Ethnicity in colonial Burnyasborg

The history of racial mixture in Swedish Borneo occurred on a smaller scale than other Swedish overseas possessions during the colonial period from the 18th to the 19th century. This ethno-religious social stratification schema was similar to the casta system used in the Spanish Empire, with some major differences.

The system was used for city planning, with Malays being allocated the yttrestad (outer city), Chinese being allocated the kinesiskstad, and Arabs being placed in Lilla Arabien. Europeans, however, were allocated separate boroughs: Portuguese and Dutch in Gadong, Britons in Pintu Malim and Swedes in the innerstad (inner city).

Peranakans (peoples of mixed-race ancestry) would be allocated Ranggu Island, until 1843 all kinds of Peranakans were allowed to populate but only non-Eurasian Peranakans (Chettiars, Baba Nyonya, Jawi Pekans and Chindians) were allowed to stay on Ranggu Island thereafter, Eurasian Peranakans (Indos, Mardijkers, Kristangs etc.) were moved to Telanai.

Malays
The Malays were the original denizens of Borneo, having first arrived during the time of the Bruneian Empire in the 14th century. It is unknown where they came from, but it is commonly believed that the Malays were originally inhabitants of Malacca, Johor and Riau.

Malay immigration increased in the Swedish colonial era, with Malays from Johor, Riau, the Riau Islands, Sumatra, Penang, Malacca and Singapore immigrating to Borneo encouraged by the British, Dutch and Swedish.

The Malays lived in the Yttrestad (outer-city) neighborhood, allocated to the Malays by the Swedish. Now called Pusar Ulak, it is one of three neighborhoods in St. Michaelsburg with a predominantly Malay population (the other two being Lupak Luas and Pelambayan). The legacy of the Malays in colonial-era Pusar Ulak is marked by traditional kampong-style houses and mosques.

Infödda
The infödda (natives) were the original inhabitants of Borneo. Divided into various ethnic groups, the predominant ones in the city are the Iban (Sea Dayaks) and the Kadazan-Dusun, with Murut, Tutong and Melanau as minorities in St. Michaelsburg.

They were given the city's Berangan district, where the native groups remain in St. Michaelsburg to this day, albeit pockets of Malays and Indonesians have appeared.

Invånare
The invånare (denizens) are non-Borneoan groups from the Indonesian archipelago living in Borneo. As with the infödda, they are divided into various ethnic groups and are predominantly Javanese, Banjarese and Buginese. Makassarese, Minangkabau and Sundanese are also minorities.

The Banjarese are the most numerous of the groups however. Formed from the inter-assimilation of Malays, Dayaks and Javanese, the ethnic group, native to Banjarstad, has seen a growing diaspora population across the rest of Borneo. The Masjid Al-Jannah, serving the Banjar community in St. Michaelsburg, is located not far from the landmark Masjid Himlen. Former Mayor Nordin Hussain and former Prime Minister Idham Chalid are of Banjarese ancestry.

Muslimers
The Muslimers (Muslims) are the second largest religious group in Borneo. Constituting 34.4% of the Bornean population, they are mainly composed of Malays, Banjars, Arabs and Indian Muslims. Masjid Himlen, built in 1848 to serve the city's Muslim community, is a landmark of the city.

Kristna
The Kristna (Christians) are the dominant religious group in Borneo. At least 65% of all Borneoans are Christians, and compose of nearly all European groups, European Peranakan groups and the "Colored Christians", converts to Christianity from either the Chinese, Malay or Indian ethnic groups.

The three groups of Colored Christians include:
 * The Gröna Kristna (Green Christians), Malay converts to Christianity, mostly practice Evangelical Protestantism (Baptism and Pentecostalism). The largest church serving the Green Christian community in St. Michaelsburg is the Sungai Baptist Church.
 * The Röda Kristna (Red Christians) are Chinese converts to Christianity. As with their Malay counterparts, most are Evangelical Protestants. St. Michaelsburg Chinese Baptist Church and Chinese Gospel Church are the two main Chinese churches in the city, the former known for its Chinese-inspired design.
 * The Rosa Kristna (Pink Christians), Indian converts to Christianity, have a more diverse set of practiced denominations. They are divided between Evangelical Protestants, Catholics and Anglicans.