The Rise of Surinam: A Small Country with Big Oil Dreams

💡Surinam has recently discovered significant oil reserves in its waters, with estimated reserves of 6.5 billion barrels in Block 58.

🌍Surinam is a small and underpopulated country, with around 600,000 inhabitants and 90% of its territory covered by the Amazon rainforest.

💰The oil discoveries in Surinam have attracted major oil companies like ExxonMobil, Apache, Chevron, Shell, and Petronas, who are investing billions of dollars in exploration and production.

🚫Corruption remains a major concern in Surinam, with former dictator Desi Bouterse being involved in illicit businesses and organized crime.

🌱President Chan Santoki aims to use the oil revenues to diversify the economy, invest in agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development.

What are the major oil discoveries in Surinam?

—Surinam has discovered significant oil reserves in its waters, particularly in Block 58, with estimated reserves of 6.5 billion barrels.

What is the population of Surinam?

—Surinam has a small population of around 600,000 inhabitants.

Which major oil companies are investing in Surinam?

—ExxonMobil, Apache, Chevron, Shell, and Petronas are among the major oil companies investing billions of dollars in Surinam's oil exploration and production.

Is corruption a concern in Surinam?

—Yes, corruption is a major concern in Surinam, with former dictator Desi Bouterse being involved in illicit businesses and organized crime.

How will the oil revenues be used in Surinam?

—President Chan Santoki aims to use the oil revenues to diversify the economy, invest in agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development.

00:00[Music] Surinam, a small and underdeveloped country in South America, has recently become a hotbed for oil exploration and production.

02:52Surinam has discovered significant oil reserves in its waters, particularly in Block 58, with estimated reserves of 6.5 billion barrels.

06:01Surinam has a small population of around 600,000 inhabitants and 90% of its territory is covered by the Amazon rainforest.

08:08ExxonMobil, Apache, Chevron, Shell, and Petronas are among the major oil companies investing billions of dollars in Surinam's oil exploration and production.

10:28Corruption remains a major concern in Surinam, with former dictator Desi Bouterse being involved in illicit businesses and organized crime.

12:31President Chan Santoki aims to use the oil revenues to diversify the economy, invest in agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development.