The early history of Suriname dates from 3000 BCE when Native Americans first inhabited the area. The Dutch acquired Suriname from the English,and European settlement in any numbers dates from the 17th century,when it was a plantation colony utilizing slavery for sugar cultivation. With abolition in the late 19th century,planters sought labor from China,Madeira,India,and Indonesia,which was also colonized by the Dutch. Dutch is Suriname's official language. Owing to its diverse population,it has also developed a creole language,Sranan Tongo.
The president of the Republic of Suriname is,in accordance with the Constitution of 1987,the head of state and head of government of Suriname,and commander-in-chief of the Suriname National Army (SNL). The president also appoints a cabinet.
Henck Alphonsus Eugène Arron was a Surinamese politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Suriname after it gained independence in 1975. A member of the National Party of Suriname,he served from 24 December 1973 with the transition government,to 25 February 1980. He was overthrown in a coup d'état by the military,led by Dési Bouterse. Released in 1981 after charges of corruption were dropped,he returned to banking,his previous career. In 1987,Arron was elected as Vice President of Suriname and served until another coup in 1990 overthrew the government.
The National Party of Suriname is a political party in Suriname,founded in 1946,and since June 2012 led by Gregory Rusland. For a long time it was the largest ruling party in the country,and it has been in government for a total of over 40 years. Of the 16 general elections held in Suriname,the party or a coalition it was a leading part of finished in first place 11 times. The party tends to be more popular among Afro-Surinamese and multiracial people.
Lelydorp is the capital city of Wanica District,located in Suriname. With a population of 18,663 (2012),it is the second largest city in Suriname,after Paramaribo.
Ivan Christiaan Fernald is a Surinamese politician,who served as the Minister of Defence between 1 September 2005 and 2010,he was succeeded by LamuréLatour.
Pretaapnarian Shawh Radhecheran Radhakishun was a Surinamese politician. He was Prime Minister of Suriname from July 1986 to April 1987,and Vice President of Suriname from September 1996 to August 2000.
Lachmipersad Frederik "Fred" Ramdat Misier was the 3rd President of Suriname,serving from 1982 to 1988.
Jules Sedney was a Surinamese politician,and Prime Minister of Suriname from 20 November 1969 to 24 December 1973. In 1980,he became governor of the Central Bank of Suriname,but had to flee the country in 1983 after a dispute with Dési Bouterse. Sedney returned to Suriname in 1989.
The Honorary Order of the Yellow Star is the highest state decoration of the Republic of Suriname. The Order was instituted in 1975 at the independence of Suriname and replaced the Dutch Order of the Netherlands Lion. It is awarded to individuals for their meritorious service to the Surinamese people or nation. Foreigners are also eligible to receive the order. The president of Suriname is the Grand Master of the order.
Johannes Samuel Petrus "Johan" Kraag was a Surinamese politician who served as the President of Suriname from 29 December 1990,until 16 September 1991.
James Ramlall,also known as Bhai,was a Surinamese poet.
Emile Linus Alfred Wijntuin was a Surinamese politician who served as Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname from 1975 until the aftermath of the 1980 Surinamese coup d'état. Wijntuin was a member of the Progressive Surinamese People's Party (PSV).
The nations of Mexico and Suriname established diplomatic relations in 1975. Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States,Community of Latin American and Caribbean States,Organization of American States and the United Nations.
Gregory Allan Rusland is a Surinamese politician. He served as Minister for Natural Resources between 2005 and 2010. In 2012 he became leader of the National Party of Suriname. Rusland has been a member of the National Assembly since 2015.
Eduard Johan "Eddy" Bruma was a Surinamese politician,lawyer and writer.
Harry Stanley Kensmil was a Surinamese civil servant,politician,and radio broadcaster. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Suriname from 1987 to 1988,and Minister of Natural Resources and Energy from 1986 to 1988. He was part of the Supervisory Board of Staatsolie from 1984 to 1986 and 1988–2009,and was appointed as Secretary of the Board in 1997.
Schelto,Baron van Heemstra was a Dutch diplomat. He served as ambassador of the Netherlands to Zambia,Argentina,Suriname,Indonesia and Spain.
Lygia Louise Irene Kraag-Keteldijk is a Surinamese politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of President Venetiaan between 2005 and 2010.
Abraham Arnold Lodewijk "Bram" Rutgers was a Dutch botanist and politician who served as Governor-General of Suriname from 1928 until 1933,the Council of State from 1936 until 1959,and served as its Vice-President from 1956 onwards. He was a member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP).
