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| From: CIA World Factbook |
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Suriname National Day Message
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 20, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Suriname as you celebrate 37 years of independence this November 25.
Our two countries share a rich tradition of cultural and religious diversity that is a foundation for a stronger future. Your efforts to preserve your natural resources and environment are setting an example for others. Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, our two countries are increasing security for the people of the region, strengthening democracy, rule of law and transparent government, and expanding the circle of human rights.
I wish you a happy, safe, and prosperous independence day as you enjoy some of Suriname’s festivities held for the first time in Nickerie, and honor your country’s heritage during the annual parade.
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| Locator Map Credit: CIA World Factbook |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until August 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power.
