Surinamese

Surinamese is the English term used for things related to Suriname as well as for the people who live there. As a demonym, it designates residents of Suriname and, more broadly, pertains to the country’s culture, languages, and social life. The term is commonly used to describe aspects of Surinamese society, including its traditions, cuisine, and arts.

Suriname is a small republic on the northeast coast of South America, bordered by Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, and French Guiana to the east, with a coast on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Paramaribo. Suriname’s population is highly diverse, reflecting Afro-Surinamese, Indo-Surinamese, Javanese-Surinamese, Maroon, Indigenous, Chinese, and other communities. The country has a multiethnic, multilingual society and a tradition of religious and cultural pluralism.

Language and religion are central to Surinamese life. The official language is Dutch, used in government, media, and education. A wide range of languages is spoken, including Sranan Tongo (often referred to as Surinamese or Surinamese Creole), Hindustani, Javanese, and various Indigenous languages. Religions practiced include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Indigenous beliefs, reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity.

Economically, Suriname relies on mining (notably gold, and to a lesser extent oil), forestry, and agriculture. The currency is the Surinamese dollar. The country has a significant diaspora, with a sizable Surinamese community in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, contributing to transnational cultural and economic links.