The first Chinese people came in Suriname in the ninth century as contractual laborers. During the last decennia also Chinese people came here as volunteer immigrants. Most of them came from the South Chinese province Guandong and mainly speak the Hakka language.

Traditionally the Chinese people in Suriname are generally active in the commercial sector. From earlier times up to now they are well known with their small shops, which are found in most of the populated areas. Nowadays they own bigger commercial firms, and are also active in other sectors.

Chinese culinary is famous in Suriname, and the number of Chinese restaurants is increasing here. Chinese dishes are well known here, and the Surinamese people love some vegetables, conserved fruits and ingredients introduced by the Chinese.

Kong Mie Tong Sang Photo: Copyright © 2002 Moekiran A. Amatali

A great part of the Chinese people who came here decided to remain in Suriname and some integration may be observed. There are some Chinese unions in the country of which Kong Mie Tong Sang is the eldest one, where among others Chinese language is taught. Chinese papers are issued regularly, informing domestic and international actualities.

Most of the Chinese people here are associated with the Christian religion and there are no temples to practice their own Chinese religion. However still they respect their own traditions. For example they have their own Chinese cemetery, annually they memorize their ancestors, and celebrate the Chinese New Year. Currently some initiatives are taken from Taiwan to activate the Buddhism here.