Difference between revisions of "Aruba"

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.
 
(14 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<!--- google head start --->
<html>
<center>
<script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-8301339234603383" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- 728x90, wikiheader 6/24/10 -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-8301339234603383" data-ad-slot="0064050268"></ins>
<script>
    (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</center>
</html>
<!--- google head end --->
{{Aruba cities}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; border: 0px;"
|-
|style="border: 0px solid blue;"|
{| border=7
|-
|style="border: 1px solid red;"|[[:category:Aruba Photo Gallery|<font size="3">'''''Aruba Photo Gallery'''''</font>]]
|}
|style="border: 0px solid blue;"|
{| border=7
|-
|style="border: 1px solid red;"|[[:Category:Aruba_Realty|<font size="3" color=green>'''''Aruba Realty'''''</font>]]
|}
|}
----
----
<div style="float: right; width: 336; height: ">
<div style="float: right; width: 336; height: ">
{| width=336
{| width=336
|-
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Aruba map locator.gif|336px]]<br>Location of Aruba within South America
|align="center"|'''ARUBA COAT OF ARMS'''<br>[[File:Coat of arms of Aruba.svg|336px]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Aruba map locator.gif|336px]]<br>Location of Aruba within the Geographic Region of [[South America]]
|-
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Aruba_map.gif|336px]]<br>Map of Aruba
|align="center"|[[File:Aruba_map.gif|336px]]<br>Map of Aruba
Line 40: Line 71:


Aruba, island lying southwest of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, some 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Curaçao and 18 miles (29 km) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná. Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tourists flock to Aruba, attracted by its white-sand beaches in the south and west, rugged coastline in the northeast, and desert environment in the interior. The capital is Oranjestad, which also is the main port.
Aruba, island lying southwest of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, some 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Curaçao and 18 miles (29 km) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná. Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tourists flock to Aruba, attracted by its white-sand beaches in the south and west, rugged coastline in the northeast, and desert environment in the interior. The capital is Oranjestad, which also is the main port.
'''[[Aruba Description]]'''
Aruba's first inhabitants are believed to have been the Caquetios Amerinds from the Arawak tribe of Venezuela. Archeologists have found remnants of their settlements dating back to 1000 AD.[[Aruba Description|>>>Read On<<<]]


== Geography of ARUBA==
== Geography of ARUBA==
Line 88: Line 124:


'''People'''
'''People'''
[[File:Aruba-population_density.jpg]]<br>
'''Aruba:'' population density<br>
Population density of Aruba.<br>


Most of Aruba’s population is ethnically mixed, including many people of American Indian ancestry, often in combination with Dutch, Spanish, and African heritage. There are few people of predominantly African descent, however, because—unlike most other Caribbean islands—Aruba had few slave-based plantations during colonial times. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamentu (also spoken in Curaçao and Bonaire), a creole that evolved mainly from Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely used. Nearly nine-tenths of the people are Roman Catholic; most of the remainder are Protestant. The birth and death rates are both relatively low, and the rate of natural increase is less than average for the West Indies. Life expectancy for both men and women is among the highest in the region and is comparable to that in developed countries.
Most of Aruba’s population is ethnically mixed, including many people of American Indian ancestry, often in combination with Dutch, Spanish, and African heritage. There are few people of predominantly African descent, however, because—unlike most other Caribbean islands—Aruba had few slave-based plantations during colonial times. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamentu (also spoken in Curaçao and Bonaire), a creole that evolved mainly from Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely used. Nearly nine-tenths of the people are Roman Catholic; most of the remainder are Protestant. The birth and death rates are both relatively low, and the rate of natural increase is less than average for the West Indies. Life expectancy for both men and women is among the highest in the region and is comparable to that in developed countries.
Line 208: Line 249:


==Economy of Aruba==
==Economy of Aruba==
[[File:Oranjestad-_shopping_centre.jpg]]<br>
'''Oranjestad:''' shopping centre<br>
Shopping centre in Oranjestad, Aruba.<br>


