Suriname Population 2026: 612K People, Vast Empty Land
Suriname is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 612K people across 163,820 km², giving a density of 4/km².
GDP per capita stands at $5,882: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Paramaribo, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Suriname's Population
With a population of 612K, Suriname is home to a significant number of people within its 163,820 km² of territory. The population density of 4/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Paramaribo, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Suriname. Suriname has a coastline of 386 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Suriname has a total GDP of $3.6B, translating to $5,882 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD).
Suriname gained independence in 1975 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Dutch, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the South America region, Suriname sits alongside Argentina (46.2M), Brazil (215.3M), Chile (19.5M). This regional context helps illustrate how Suriname's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Suriname's Population
What is the population of Suriname in 2026?
The population of Suriname is approximately 612K people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Suriname?
The capital city of Suriname is Paramaribo, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Suriname?
Suriname has a population density of 4/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Suriname?
Suriname has a GDP per capita of $5,882, with a total GDP of $3.6B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Suriname?
The official language of Suriname is Dutch.
How big is Suriname?
Suriname covers a total area of 163,820 km². With a population of 612K, that gives a density of 4/km².
When did Suriname gain independence?
Suriname gained independence in 1975.
What currency is used in Suriname?
The official currency of Suriname is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD).
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