Friendship in Suriname

Friendship in Suriname is a freely chosen, personal relationship built through recurring mutual contact without a formal legal or administrative status. Friends may be called vriend or vriendin in Dutch, or mati or kompe in Sranan Tongo. Friendships commonly grow through school, work, sports, religious and community activities, online contact, and youth organizations.

Tip

Treat friendship in Suriname as a relationship you build and maintain through reliable contact, clear boundaries and mutual effort, not as a status that can be registered or enforced. Choose contact routes that fit your location, language, budget and schedule, and check the provider's rules before joining an activity. Take threats, coercion or violence seriously and use the appropriate safety or child-protection service promptly.