Suriname

The Republic of Suriname, more commonly known as Suriname or Surinam, (formerly known as Netherlands Guiana and Dutch Guiana) is a country in northern South America, in between French Guiana to the east and Guyana to the west. The southern border is shared with Brazil and the northern border is the Atlantic coast. The most southern parts of the borders with Guyana and French Guiana are disputed (upper Corantijn and Marowijne rivers—the map shows the Guyana and French Guiana versions of the border).

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Suriname

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Suriname's population of 438,144 (July 2005 est.) is made up of several distinct ethnic groups. Hindustanis (known locally as East Indians) form the largest group at 37 percent of the population. They are descendants of 19th century immigrants from India. The Creoles, mixed white and black, form about 31 percent, while the Javanese ("imported" from the former Dutch East Indies) make up 15 percent. Maroons (descendants of escaped African slaves) make up 10 percent and are divided into five main groups: Aucans, Kwinti, Matawi, Paramaccans and Saramaccans. Amerindians form 3 percent of the population (some say as low as 1 percent), the main groups being the Akuriyo, Arawak, Carib, Tirío and Wayana. The remainder is formed by Chinese and Europeans and Brazilian immigrant workers that have arrived in Suriname in recent times. A small Jewish community composed of several families, descendants of Sephardim who had earlier fled from Iberia to the Netherlands, also inhabit the country. They previously operated an autonomous region of Suriname called the "Jodensavanne."

Related Topics:
19th century - India - Javanese - Dutch East Indies - Maroons - Africa - Amerindians - Akuriyo - Arawak - Carib - Tirío - Wayana - Chinese - Jewish - Sephardim - Jodensavanne

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Because of the great number of ethnic groups in the country, there is no one main religion. Most of the Hindustani are Hindu, but Islam and Christianity are also practised by them. Christianity is dominant among Creoles and Maroons.

Related Topics:
Hindu - Islam - Christianity - Maroons

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Dutch is the official language of Suriname. The Surinamese also speak their own languages: Sranang Tongo (also known as Surinaams), Javanese and others. Also, the original Carib and Arowak Amerindians of Suriname speak their own languages, as do the Maroons; Aucan (n'Djuga or Ndjukas) and Saramaccan. Additionally, English and Spanish is widely used, especially at tourist-oriented facilities or shops.

Related Topics:
Dutch - Sranang Tongo - Javanese - Carib - Arowak - Aucan - Saramaccan - English - Spanish

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The vast majority of people (about 90%) live in Paramaribo or on the coast. There is a also a significant Surinamese population in the Netherlands.

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