Suriname Poverty and Equity Assessment

This Poverty and Equity Assessment aims to inform efforts to reduce poverty and inequality at what could be an important turning point for Suriname. The assessment was written as Suriname was gradually emerging from a severe macro-fiscal crisis. After the implementation of stringent reforms, the economy is now showing signs of recovery and Suriname is turning attention to longer-term priorities. The analysis provides insight into the characteristics of poverty and inequality in Suriname and opportunities to address them. The picture that emerges is one of human capital deficiencies at the heart of poverty and inequality and historical inequities still driving patterns of poverty and inequality. However, the current situation also represents a significant opportunity to reduce poverty and inequality through improvements in education outcomes, better connection of labor supply and demand, increased access to economic opportunities for women, and improvements in social assistance. It is our hope that this assessment will contribute to Suriname seizing these opportunities.