In the video “The Strange Demographics of Suriname” by Geography Geek, you will learn about the fascinating demographics of Suriname. Despite being located in South America, a region known for its Spanish and Portuguese-speaking populations who practice Catholicism, Suriname stands out with its official language Dutch, largest ethnic group being East Indian, and 14% of the population practicing Islam. The video explores the historical factors and colonization that have shaped Suriname’s unique demographics, including the impact of slavery and the migration of indentured laborers from British India. It also touches on the diverse religions and languages spoken in the country. If you’re interested in uncovering the intriguing demographics of Suriname, this video is a must-watch.
Demographics of Suriname
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Introduction
Suriname, located in South America, has some unique demographics that set it apart from its neighboring countries. Despite being in a region where Spanish and Portuguese are predominantly spoken and Catholicism is the main religion, Suriname’s official language is Dutch, its largest single ethnic group is East Indian, and a significant portion of the population practices Islam. These demographics are the result of colonization and historical events. In this article, we will explore the different ethnic groups in Suriname and the factors that shaped their presence in the country.
Colonization and Independence
Suriname’s history is shaped by colonization by various European powers. In the early 17th century, traders and explorers from powerful European nations established small trading posts in the area. The English took an interest in colonization in Suriname in 1630 but lost control to the Dutch during the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1667. The Treaty of Breda solidified Dutch control over Suriname. The country remained under Dutch rule until it gained autonomy in 1954 and negotiated full independence in 1975.
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Largest Ethnic Groups
Afro-Surinamese
Out of a total population of around six hundred thousand people, thirty-eight percent are Afro-Surinamese. This significant portion can be attributed to the history of slavery in Suriname. The British began importing slaves from Africa to work their sugar, cotton, and indigo plantations, and the Dutch followed suit until the abolition of the slave trade in 1814. Slavery itself was abolished in Suriname in 1863, but the slaves were only released after a ten-year transitionary period in 1873. Afro-Surinamese descendants can be divided into two groups: maroons and creoles. Maroons make up twenty-two percent of the population and are the descendants of enslaved Africans who managed to escape and establish their own communities in the Amazon jungle. Creoles make up sixteen percent of the population and are the descendants of slaves who did not escape. They often have mixed ancestry, including European and indigenous heritage.
Indo-Surinamese
The Indo-Surinamese group is the next largest, comprising twenty-seven percent of the population. Their presence in Suriname can be traced back to 1873 when slavery was completely abolished. Indians from British India began migrating as indentured laborers to Suriname. Most of these immigrants came from modern-day India, but some came from other parts of South Asia, such as Afghanistan and Nepal. The United Kingdom, under a treaty with the Netherlands, assisted in transporting these immigrants to Suriname. Indo-Surinamese populations reached as high as thirty-eight percent of the population in 1972.
Javanese Surinamese
The Javanese Surinamese group is the next largest with a population of fourteen percent. In 1890, the colonial government started recruiting Javanese indentured workers from Indonesia, another Netherlands colony. These workers would first sail for Amsterdam and then proceed to Suriname. Immigration of Javanese continued until the outbreak of World War II.
Amerindians
Amerindians make up four percent of the population in Suriname. They are the indigenous people of the region and have inhabited the area for centuries.
Chinese Surinamese
Chinese Surinamese account for two percent of the population. In 1858, five hundred Chinese laborers were recruited by the Dutch consul in Macau, but they arrived before there was demand for their labor. As slavery was still legal, no one would hire them, essentially forcing them into slavery. In the 1850s and 1860s, about 2500 more Chinese people arrived in Suriname as indentured servants. Other Chinese came to Suriname as free laborers and traders, especially in the 1950s, 60s, and 1990s. Immigration from China continues to this day.
European Descendants
Only one percent of the population in Suriname is of European descent, predominantly Dutch descendants who immigrated during the colonial period.
Multi-Racial and Other Small Groups
The remainder of the population, accounting for about fourteen percent, is made up of multi-racial and other small ethnic groups. These groups include individuals whose ancestors came as indentured servants and predominantly male laborers. Over time, these individuals married and had children with partners outside of their ethnicity, resulting in a mixing of races and ethnicities.
Religious Diversity
Suriname exhibits religious diversity, with different religions practiced throughout the country.
Christianity
Nearly fifty percent of the population practices Christianity, with twenty-six percent being Protestant and twenty-two percent being Catholic. This religious diversity can be attributed to colonization by the British and Dutch.
Hinduism
Twenty-two percent of the population in Suriname practices Hinduism. Guyana is the only country in the Americas with a higher percentage.
Islam
Fourteen percent of the population practices Islam, the highest percentage of any country in the Americas.
Other Religions
Other religions practiced in Suriname include Javanism, Judaism, and Winti, an Afro-Surinamese traditional religion that combines beliefs from Christianity and West African tribes.
Languages
The official language of Suriname is Dutch, primarily due to Dutch colonization. It is used for government and education. However, another language, Sranin Tongo, also known as Surinamese Creole, is commonly spoken. Sranin Tongo is an English-based creole language that also takes influences from Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and West African languages. It serves as the lingua franca in the country, facilitating communication among different ethnic groups. Suriname’s national anthem is sung in both Dutch and Sranin Tongo.
In conclusion, Suriname is a unique country in terms of its demographics. Its history of colonization and immigration has resulted in a diverse population with a variety of ethnicities and religious beliefs. Suriname’s demographics reflect the complex interactions between indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans, indentured laborers, and immigrants from various parts of the world. This rich cultural tapestry is what makes Suriname’s demographics strange, but in a good way.