The interior highlands are covered by dense tropical forests intersected by rivers. These areas are sparsely populated. As much as 48 percent of the population lives in Paramaribo, the capital. Suriname has experienced two relatively long periods of political instability since 1979. The Government, however, has committed itself to human-centred development.
Critical gaps exist in official statistics.
The immediate priority is to collect and generate quality data. The focus of the population programme is population IEC, motivational awareness and strengthening FP services. Stitching Lobi, an associate of IPPF, is the main provider of family planning and reproductive health services in Suriname. Lobi supplies contraceptives to the FPA clinics, government polyclinics, medical centres, pharmacies, and private doctors. Lobi operates two clinics, in Paramaribo and Nekerie.