The ratings on the Republic of Suriname reflect its improving macroeconomic fundamentals, robust medium-term growth prospects, low debt (net general government debt was less than 20% of GDP at the end of 2011), and solid external indicators based on current account surpluses, higher levels of foreign direct investment, and rising international reserves. In addition, political consensus on preserving macroeconomic stability is growing, as demonstrated by the government's willingness to pursue an unpopular devaluation of the currency and tax hikes in 2011 to reduce foreign exchange pressures that built up in 2010. Offsetting these supporting factors is Suriname's narrow economic base that's strongly tied to commodities. Alumina, gold, and oil constituted more than 80% of current account receipts at the end
