentile.

Suriname's strongest governance dimension is Voice & Accountability at 51/100, placing it in the upper half globally. This indicates relatively strong citizen participation in selecting government, along with freedom of expression, association, and a free media.

The weakest dimension is Government Effectiveness at 7/100. Limited government effectiveness can mean inconsistent public services and gaps in policy implementation.

A notable 45-point gap between Voice & Accountability and Government Effectiveness reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.

Weak governance indicators for Suriname mean travelers should exercise heightened caution. Government services may be limited or unreliable, corruption can affect interactions with officials, and legal protections may not function as expected. Thorough preparation and situational awareness are essential.

The U.S. State Department currently rates Suriname as Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.