Religion in Suriname

The dominant religion in Suriname is Christianity, both in the form of Roman Catholicism and various denominations of Protestantism, the Anglican Church being the oldest.[5] According to the 2012 census data 48.4% of the population of Suriname is Christian[1] and the Pentecostal churches are the largest Protestant denomination, closely followed by Moravians.[1]

Distribution of Hindus by district in Suriname.

The story of Hinduism in Suriname is broadly parallel to that in Guyana. Indian indentured labourers were sent to colonial Dutch Guiana by special arrangement between the Dutch and British. The difference is that the Netherlands' more liberal policy toward Hinduism allowed the culture to develop stronger. Examples are the lack of a rigid caste system and the almost universal reading of Gita and Ramayan.[6]

According to the 2012 census of Suriname, Hindus constitute 22.3% of the population.[1] Hindus are mostly concentrated in Northern coastal regions of Suriname: Nickerie, Wanica and Saramacca, where they constitute the largest religious group. There are several hindu temples in Suriname.

According to the most recent census, the Muslim population of Suriname represents about 13.9%[1] of the country's total population, giving the country the highest proportion of Muslims on the American continent.

Muslims that first came to Suriname consisted of indentured laborers from South Asia and Indonesia, from whom today most Muslims in Suriname are descended.

Javanism is followed by 0.8% of the Suriname population. It is followed mainly by the Javanese people in Suriname.[7][8]

Neveh Shalom Synagogue in Paramaribo.

There has been a Jewish community in Suriname since 1639, when the English government allowed Sephardi Jews to settle the region.[9] The Jewish community is currently struggling due to dwindling funds and membership.

The constitution of Suriname establishes the freedom of religion and outlaws discrimination along religious lines. "Instigating religious hatred" is punishable by fines, and in some cases prison.[10]

Religious groups may register with the government in order to receive financial support. Most groups are registered.[10]

Religious instruction is not allowed in public schools. Private religious schools are allowed, and comprise roughly half of the primary and secondary schools in Suriname. These private schools are partially subsidized by the government. Parents are not allowed to homeschool children for religious reasons[10]

The government engages in vocal support of religious diversity and tolerance, and recognizes the holidays of various religious traditions present in the country as national holidays. The armed forces have chaplains for the Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant faiths.[10]