Services form the basis of the Aruban economy. These activities centre primarily on tourism, but offshore banking and other services are also important. Until the end of the 18th century, Aruba was used by the colonial authorities for horse breeding, and local and mainland Indians served as herdsmen. Only from the early 19th century was land sold to individual settlers. Agriculture remained of little importance despite efforts to grow aloe for pharmaceutical products. Gold mining began in 1824 but was discontinued in the early 20th century. Aruba’s economy improved when oil refining started in the 1920s at the port of San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas); crude oil was imported mainly from Venezuela. The refinery closed in 1985, provoking a serious economic crisis. Arubans responded by aggressively promoting and expanding tourism, including building luxury hotels and casinos, to exploit the idyllic island setting. The refinery later reopened and resumed full production by 1993. However, petroleum now plays a smaller role in the economy, although it does constitute virtually all of Aruba’s export earnings, and crude petroleum is the major import commodity. The economy has been diversified by developing a free-trade zone, a data-processing sector, and international offshore financial services. The island has an international airport and is further linked to the outside world by steamship and cruise ship services. Local currency is the Aruban florin, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Services form the basis of the Aruban economy. These activities centre primarily on tourism, but offshore banking and other services are also important. Until the end of the 18th century, Aruba was used by the colonial authorities for horse breeding, and local and mainland Indians served as herdsmen. Only from the early 19th century was land sold to individual settlers. Agriculture remained of little importance despite efforts to grow aloe for pharmaceutical products. Gold mining began in 1824 but was discontinued in the early 20th century. Aruba’s economy improved when oil refining started in the 1920s at the port of San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas); crude oil was imported mainly from Venezuela. The refinery closed in 1985, provoking a serious economic crisis. Arubans responded by aggressively promoting and expanding tourism, including building luxury hotels and casinos, to exploit the idyllic island setting. The refinery later reopened and resumed full production by 1993. However, petroleum now plays a smaller role in the economy, although it does constitute virtually all of Aruba’s export earnings, and crude petroleum is the major import commodity. The economy has been diversified by developing a free-trade zone, a data-processing sector, and international offshore financial services. The island has an international airport and is further linked to the outside world by steamship and cruise ship services. Local currency is the Aruban florin, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Line 400: Line 445:


==Cultural life of Aruba==
==Cultural life of Aruba==
[[File:Aruba1.jpg]]<br>
'''Aruba'''<br>
Yachts docked at Palm Beach, Aruba.<br?


Aruba’s long stretches of white sand and clear waters attract numerous tourists. The Cultural Center in Oranjestad offers concerts, ballet, folkloric presentations, and art exhibits throughout the year. The city also includes historical, archaeological, and numismatic museums. The New Year’s Day festivities and pre-Lenten Carnival in February are especially colourful and popular celebrations.
Aruba’s long stretches of white sand and clear waters attract numerous tourists. The Cultural Center in Oranjestad offers concerts, ballet, folkloric presentations, and art exhibits throughout the year. The city also includes historical, archaeological, and numismatic museums. The New Year’s Day festivities and pre-Lenten Carnival in February are especially colourful and popular celebrations.


==History of Aruba==
==History of Aruba==
[[File:Aruba-building_in_Oranjestad.jpg]]<br>
'''Aruba:''' building in Oranjestad<br>
Dutch-style building in Oranjestad, Aruba.<br>
This section focuses specifically on the history and development of the island of Aruba. For a discussion of the history of Aruba in its broader, regional context, see West Indies.
This section focuses specifically on the history and development of the island of Aruba. For a discussion of the history of Aruba in its broader, regional context, see West Indies.


Line 545: Line 601:
*Illicit drugs: transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage of population consumes cocaine
*Illicit drugs: transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage of population consumes cocaine


==Explore the island of Aruba==
==[[Explore the island of Aruba]]==
 
'''BON BINI! WELCOME TO ARUBA!'''
 
Located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, Aruba is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, 82-degree days, and some of the warmest people in the world.
 
