Overview of Caribbean Netherlands / BES Islands

Profile

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are special municipalities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with equivalent legal status to European Netherlands municipalities, collectively known as Caribbean Netherlands. While under Dutch law politically and administratively, they enjoy high autonomy with island councils and executive leaders. Tourism—especially diving, sailing, and ecotourism—is a major industry, and the U.S. dollar is the circulating currency. Rich coral reefs and rare wildlife are protected, and each island preserves its unique culture and historical heritage.

Official name: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Caribbean Netherlands)
Common name: Caribbean Netherlands / BES Islands
Numeric code: 535
Alpha-3 code: BES
Alpha-2 code: BQ
Population: Approx. 28,000 (2023)
Population density: Approx. 85 per km²
Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento, English
Major religions: Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant)
National anthem: Wilhelmus (Dutch national anthem)
Calling code: +599
Internet TLD: .nl

History

Following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the three islands were incorporated into the Netherlands as special municipalities.

After changing hands among Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain since the 17th century, the islands officially became Dutch in 1816. Long part of the Netherlands Antilles, constitutional restructuring led to the dissolution on October 10, 2010. Curaçao and Sint Maarten became constituent countries, while the BES islands were directly integrated as special municipalities. Since then, administrative and judicial systems have been aligned with the Netherlands, while policies protect the islands' languages and customs.

Geography & climate

Bonaire is a dry limestone plateau with salt lakes and low-lying terrain. In contrast, Sint Eustatius and Saba are steep volcanic islands with dramatic topography covered by rainforest and cloud forest at the peaks.

Tropical savanna (Bonaire) / Tropical rainforest (highlands)

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 328 km²
Capital: Kralendijk (administrative center on Bonaire)
Largest city: Kralendijk
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coral reefs, sea salt, fishery resources, tourism resources, volcanic fertile soil, wind power, solar energy, aloe, pillar cacti, seabird nesting sites, sea turtle nesting grounds, diveable wrecks, scenic landscapes, geothermal potential

Politics

Government: Special municipalities of the Netherlands (public bodies)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento, English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, Latin American, Southeast Asian (mainly Indonesian), Indigenous Caribbean descendants

Life expectancy

81.2 years (2017 estimate)

Literacy rate

98%

National sports

Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Sailing, Soccer, Baseball, Triathlon