Safety in Suriname

Safety in Suriname involves preparing for natural hazards and reducing exposure to crime. Flooding is the most significant practical disaster risk, while theft, burglary, robbery, domestic violence, trafficking and online fraud are documented crime concerns. The right precautions depend on location, weather conditions, transport access and the situation involved.

Disasters

Suriname’s main disaster risks are flooding, river and rainwater flooding, drought, fires, local windstorms, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion. Flooding is the highest practical risk: about 87% of the population lives on the low-lying coast, and about 67% lives in the Paramaribo region, where heavy rain, high tides, sea-level rise, blocked drains, pump failures and power cuts can combine. The national system uses weather warnings, district coordination, emergency services, evacuation and needs-based assistance, but access and timing vary by district and transport conditions.

Crime

Crime in Suriname includes theft, burglary, robbery, domestic violence, trafficking and online fraud. Police records for 2020–2024 counted 34,504 offences, including 14,097 cases of qualified theft and 13,863 burglaries. Report emergencies to the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS) at 115 and use 179 for police tips.

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