Inhabited by Surinen peoples, who were driven out by other Amerindians before the 16th century; Spain claimed area 1593; Dutch settled, in dispute with British during the 17th century; Africans came as slaves in the 17th century, then indentured servants from China, Java, and India arrived; official language is Dutch, though Hindustani, Javanese, Chinese, Spanish, and the local language (Sranang Tongo) are also spoken.