Our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. We’re located just below the hurricane belt, and unlike many islands in the Caribbean, our climate is dry, so we rarely have a rainy day. On the south and west coasts of Aruba, you’ll find Oranjestad, our capital city, and miles of beaches that have been named some of the best in the world. Here, you’ll find most of the hotels and all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).
 
In the interior of the island, you’ll find Arikok National Park, a desert like preserve with a variety of wildlife, cacti and dramatic rock formations. You’ll also find some of Aruba’s most striking views, as the ocean crashes against the rugged shoreline below.
 
On the northeast coast, along the windward shore, you’ll see our island’s unofficial mascots, the fofoti trees. The constant trade winds have permanently sculpted them into graceful, southwesterly bending forms.
 
 
'''THE FELICIANOS'''
 
[[File:The_Felicianos_listing_media_update.jpg‎ ]]
 
*OUR STORY: 7 YEARS ⁄⁄ 3 TRIPS
A few years ago, a friend of ours who visits Aruba every year invited us for a trip. We absolutely fell in love with the island and everything there is to do. When Anthony and I got engaged, we knew Aruba was the place where we wanted to get married. Not only do we love the beautiful beaches, but it was so simple for our guests. They could take a direct flight, easily get around the island and never be bored with everything Aruba has to offer.
 
Our ceremony was set on a beautiful white-sand beach, and we danced the night away under the stars to an amazing local Latin band. And our family and friends had a blast. They snorkeled, rented jeeps and had an incredible  sunset sail. Aruba was the picture-perfect backdrop for our perfect day. The happy island of Aruba was an amazing start to our “happily ever after.”
 
--Kara Feliciano
 
 
'''THE EVERLYS'''
 
[[File:Beeverlys_1.jpg‎]]
 
*OUR STORY: 12 YEARS ⁄⁄ 20 TRIPS
 
Mark and I first visited Aruba on our honeymoon in 1999, and we knew in an instant that we wanted to make this island a big part of our lives. When we had our two wonderful daughters, Abby and Livi, our Aruba vacations easily turned into a family tradition.
 
Now we visit Aruba twice a year—one week as a couple to enjoy the island and each other, and one week with the girls for some family fun in the sun. The weather is perfect. The water is gorgeous. The people are incredibly warm and friendly.The girls have officially decided Aruba is our family's 'home away from home!'.
 
-- Robin Everly
 
'''THE JAMESES'''
 
[[File:Jameses_Happy_Returners_Overview.jpg ]]
 
*OUR STORY: 35 YEARS ⁄⁄ 39 TRIPS
 
In the late 70s, we were on a diving trip in Bonaire and we stopped in Aruba for one night. That was all. It was like paradise and Arubians made ​​us feel very welcome. Sometimes when you visit a place, you feel like an outsider. Here, we do not feel it. After all these years we still feel comfortable, Aruba and we consider our second home.
 
Diving has always been our passion, so we spent much of our time at sea in the past three decades. When our son was old enough, he was certified that all we could dive together. Now that we are older, we do more snorkeling beaches. One thing Paul loves is snorkeling with a water scooter. He says it's the best thing since little paradise!
 
Because we were in Aruba so many times, I was invited to be a moderator on the forums aruba.com site. I love helping people discover Aruba for the first time. I always tell people two things: It's very safe here, and there is so much to do, you will never be bored!
 
-- Andrea James
 
 
==THE BIOS==y
 
[[File:ATA_HappyReturner_540x330_Bios.jpg]]
 
*OUR STORY: 4 YEARS ⁄⁄ 2 TRIPS
 
When Gianfranco and I got engaged, we knew we wanted to have a destination wedding, but I was kind of nervous about getting married in a place I’d never seen. Luckily, Gianfranco and his family had been to Aruba before, and they had wonderful things to say. I got in touch with a wedding planner in Aruba and I trusted her immediately. From then on, I never had a moment of doubt.
 
