World Bank2024-07-292024-07-292024-07-29https://hdl.handle.net/10986/41966This poverty and equity assessment aims to inform efforts to reduce poverty and inequality at what can be an important turning point for Suriname. The assessment draws heavily on a new survey of living conditions (SLC) carried out in 2022 to describe patterns of poverty and inequality. The poverty and equity assessment addresses some critical data gaps. Despite the dedication of many professionals and institutions in Suriname to data and evidence, until recently there were few reliable data sources to assess poverty and inequality after the economic crisis that started in 2020. Human capital deficiencies are important determinants of poverty and inequality in Suriname. Addressing them is crucial to enhance living standards. These human capital deficiencies, and poverty and inequality more generally, intersect with patterns of ethnic and geographic inequality that have their roots in Suriname’s history of colonial rule and slavery. Human capital deficiencies contribute to a skill shortage that, in addition to broader constraints to economic growth and doing business, is referenced by enterprises as a significant impediment to their operations. Suriname is missing out on opportunities to mitigate skill shortages, enhance growth, and reduce poverty by not capitalizing on women’s comparatively strong education performance. While Suriname placed significant emphasis on social assistance to address poverty in the aftermath of the economic crisis, improvements in the functioning of the social assistance system are needed to address poverty and inequality. For Suriname to continue its economic recovery, a focus on monetary and fiscal discipline remains key. In the medium term, when growth and oil revenues are expected to contribute to enhanced fiscal space, Suriname could consider bolder policy reforms to address poverty and inequality.en-USCC BY-NC 3.0 IGOPOVERTYEQUITYLIVING CONDITIONSHUMAN CAPITALReportWorld Bank10.1596/41966