Suriname vs Brazil
Suriname has a population of 617K, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 346.2 times more populous than Suriname. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 494.9 times larger than Suriname's ($4.4B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 52.0 times larger than Suriname's 163,820 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 2.2 years higher than Suriname's 73.6 years.
SurinameBrazil| Population | -99.7%617K | +34518.2%213.4M |
| Area | -98.1%163,820 km² | +5098.2%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -99.8%$4.4B | +49389.1%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -32.5%$6,961.79 | +48.1%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.9%73.6 yrs | +3.0%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +21.6%15.2 | -17.8%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +31.2%7.8% | -23.8%6.0% |
| Capital | Paramaribo | Brasília |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Dutch | Portuguese |
| Currencies | SRD ($) | BRL (R$) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 346.2 times more populous than Suriname, with 213.4M residents compared to 617K. Suriname is a nation of 617K people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Suriname averages 4 people per km² (sparse), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Suriname has grown at 1.01% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Suriname is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 494.9 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Suriname.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Suriname is 73.6 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 2.2 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 22% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 52.0 times larger by land area than Suriname (163,820 km²). Suriname shares borders with 3 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Suriname spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Both Suriname and Brazil are located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Suriname and Brazil is in GDP: Suriname's $4.4B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and Brazil is in population: Suriname's 617K compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and Brazil is in land area: Suriname's 163,820 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Suriname's upper-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 1.5x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Brazil is 6.7x more densely populated than Suriname (25 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 Brazil live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of Suriname (75.8 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to Suriname's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Suriname vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Suriname vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Suriname vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Suriname's 617K. Brazil is 346.2 times more populous than Suriname.
Which country has a higher GDP, Suriname or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Suriname's $4.4B. Brazil's economy is 494.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Suriname and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Suriname's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Suriname's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Suriname or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Suriname's 163,820 km². Brazil is 52.0 times larger than Suriname.
What languages are spoken in Suriname and Brazil?
Suriname recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Suriname or Brazil?
Brazil has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to Suriname's 16.2%. Brazil's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Suriname's rate is severely elevated at 16.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Suriname or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 countr...
Is Suriname or Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value ...
Is Suriname or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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, clima...
Is Suriname or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Suriname offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Suriname or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Suriname's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...