We were married on Eagle Beach at sunset, and everything went better than we could have imagined. Our wedding planner took care of everything for us - the location, the minister, the buffet and the paperwork. It was easy. All our guests were on vacation and had the time of our lives. We have great memories together. It was unforgettable.
 
-- Kimberly Bio
 
'''THE WHIPPLES'''
 
[[File:Whipple_Aruba_Happy_Returners_Overview.jpg]]
 
*OUR STORY: 12 YEARS ⁄⁄ 9 TRIPS


Ten years ago, we took a southern Caribbean cruise and Aruba was the final island stop. Let’s just say we saved the best for last! Since then, we’ve visited every year and our young daughters, Mia and Paige, look forward to every trip.
==[[ARUBA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM]]==


Some of our best memories are of watching the girls grow up on the island. They seem to just get Aruba. We spend most of our day hopping back and forth between the beach and the pool, stopping at the bar halfway for a chocolate milkshake they've nicknamed the “sandslide.” The girls say this is their absolute favorite place in the world, and when we do our sunset walks on the beach as a family, I have to say that I totally agree.


--Shannon Whipple
==Disclaimer==
==Disclaimer==
{{disclaimer countries}}
{{disclaimer countries}}
[[category:countries]]
[[category:countries]]
*[http://www.aruba.com/the-island]

Latest revision as of 16:20, 8 February 2022

Major Cities of Aruba in the continent of South America

AngochiArasjiBabijnBarcelonaBlumondBotonBrasilBringamosaBubaliButucuCalabasCamacuriCanashitoCas AribaCas di PalomaCasheroCasibariCatashiCatiriCeru ColoradoCobo LodoCunucu AbaoCura CabaiDacotaDaimariEagle BeachFonteinGasparitoJamanotaJan FlemmingJuwana MortoLago ColonyLargo CadushiMacuarimaMadikiMahumaMarawielMaria MaiModansaMon PosMorgensterNoordNoord Cura CabaiOranjestad (capital)Palm BeachParkietenbosPiedra PlatPlantersrustPontonPos AbaoPos ChiquitoRooi AfoRooi PrikichiSan NicolasSanta CruzSavanetaSero BlancoShabiruriShiribanaTamarijnTanki FlipTanki LenderWayaca

Aruba Photo Gallery
Aruba Realty


ARUBA COAT OF ARMS
Coat of arms of Aruba.svg
Aruba map locator.gif
Location of Aruba within the Geographic Region of South America
Aruba map.gif
Map of Aruba
Aruba flag.gif
Flag Description of Aruba: blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil and white beaches, its four points the four major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa is said to cure about three hundred diseases and almost have all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in a larger proportions. With all the health benefits of this miracle herb, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth.

Moringa Oleifera has no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. It can be consumed by small children and adults. Today, millions world over have started using Moringa based products in porridge, pastas, bread and to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary ‘Moringa’ herb.

Official name Aruba
Political status autonomous state of the Netherlands with one legislative house (Staten/Parlamento di Aruba, or Parliament of Aruba )
Head of state Dutch Monarch: King Willem-Alexander, represented by Governor: Fredis Refunjol
Head of government Prime Minister: Mike Eman
Capital Oranjestad
Official languages Dutch; Papiamentu
Official religion none
Monetary unit Aruban florin (Af.)
Population (2013 est.) 105,000COLLAPSE
Total area (sq mi) 75
Total area (sq km) 193
Urban-rural population

Urban: (2011) 46.8%
Rural: (2011) 53.2%

Life expectancy at birth

Male: (2010) 76 years
Female: (2010) 79.8 years

Literacy: percentage of population age 15 and over literate

Male: not available
Female: not available

GNI per capita (U.S.$) (2009) 23,148

1Same official name in Dutch and Papiamentu.

Background of Aruba

Although Aruba conducts foreign affairs primarily through the Dutch Government, it also has strong relations with other Caribbean governments. Aruba is an observer in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an associate member of the World Trade Organization through the Netherlands, and is a full member of the Association of Caribbean States.

