Adopted on Nov. 21, 1975, four days before independence from the Dutch, the flag of Suriname features green stripes for jungles and agriculture, white for justice and freedom, and red for the progressive spirit of a young nation. The yellow star is symbolic of the unity of the country, its golden future, and the people's spirit of sacrifice.

Suriname Official name: Republiek Suriname (Republic of Suriname). Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [51]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 418,000. Population projection: (2000) 425,000; (2010) 443,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 14.9 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 96.2%; meadows and pastures 0.1%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 0.4%; other 3.3%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$433,000,000 (U.S.$1,000 per capita).

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