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Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to rule through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1989, the military overthrew the civilian government, but a democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991.
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The Dutch took control of Surinam in 1667 and although internal autonomy was granted in 1954, it wasn't until after the Creoles War for independence during the 1970s that the country gained full independence.
When the country became fully independent in 1975, over half the population moved to the Netherlands. Rebels caused instability in 1986, but President Ronal Ventiaan was involved in a return to peace in the early 1990s.
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Country
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Surface Area: 163,270 square km
Population: 436,935 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Northern South America
Capital City: Paramaribo
Head of State: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN
Prime Minister: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN
Independent since: 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)
Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
Flag (image): 
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