WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s national identity remains rooted in birthplace and language, but is also shaped by migration, social contribution and acceptance of diversity, according to a new CBS Curaçao report.
The publication compares data from 2015 and 2025 and examines how residents define a “Yu di Kòrsou.”
CBS concludes that most residents still see being born on Curaçao and speaking Papiamentu as central to national identity. At the same time, there is broad recognition that children of migrants who are born and raised on the island also belong to the national community.
The role of social contribution has weakened slightly. In 2015, 62.8 percent said someone who contributes to Curaçao society could be considered “Yu di Kòrsou.” In 2025, that dropped to 55 percent.
CBS says the findings show both continuity and change: Curaçao’s identity remains strongly local, but the society is also becoming more accepting of ethnic and religious diversity.