Aruba, island lying southwest of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, some 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Curaçao and 18 miles (29 km) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná. Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tourists flock to Aruba, attracted by its white-sand beaches in the south and west, rugged coastline in the northeast, and desert environment in the interior. The capital is Oranjestad, which also is the main port.


Aruba Description

Aruba's first inhabitants are believed to have been the Caquetios Amerinds from the Arawak tribe of Venezuela. Archeologists have found remnants of their settlements dating back to 1000 AD.>>>Read On<<<

Geography of ARUBA

Tha Land

Aruba is 20 miles (32 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) across at its widest point. Generally low in elevation, the island consists largely of igneous rocks overlain by limestone deposits and is fringed with coral reefs. Its highest point is Mount Jamanota, which rises to 620 feet (189 metres) above sea level. Among the isolated steep-sided hills that characterize the landscape is the mountain known as Hooiberg (“Haystack”), which reaches 560 feet (171 metres). In some places immense monolithic boulders of diorite are peculiarly piled on top of one another. Aruba has barren soil with little or no natural irrigation. Most drinking water is obtained by desalinating seawater. The temperature varies little from an annual average of 81 °F (27 °C), and the heat is tempered by northeasterly trade winds. Precipitation is low and variable, usually amounting to about 17 inches (430 mm) per year. The island lies outside the usual path of hurricanes, though one occasionally does reach it. The natural vegetation consists of a variety of drought-resistant cacti, shrubs, and trees.


  • Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
  • Geographic coordinates: 12 30 N, 69 58 W
  • Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
  • Area:
total: 180 sq km
country comparison to the world: 218
land: 180 sq km
water
0 sq km
  • Area - comparative: slightly larger than Washington, DC
  • Land boundaries :0 km
  • Coastline: 68.5 km
  • Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm
  • Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
  • Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation
  • Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m
  • Natural resources: NEGL; white sandy beaches
  • Land use:
arable land: 11.11%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 88.89% (2005)
  • Irrigated land: NA
  • Natural hazards: hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Environment - current issues: NA

Geography - note: a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

Demography of ARUBA

People

Aruba-population density.jpg
'Aruba: population density
Population density of Aruba.


Most of Aruba’s population is ethnically mixed, including many people of American Indian ancestry, often in combination with Dutch, Spanish, and African heritage. There are few people of predominantly African descent, however, because—unlike most other Caribbean islands—Aruba had few slave-based plantations during colonial times. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamentu (also spoken in Curaçao and Bonaire), a creole that evolved mainly from Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely used. Nearly nine-tenths of the people are Roman Catholic; most of the remainder are Protestant. The birth and death rates are both relatively low, and the rate of natural increase is less than average for the West Indies. Life expectancy for both men and women is among the highest in the region and is comparable to that in developed countries.


  • Nationality:
noun: Aruban(s)
adjective: Aruban; Dutch
  • Ethnic groups: Dutch 82.1%, Colombian 6.6%, Venezuelan 2.2%, Dominican 2.2%, Haitian 1.2%, other 5.5%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)
  • Languages: Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)
  • Religions: Roman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9% (includes Methodist .9%, Adventist .9%, Anglican .4%, other Protestant 2.7%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 12%, none 5.5%, unspecified 0.5% (2010 est.)
  • Population: 110,663 (July 2014 est.)
  • country comparison to the world: 190

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.8% (male 9,852/female 9,797)
15-24 years: 13.5% (male 7,469/female 7,427)
25-54 years: 43% (male 22,981/female 24,615)
55-64 years: 13.5% (male 6,804/female 8,093)
65 years and over: 12.3% (male 5,346/female 8,279) (2014 est.)
  • population pyramid:

