Suriname

Suriname Factbook

Christianity is the majority religion in Suriname, but many do not exhibit genuine faith. Years of communist rule was very disruptive, but the establishment of the democratic government has improved the situation.

Surinameis located on the northeastern coast of South America. It is situated between Guyana and French Guiana with a southern border touching Brazil.

A little less than one half million people live in Suriname. As a result of the slavery practiced by the Dutch colonists, there are many different people groups represented in Suriname. The largest people group is Asian. The second largest group is Afro-Caribbean.

The export of Bauxite is the largest single part of the economy. The economy declined rapidly following independence. Suriname is dependent on aid from the Netherlands. This aid had been cut off but has now resumed. The government is attempting to stabilize the economy to set the foundation for long-term growth.

Surinamewas a Dutch colony until gaining independence in 1975. In 1980, a military coupe brought a communist government to power. Changes began in the late 1980's and a democratically finally took control in 1991. The country operates as a constitutional democracy with freedom of religion.

Christians are almost evenly divided between Catholics and Protestants. In total, almost half of the people are listed as Christian. However, many do not show evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. Pray for a revival in many of these churches - that many would truly be saved. Evangelicals have grown steadily since independence, accounting for nearly 5% of the population, but a large portion of the growth has been in charismatic churches.

Good national Christian leaders are in very short supply. Pray that the Lord would raise up Godly men who are well grounded in the Word to lead the churches in Suriname.

Missions work was disrupted during the 1980's, but things are back in operation. Pray for the missionaries. Pray for Bible translation work. There are a number of people groups who still need to be reached with the gospel. Pray for more workers to take the good news to these people.

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