The largest ethnic group in Suriname comprises Indians, accounting for 27.4% of the population, most of whom are descendants of 19th-century indentured workers from India. Afro-Surinamese are the next largest group, constituting 37.4% of the population. This group includes Creoles (mixed African slaves and Europeans) and Maroons (descendants of runaway slaves). Surinamese Maroons, comprise 21.7% of the population. Creoles make up 15.7% of the population. Javanese, descendants of workers from Java, form 14% of the population. Additionally, 13.4% of the population identifies as mixed ethnicity, and Chinese, Lebanese, Jews and various indigenous groups make up the rest of the population, with indigenous peoples accounting for 3.7%.
Ethnic groups | Percentage |
Indian | 27.40% |
Maroon | 21.70% |
Creole | 15.70% |
Javanese | 14.00% |
Mixed | 13.40% |
Chinese | 7.30% |
Amerindian | 3.80% |
White | 1.00% |
Other | 2.30% |
Source: Census estimates