Dependency ratios:

total dependency ratio: 44.1 %
youth dependency ratio: 27.1 %
elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 %
potential support ratio: 5.9 (2014 est.)
  • Median age:
total: 38.8 years
male: 36.9 years
female: 40.6 years (2014 est.)
  • Population growth rate: 1.36% (2014 est.)
  • country comparison to the world: 90
Birth rate: 12.65 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
  • Death rate: 8.09 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Net migration rate: 9.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
  • Urbanization:
urban population: 46.8% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
  • ORANJESTAD (capital) 37,000 (2011)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2014 est.)
  • Infant mortality rate:
total: 11.74 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 128
male: 15.44 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)
  • Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 76.35 years
country comparison to the world: 82
male: 73.3 years
female: 79.47 years (2014 est.)
  • Total fertility rate:
1.84 children born/woman (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
  • Drinking water source:

improved:

urban: 97.8% of population
rural: 97.8% of population
total: 97.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 2.2% of population
rural: 2.2% of population
total: 2.2% of population (2012 est.)
  • Sanitation facility access:

improved:

urban: 97.7% of population
rural: 97.7% of population
total: 97.7% of population

unimproved:

urban: 2.3% of population
rural: 2.3% of population
total: 2.3% of population (2012 est.)
  • HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
  • HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
  • HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
  • Education expenditures: 6% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 41
  • Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.8%
male: 96.9%
female: 96.7% (2010 est.)
  • School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2011)
  • Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total: 23.2%
country comparison to the world: 47
male: 24.1%
female: 22.9% (2007)

Economy of Aruba

Oranjestad- shopping centre.jpg
Oranjestad: shopping centre
Shopping centre in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Services form the basis of the Aruban economy. These activities centre primarily on tourism, but offshore banking and other services are also important. Until the end of the 18th century, Aruba was used by the colonial authorities for horse breeding, and local and mainland Indians served as herdsmen. Only from the early 19th century was land sold to individual settlers. Agriculture remained of little importance despite efforts to grow aloe for pharmaceutical products. Gold mining began in 1824 but was discontinued in the early 20th century. Aruba’s economy improved when oil refining started in the 1920s at the port of San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas); crude oil was imported mainly from Venezuela. The refinery closed in 1985, provoking a serious economic crisis. Arubans responded by aggressively promoting and expanding tourism, including building luxury hotels and casinos, to exploit the idyllic island setting. The refinery later reopened and resumed full production by 1993. However, petroleum now plays a smaller role in the economy, although it does constitute virtually all of Aruba’s export earnings, and crude petroleum is the major import commodity. The economy has been diversified by developing a free-trade zone, a data-processing sector, and international offshore financial services. The island has an international airport and is further linked to the outside world by steamship and cruise ship services. Local currency is the Aruban florin, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar.

  • Economy - overview: Tourism and offshore banking are the mainstays of the small open Aruban economy. Tourist arrivals have rebounded strongly following a dip after the 11 September 2001 attacks. Tourism now accounts for over 80 % of economic activity. Over 1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba, with 75% of those from the US. The rapid growth of the tourism sector has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction continues to boom with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. Aruba is heavily dependent on imports and is making efforts to expand exports to achieve a more desirable trade balance. Aruba weathered two major shocks in recent years: fallout from the global financial crisis, which had its largest impact on tourism, and the closure of its oil refinery in 2009. Economic recovery is progressing gradually, but output is still 12% below its pre-crisis level. Aruba’s banking sector withstood the recession well, and unemployment has significantly decreased.
  • GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.516 billion (2009 est.)
  • country comparison to the world: 186
$2.258 billion (2005 est.)
$2.205 billion (2004 est.)
  • GDP (official exchange rate): $2.516 billion (2009 est.)
  • GDP - real growth rate: 2.4% (2005 est.)
  • country comparison to the world: 133
  • GDP - per capita (PPP): $25,300 (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
  • GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 33.3%
services: 66.3% (2002 est.)
Agriculture - products: aloes; livestock; fish
  • Industries: tourism, transshipment facilities, banking
  • Industrial production growth rate: NA%
  • Labor force: 51,610
  • country comparison to the world: 192

note: of the 51,610 workers aged 15 and over in the labor force, 32,252 were born in Aruba and 19,353 came from abroad; foreign workers are 38% of the employed population (2007 est.)

  • Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade, followed by hotels and restaurants
  • Unemployment rate: 6.9% (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72
  • Population below poverty line: NA%
  • Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
  • Budget:
revenues: $625.1 million
expenditures: $813.9 million (2013 est.)
  • Taxes and other revenues: 24.8% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 132
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -7.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
  • Public debt: 67% of GDP (2013)
country comparison to the world: 42
55% of GDP (2012)
Fiscal year:
  • calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -2% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 2
0.6% (2012 est.)
  • Central bank discount rate:
1% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
3% (31 December 2009 est.)
  • Commercial bank prime lending rate:
10.5% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
8.4% (31 December 2012 est.)
  • Stock of narrow money:
$1.022 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
$868.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)
  • Stock of broad money:
$1.91 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153
$1.765 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
  • Stock of domestic credit:
$1.594 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140
$1.448 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
  • Exports:
$2.222 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
$1.389 billion (2012 est.)
  • Exports - commodities: live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment
  • Exports - partners: Colombia 39.4%, Venezuela 29.3%, US 13%, Netherlands Antilles 4.1% (2012)
  • Imports:
$3.162 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146
$2.039 billion (2012 est.)
  • Imports - commodities: machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs
  • Imports - partners:US 46.4%, Netherlands 11.5%, UK 5.4% (2012)
  • Debt - external:
$533.4 million (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
  • Exchange rates:
Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar -
1.79 (2013 est.)
1.79 (2012 est.)

Government of Aruba

  • Government and society

A governor, appointed to a six-year term by the Dutch crown, is the formal head of government and representative of the reigning monarch of the Netherlands. Executive authority is vested in a Council of Ministers, headed by a prime minister. The council is responsible to a 21-member unicameral legislature, the Staten (States), elected by universal adult suffrage. The vast majority of the population is literate. Primary and secondary education are free and, since 1999, compulsory from age 4 to 16. Dutch is the main language of instruction, with Papiamentu being used in some primary classrooms. The University of Aruba, a teacher’s college, and a community college provide postsecondary instruction, though most Arubans go abroad for higher education. Health standards on the island are high.

  • Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Aruba
  • Dependency status: constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
  • Government type:

parliamentary democracy

  • Capital:
name: Oranjestad
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
  • Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
  • Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
  • National holiday: Flag Day, 18 March (1976)
  • Constitution: previous 1947, 1955; latest drafted and approved August 1985, enacted 1 January 1986 (regulates governance of Aruba, but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - in October 2010, following dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (2013)
  • Legal system: civil law system based on the Dutch civil code
  • Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
  • Executive branch:
chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since 11 May 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Michiel "Mike" Godfried EMAN (since 30 October 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten

(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held on 25 September 2009 (next to be held by September 2013)
election results: Michiel "Mike" Godfried EMAN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA
  • Legislative branch: unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 September 2013 (next to be held in 2017)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AVP 13, MEP 8
  • Judicial branch:
highest court(s): Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatitus and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (consists of the presiding judge, NA members, and NA substitutes); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court, in The Hague, Netherlands

note - prior to 2010, the Joint Court of Justice was the Common Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch for life

subordinate courts: Courts in First Instance
  • Political parties and leaders:
Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]
Aruban Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]
Aruban Patriotic Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]
Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]
Aruban People's Party or AVP [Michiel "Mike" EMAN]
People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]
Real Democracy or PDR [Andin BIKKER]
RED [Rudy LAMPE]
Workers Political Platform or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF]
  • Political pressure groups and leaders:
other: environmental groups
  • International organization participation: Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU
  • Diplomatic representation in the US: none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

(Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao, currently Consul General Valerie BELON, is accredited to Aruba

Flag description: blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil and white beaches, its four points the four major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

Cultural life of Aruba

Aruba1.jpg
Aruba
Yachts docked at Palm Beach, Aruba.<br?


