Overview of Curaçao

Profile

Willemstad's historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, creating postcard-like scenery with pastel-colored buildings and drawbridges crossing canals. Annual average temperature is around 27°C with long dry season and relatively little hurricane impact. Tourism, finance, and petroleum-related industries form economic pillars, and the trilingual society is characteristic. The island is also known as the origin of the world-famous Blue Curaçao liqueur, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually for diving and beach resorts.

Official name: Country of Curaçao (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Common name: Curaçao
Numeric code: 531
Alpha-3 code: CUW
Alpha-2 code: CW
Population: Approx. 165,000 (2023)
Population density: Approx. 370 people/km²
Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento, English
Major religions: Roman Catholicism
National anthem: Himno di Kòrsou
Calling code: +599
Internet TLD: .cw

History

The island inhabited by indigenous Caquetio people was reached by Spain in 1499 and occupied by the Netherlands in 1634. It prospered as a slave trade hub and petroleum refining developed in the 20th century. In 2010, following dissolution of Netherlands Antilles, it became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Called 'useless island' under Spanish colonial rule, it gained importance as a slave trade base under Dutch West India Company control utilizing the natural harbor Schottegat. After abolition of slavery in the 19th century, the economy temporarily stagnated, but after a devastating fire in 1915, Shell established petroleum refining facilities leading to revival. During World War II, it functioned as Allied supply port. Following post-WWII autonomy expansion and Aruba's independence in 1986, on October 10, 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and Curaçao became a constituent country with its own parliament and government.

Geography & climate

Flat island composed of limestone plateau and coral reef, with low hills in center, rugged cliffs on north coast, and coves with white sand beaches dotting south coast.

Tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw)

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 444 km²
Capital: Willemstad
Largest city: Willemstad
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Limestone, Phosphate, Salt pans, Wind power, Solar power, Ornamental coral, Fishery resources, Underground freshwater lens

Politics

Government: Parliamentary system under constitutional monarchy (decentralized state of Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Economy

Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

GDP (nominal): Approx. 3 billion US Dollar (2022)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Dutch, Papiamento, English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, Latin American, Sephardic Jewish, Portuguese, Arab Lebanese

Life expectancy

Approx. 78 years

Literacy rate

Approx. 96%

National sports

Baseball, Football, Sailing, Kitesurfing, Athletics