Dutch Surinamese
Boeroes | |
Total population | |
---|---|
(about 4,000[1]) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Paramaribo, Wanica | |
Languages | |
Dutch (official), Sranan Tongo, English (widely spoken)[2] | |
Religion | |
Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Dutch people, Dutch American, Dutch Brazilian, Dutch Chilean, Dutch Canadian |
Dutch Surinamese or Boeroes are Surinamese people of Dutch descent.
Dutch migrant settlers in search of a better life started arriving in Suriname (previously known as Dutch Guiana) in the 19th century with the boeroes (not to be confused with the South African Boeren), poor farmers arriving from the Dutch provinces of Gelderland and Groningen.[3] Furthermore, the Surinamese ethnic group, the Creoles, persons of mixed African-European ancestry, are partially of Dutch descent. Many Dutch settlers left Suriname after independence in 1975, which diminished the white Dutch population. Currently there are around 1000 boeroes left in Suriname, and 3000 outside Suriname. Inside Suriname, they work in several sectors of society. Some families still work in the agricultural sector.