Aruba’s long stretches of white sand and clear waters attract numerous tourists. The Cultural Center in Oranjestad offers concerts, ballet, folkloric presentations, and art exhibits throughout the year. The city also includes historical, archaeological, and numismatic museums. The New Year’s Day festivities and pre-Lenten Carnival in February are especially colourful and popular celebrations.

History of Aruba

Aruba-building in Oranjestad.jpg
Aruba: building in Oranjestad
Dutch-style building in Oranjestad, Aruba.


This section focuses specifically on the history and development of the island of Aruba. For a discussion of the history of Aruba in its broader, regional context, see West Indies.

The island’s earliest inhabitants were Arawak Indians, who left behind red cave drawings and clay pottery and stone tools. After Aruba was claimed by Spain in 1499, it became a centre of piracy and smuggling. In 1636 it was taken by the Dutch and occupied by the Dutch West India Company. As part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba came briefly under British rule during the Napoleonic Wars but was returned to the Netherlands in 1816.

The economy remained weak until an oil refinery was constructed at San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas) in the 1920s, which raised the standard of living dramatically. Immigration from the rest of the Caribbean, the United States, Venezuela, and Europe contributed to a substantial increase in population. Despite its new economic strength, Aruba remained politically subordinated to the Antilles’ main island of Curaçao.

In 1986 Aruba obtained autonomous status, the result of a popular movement led by the People’s Electoral Movement (Movimento Electoral di Pueblo) to break away from Curaçaoan—rather than from Dutch—domination. In 1994 the Aruban government, in conjunction with the governments of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, decided to postpone indefinitely the transition to full independence.

Energy of Aruba

  • Electricity - production: 980 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
Electricity - consumption: 911.4 million kWh (2010 est.)
  • country comparison to the world: 153
  • Electricity - exports:
  • 0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 92
  • Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
  • Electricity - installed generating capacity: 266,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153
  • Electricity - from fossil fuels: 88.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
  • Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
  • Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
  • Electricity - from other renewable sources: 11.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25
  • Crude oil - production: 2,811 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
  • Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
  • Crude oil - imports: 228,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
  • Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 101
  • Refined petroleum products - production: 234,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50
  • Refined petroleum products - consumption: 5,661 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
  • Refined petroleum products - exports: 234,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
  • Refined petroleum products - imports: 6,725 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137
  • Natural gas - production: 1 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 95
  • Natural gas - consumption: 1 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 115
  • Natural gas - exports: 1 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53
  • Natural gas - imports: 1 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
  • Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
  • Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy: 1.237 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communication of Aruba

  • Telephones - main lines in use: 43,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 169
  • Telephones - mobile cellular: 135,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 188
  • Telephone system:
general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications system
domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3 mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed
international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links (2007)
  • Broadcast media: 2 commercial TV stations; cable TV subscription service provides access to foreign channels; about 20 commercial radio stations broadcast (2007)
  • Internet country code:.aw
  • Internet hosts: 40,560 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 101
  • Internet users: 24,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 188

Transportation of Aruba

  • Airports: 1 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 210
  • Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2013)
  • Ports and terminals:
major seaport(s): Barcadera, Oranjestad
oil terminal(s): Sint Nicolaas
cruise port(s): Oranjestad

Military of Aruba

  • Military branches: no regular military forces (2011)
  • Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 24,891
females age 16-49: 26,202 (2010 est.)
  • Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 20,527
females age 16-49: 21,493 (2010 est.)
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 767
female: 743 (2010 est.)
  • Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands; the Aruba security services focus on organized crime and terrorism (2011)

Transnational Issue of Aruba

  • Disputes - international: none
  • Illicit drugs: transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity; relatively high percentage of population consumes cocaine

Explore the island of Aruba

ARUBA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Disclaimer

This is not the official site of this country. Most of the information in this site were taken from the U.S. Department of State, The Central Intelligence Agency, The United Nations, [1],[2], [3], [4], [5],[6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14],[15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24],[25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30],[31], [32], [33], [34], and the [35].

Other sources of information will be mentioned as they are posted.