SurinameUnited States
Suriname has a population of 617K, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 551.7 times more populous than Suriname. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 6509.5 times larger than Suriname's ($4.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 58.1 times larger than Suriname's 163,820 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 4.8 years higher than Suriname's 73.6 years.
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Metric
SurinameUnited States| Population | 617K | 340.1M |
| Area | 163,820 km² | 9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | $4.4B | $28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,961.79 | $84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | 73.6 yrs | 78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 15.2 | 5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 7.8% | 4.2% |
| Capital | Paramaribo | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Dutch | English |
| Currencies | SRD ($) | USD ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 551.7 times more populous than Suriname, with 340.1M residents compared to 617K. Suriname is a nation of 617K people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Suriname averages 4 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Suriname has grown at 1.01% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Suriname is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 6509.5 times larger than Suriname's ($4.4B). Suriname's GDP per capita of $6,961.79 is 48% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 12.1 times wealthier than those in Suriname.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Suriname is 73.6 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 4.8 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Suriname (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 15.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Suriname's infant mortality is 176% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 58.1 times larger by land area than Suriname (163,820 km²). Suriname shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Suriname spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Suriname lies in South America, while United States is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and North America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Suriname and United States is in GDP: Suriname's $4.4B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and United States is in population: Suriname's 617K compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and United States is in land area: Suriname's 163,820 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Suriname's upper-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 12.1x that of Suriname ($6,961.79). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United States is 9.5x more densely populated than Suriname (36 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Suriname's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Suriname (78.4 vs 73.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Suriname's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Suriname vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 15.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Suriname offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Suriname vs United States for Budget Travelers
Suriname is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,961.79 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Suriname can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Suriname vs United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Suriname may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Suriname vs United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Suriname offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Suriname can approach or exceed average costs in United States's smaller cities.
Suriname vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Suriname's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Suriname or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Suriname's 617K. United States is 551.7 times more populous than Suriname.
Which country has a higher GDP, Suriname or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Suriname's $4.4B. United States's economy is 6509.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Suriname and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Suriname's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Suriname's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Suriname or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Suriname's 163,820 km². United States is 58.1 times larger than Suriname.
What languages are spoken in Suriname and United States?
Suriname recognizes the following official language: Dutch. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Suriname or United States?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Suriname's 16.2%. United States's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Suriname's rate is severely elevated at 16.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Suriname or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 15.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Suriname offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is Suriname or United States cheaper to visit?
Suriname is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,961.79 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Suriname can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer...
Is Suriname or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Suriname may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Suriname or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Suriname offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varie...
Is Suriname or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Suriname's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...
Population Growth
Suriname, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
United States, 1994 to 2023