Post #2
Being a country located in Northern South America, I think the usual thought is that all countries that are in Latin America must at least speak Spanish as one of their main languages. However, thinking that is the case in Suriname would be far from the right answer. You may be wondering why.
Here’s why — before being known as Suriname, the country was colonized by the Netherlands. As a Dutch colony, Suriname was previously known as Dutch Guiana. This remained so until they gained independence in 1975.
The official language of Suriname is Dutch; however, not many Surinamese people learn it as their first language. Many choose to learn it as their second language. While Sranan Tongo is not an official language it is spoken nationwide. Because of the vast ethnic diversity of the country, there are a multitude of other languages spoken. These include: Akurio — Arawak — Aukan — Carib — Chinese, Hakka — Chinese, Yue — Dutch — Guyanese Creole English — Hindustani, Sarnami — Javanese, Suriname — Kwinti — Mawayana — Ndyuka-Trio Pidgin —Saramaccan — Sign Language of the Netherlands — Sikiana — Sranan Tongo — Trió — Waiwai — Warao — Wayana.
There are a total of 21 listed languages for Suriname. All of these languages are currently living but some are in danger. 12 of these languages are indigenous and 9 non-indigenous. Broken down a little more — 2 are institutional, 6 are developing, 1 is vigorous, 5 are in trouble, and 7 are dying.
The image above shows the estimated level of the languages that are endangered horizontally and vertically shows the number of languages in each category. As the scale goes up, the usage of each language becomes low and the risk of extinction increases.
As seen before, there are 12 indigenous languages spoken in Suriname. I think that the ethnic diversity of the country allows some of these indigenous languages to continue to be alive. Some of these are indeed endangered but others are still taught in certain communities. I don’t think that indigenous languages pose problems at all. I guess in some way it could be a problem in terms of communication if some households only speak their culture’s indigenous language, however, I don’t think that’s a problem in Suriname. Because of the vast diversity, many people learn more than one language, especially with Dutch as their second language.
Suriname is a member of the UN and has been since April 12, 1975. While its main page for the UN didn’t have direct information about it’s role, some of the statements and speeches mention Suriname working towards action against climate change and development improvements. They stated that they will work harder to provide accurate data so that they can have a better system. Furthermore, membership means they are to be in accordance with international laws set by the United Nations.
As a member of the International Monetary Fund (since April 27, 1978), Suriname has agreed to the obligations listed in the Articles of Agreement. The country itself is facing high inflation and the economy took a hit in trade stocks. The agreement it has with the IMF is to help get them back in balance and making reforms to improve the economy and put Suriname onto a path of growth.
Suriname has also been a member of the WTO (World Trade Organization) since January 1, 1995. As a member, Suriname must maintain their trade and economic policies to the standards and rules as determined by the World Trade Organization. All terms have to be negotiated with the WTO as well.
A GINI coefficient is a measure of inequality of distribution (such as income or wealth). Unfortunately, I could not find a GINI coefficient for Suriname. When looking at Gross Domestic Product (GDP) based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which calculates how many goods will be purchased at what price in different countries, I couldn’t find information from Investopedia for 2018 on where Suriname ranked. However on Trading Economics, it stated the last recorded GDP per capita PPP was 13767.12 US dollars in 2017, this being the same as 77% of the world’s average.
Suriname is working towards improving their economy and tourism in order to be on a path of growth.
