Dutch Surinamese (Dutch: Boeroes) are Surinamese people of Dutch descent.
Boeroes | |
---|---|
![]() Boeroe colonists in 1893 | |
Total population | |
c. 4,000 | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Paramaribo, Wanica | |
Languages | |
Religion | |
Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Dutch people |
Dutch migrant settlers in search of a better life started arriving in Suriname in the 19th century with the boeroes, poor farmers arriving from the Dutch provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen.[1] Furthermore, the Surinamese ethnic group, the Creoles, persons of mixed African and European ancestry, are partially of Dutch descent.
Many Dutch settlers left Suriname after independence in 1975 and this diminished Suriname's Dutch population. Currently there are around 1,000 boeroes left in Suriname, and 3,000 outside Suriname. Inside Suriname, they work in several sectors of society. Some families still work in the agricultural sector.[2]