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