Overview of Aruba

Profile

Aruba is a coral reef-derived island of 193 km² floating 25 km off the coast of Venezuela, collectively known as the 'ABC Islands' along with Curaçao and Bonaire. While it developed through oil refining, tourism now accounts for over half of its GDP, making it a resort island. The official languages are Dutch and the creole hybrid Papiamento, with English and Spanish also widely understood. With stable security and infrastructure, its lifestyle blends Dutch and Caribbean cultures. The four-pointed star on the flag represents the island, and the two yellow stripes symbolize the path to freedom and independence.

Official name: Aruba
Common name: Aruba
Numeric code: 533
Alpha-3 code: ABW
Alpha-2 code: AW
Population: approximately 106,000 (2024)
Population density: approximately 550 persons/km2
Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento
Major religions: Catholicism
National anthem: Aruba Dushi Tera
Calling code: +297
Internet TLD: .aw

History

After indigenous Caquetio inhabitants, Spanish reached in 1499, followed by Dutch control mainly from 1636. Separated from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 to become an autonomous country.

Arawak Caquetio people inhabited from around the 1st century. 'Discovered' by Spain in the 16th century but sugar cane plantations did not develop, with temporary prosperity from 19th-century gold mining. In the early 20th century, US-Dutch enterprises built large oil refineries, serving as an Allied supply base during World War II. In 1954, it expanded autonomy as a district of the Netherlands Antilles, and in 1986 became a separate autonomous country under 'Status Aparte.' Following the dissolution of the Antilles in 2010, it continues as one country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Geography & climate

Low, arid limestone island dotted with cacti and divi-divi trees, with northeast showing rough-wave cliffs and southwest featuring calm white sandy beaches.

tropical steppe climate (BSh)

Area: North America (Caribbean Sea) / 193 km²
Capital: Oranjestad
Largest city: Oranjestad
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

coral reefs, white sandy beaches, limestone caves, sustained trade winds, sea salt, aloe, underground freshwater lens, potential oil reserves, natural landscapes with high tourism value, abundant marine biodiversity

Politics

Government: Parliamentary system under constitutional monarchy (constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Economy

Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG)

GDP (nominal): 3.3 billion US dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 4.3 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

mixed (European, African, Caquetio), Dutch, Venezuelan, Colombian, Curaçaoan, Haitian, Chinese, other Caribbean

Life expectancy

approximately 79 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

soccer, baseball, softball, korfball, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing