PEOPLE
Most Surinamers live in the
narrow, northern coastal plain. The population is one of the most
ethnically varied in the world. Each ethnic group preserves its
own culture and many institutions, including political parties,
tend to follow ethnic lines. Informal relationships vary: the
upper classes of all ethnic backgrounds mix freely; outside of
the elite, social relations tend to remain within ethnic groupings.
All groups may be found in the schools and workplace.
Nationality: Noun--Surinamer(s). Adjective--Surinamese.
Population (2004 census): 492,829.
Annual growth rate (2004): 1.30%.
Ethnic groups: Hindustani (East Indian) 27%, Creole 18%, Javanese 15%, Maroon 15%, Mixed 12.5%, Amerindians 3.7%, Chinese 1.8% (percentages from 2004 census).
Religions: Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Moravian, several other Christian denominations, Jewish, Baha'i.
Languages: Dutch (official), English, Sranan Tongo (Creole language), Hindustani, Javanese.
Education: Years compulsory--ages 6-12. Literacy--90%. Health: Infant mortality rate (2000)--27.1/1,000. Life expectancy (2003)--71 yrs.
Work force (100,000): Government--35%; private sector--41%; parastatal companies--10%; unemployed--14%.
