Suriname: country profile.

PIP: Established as a trading post by the people of the Netherlands in the 1600's, Suriname grew into an agricultural colony farming sugar and tobacco. The Dutch have sustained a presence in Suriname, and in 1975, they granted $2.7 billion in aid over 14 years. However, despite financial assistance, Suriname has undergone a number of economic and identity crises in the past few years. Ethnically, the country is divided into groups, including Creoles, East Indians, Indonesians, Amerindians, and others. Economically, the GNP has declined from $2,650 in 1983 to $1,650. A 1980 political takeover by the military promised relief but instead brought about oppression and tragedy. As a result, the Dutch government discontinued aid to Suriname. Civil unrest resulted in the damage of bauxite installations; the exportation of bauxite is one of the primary economic sources for Suriname. The current government is considered moderate left, but it is still subject to a military veto. Although life expectancy, literacy, and the position of women are good, self-reliance is greatly affected by an increasing foreign debt and freedom and income distribution are negatively affected by discriminatory policies and oppressive practices.^ieng

Netherlands Antilles: country profile.

PIP: The Netherlands Antilles is the former name for the 5 islands called "the Antilles of the Five" (Curacao, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius, and Saba) and the separatist (since 1986) island of Aruba, which has its own prime minister (Henny Eamon -- the prime minister of the other 5 islands is Don Martina). The total 1988 population is 264,000. They enjoy one of the highest standards of living among the developing countries, with a per capita gross national product of $1610 guilder ($15,390 (US). Health services, life expectancy, and political freedom are excellent, due mainly to Dutch standards and aid. The position of women is also generally progressive. Literacy is excellent despite the different languages used (Dutch and Papiamento in Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba; English in St Maarten, St Eustatius, and Saba). Since the 2 major industries (oil refining and offshore financial services) have collapsed, tourism is limited mainly to the Windward Islands (St Eustatius and Saba), and there is no agriculture or fishing, the country's high standard of living is due to $530 million of Dutch aid, on which the country relies. Aruba will become independent in 1996, a future opposed by nearly all the 67,000 islanders, who fear it will mean the loss of Dutch aid.^ieng