Suriname History

Early settlers

Prior to Columbus spotting Suriname, the Arawak and Carib tribes are already leading a prosperous life in the country. Living on the varieties of fish and game on the islands, these tribes were excellent hunters and fisher folks. Aside from these two larger tribes, there are also smaller units of population living in the rainforest area of the country. These folks live off the fruits of a healthy rainforest.

European settlers

The first Europeans to come to Suriname were the Dutch. However, it was the English who pioneered settling on the island. This pioneer settlement was invaded by the Dutch in the year 1667, and then recaptured by the English in 1674. A treaty was signed to prevent the ceasing to happen again. This was followed by the setting up of plantations all over the country, plantations that sustained the country's economy and the lives of the European landlords.

Slavery and independence

As in plantations put up in other countries, the landlords were the Europeans yet the ones to till the soil and tend to the crops were the natives. The original settlers were turned into slaves. Only in 1873 ws the people freed from their obligation to work in the plantations.

The years that followed

The years that followed made way for Suriname's self governance which resulted to a series of coups happening over and over to different presidents. There was a total lack of agreement toward the government from the common people. In 1958, the country finally woke up to more peaceful politics. The new constitution was drafted. However, peace was short-lived. To this day, the country is facing rebellion from some popular icons in society.