The British influenced the culture in a number of ways, but the greatest impact was in the large numbers of African slaves; the African population quickly outnumbered the British and European population in the region, but since the British controlled the lands the culture was altered to mix there British and African influences.
The Dutch took over the lands next, but the slavery didn't change. However, over this time a number of slaves escaped the plantations and fled into the forests. These people, called maroons, created a new culture and lifestyle. With the end of slavery new cultures were added to the country as immigration, primarily from Asia's Far East and Southern Asia, took place. These people, then and today, maintain many aspects of their home cultures and lifestyles.
Today uniformity in ethnicity, culture, and lifestyle is rare. Each ethnic group tends to remain tied to their traditional cultures and lifestyles, including the Indians, Chinese, Indonesians, Africans, and Maroons. These people speak different languages, dress differently, follow different religions, and have differing political opinions, making Suriname a very diverse, but divided country.
Suriname's contains a large yellow star, which represents unity of all ethnic groups and is yellow to symbolize the light the nation draws as they work towards a golden future. The red on the flag is for progress and love, the green represents hope and fertility, and white is for peace, justice, and freedom.
Name: Republic of Suriname
Independence: November 25, 1975
Capital: Paramaribo
Currency: Suriname Guilder
Population: 566,846 (2013 estimate)
Ethnicity: Hindustani, Creole, & Others
Language: Dutch
Religion: Hindi, Muslim, Catholic, & Protestant