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Which immigrant communities have contributed to Amsterdam’s population?
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Amsterdam
Overview of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has been a destination for immigrants since the 16th century, contributing to a diverse modern population where non-European minorities comprise well over one-third of the city's inhabitants.1
Key immigrant communities and groups include:
- Former Dutch Empire: Many residents have roots in Indonesia, Suriname, and the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. People of Surinamese origin alone account for approximately one-tenth of the city's population.1
- Guest Workers: Significant minorities from Morocco and Turkey settled in the city as part of labor migration programs.1
- Other Groups: The city's population also includes students and employees of multinational corporations from various developed countries, as well as asylum seekers who arrived during the 1990s.1
The city maintains an active policy of integration, emphasizing language learning and social orientation to support its diverse community.1