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Coordinates: 12°11′N 69°00′W / 12.183°N 69.000°W / 12.183; -69.000
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Added section regarding Curacao's growing ecotourism segment due to coral reef revitalization efforts.
 
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{{Short description|Dutch Caribbean island country}}
{{for|the bitter orange liqueur|Curaçao liqueur}}
{{About|the island country}}
{{distinguish|Curacoa|Curassow}}
{{Distinguish|Curacoa (disambiguation){{!}}Curacoa|Curassow|Carriacou}}
{{Infobox_Country|
{{pp-move}}
native_name = ''Eilandgebied Curaçao<br/>Teritorio Insular di Kòrsou'' |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
conventional_long_name = Island area of Curaçao |
{{Infobox dependency
common_name = Curaçao |
| name = Curaçao
image_flag = Flag of Curaçao.svg |
| native_name = {{native name|pap|Kòrsou}}
image_coat = Curacao_Coat_of_Arms.png |
| official_name = Country of Curaçao<br />{{nobold|{{native name|nl|Land Curaçao}}<br />{{native name|pap|Pais Kòrsou}}}}
image_map = Curacao_Location.png |
| image_flag = Flag of Curaçao.svg
national_anthem = ''[[Himno di Kòrsou]]'' |
| flag_size = 125
official_languages = [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[Papiamento]], [[English language|English]]|
| flag_link = Flag of Curaçao
unofficial_languages = [[Spanish language|Spanish]] |
| image_seal = Curaçao_wapen.svg
government_type = ''See [[Politics of the Netherlands Antilles]]'' |
| seal_size = 70
leader_title1 = Prime Minister of N.A. |
| seal_type = Coat of arms
leader_name1 = [[Emily de Jongh-Elhage]] |
| seal_link = Coat of arms of Curaçao
leader_title2 = Governor of N.A. |
| anthem = "[[Himno di Kòrsou]]"<br />({{Langx|en|"Anthem of Curaçao"}})<div style="display:inline-block;margin-top:0.4em;">{{center|}}</div> [[File:Curacaoanthem.ogg]]
leader_name2 = [[Frits Goedgedrag]] |
| song_type = Royal anthem
leader_title3 = Administrator |
| song = "[[Wilhelmus]]"<br />({{langx|en|"William of Nassau"}}) [[File:United States Navy Band - Het Wilhelmus (tempo corrected).ogg]]
leader_name3 = Lizanne Dindial |
| image_map = Curacao in its region.svg
sovereignty_type = [[Constitutional monarchy]]
| map_alt = Location of Curaçao
|sovereignty_note = <small>part of the [[Netherlands Antilles]], separate country within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]] as from December 15, 2008</small> |
| map_caption = Location of Curaçao (circled in red)
capital = [[Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles|Willemstad]] |
| mapsize = 290px
largest_city = [[Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles|Willemstad]] |
| established_date = [[Netherlands Antilles]]
area_magnitude = 1_E12 |
| established_title2 = Country status
area_km2 = 444 |
| established_date2 = 10 October 2010
area_sq_mi = 171.4 |
| official_languages = {{Plainlist|
population_census = 138,000|
* [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]]
population_census_year = 2006 |
* [[Dutch language|Dutch]]
population_density_km2 = 391 |
* [[English language|English]]
population_density_sq_mi = 151 |
population_density_rank = ranked as part of N. A. |
| GDP = US$ 2.500 million
| GDP_per_cápita = US$ 18.000
| HDI_index = ± 0.890
utc_offset = -4 |
time_zone = -4 |
latd=12|latm=7|latNS=N|longd=68|longm=56|longEW=W|
currency = [[Netherlands Antillean guilder]] |
currency_code = ANG |
GDP_per_capita = US$ 18.000 (2007)|
HDI_index = 0.890 |
cctld = [[.an]] |
calling_code = 599 |
}}
}}
| demonym = {{hlist|Curaçaoan|Dutch}}
'''Curaçao''' ({{pronounced|ˈkjuːrəsaʊ}} in English; [[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Curaçao'', [[Papiamento]]: ''Kòrsou'') is an [[island]] in the southern [[Caribbean Sea]], off the [[Venezuela]]n coast. The '''island area of Curaçao''' (Dutch: ''Eilandgebied Curaçao'', Papiamentu: ''Teritorio Insular di Kòrsou''), which includes the main island plus the small, uninhabited island of [[Klein Curaçao]] ("Little Curaçao"), is one of five [[islands of the Netherlands Antilles|island areas]] of the [[Netherlands Antilles]], and as such, is a part of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]]. Its capital is [[Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles|Willemstad]].
| capital = [[Willemstad]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|12|7|N|68|56|W|type:city}}
| largest_city = capital
| ethnic_groups = 75.4% [[Afro-Curaçaoans|Curaçaoans]]<br />9% [[Dutch people|Dutch]]<br />3.6% [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]]<br />3% [[Colombians|Colombian]]<br />1.2% [[Haitians|Haitian]]<br />1.2% [[Surinamese people|Surinamese]]<br />1.1% [[Venezuelans|Venezuelan]]<br />1.1% [[Aruba]]n<br />0.9% unspecified<br />6% other<ref name="cia.gov">{{Cite web |title=Curacao<!--actual spelling used at the website--> |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency}}</ref>
| ethnic_groups_year = 2018
| government_type = Parliamentary [[representative democracy]] within a [[constitutional monarchy]]
| leader_title1 = [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|Monarch]]
| leader_name1 = [[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands|Willem-Alexander]]
| leader_title2 = [[Governor of Curaçao|Governor]]
| leader_name2 = [[Lucille George-Wout]]
| leader_title3 = [[Parliament of Curaçao|Speaker]]
| leader_name3 = [[Charetti America-Francisca]]
| leader_title4 = [[Prime Minister of Curaçao|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name4 = [[Gilmar Pisas]]
| legislature = [[Parliament of Curaçao]]
| area_km2 = 444<ref name="rijksoverheid.nl">{{Cite web |title=Waaruit bestaat het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden? |url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/caribische-deel-van-het-koninkrijk/vraag-en-antwoord/waaruit-bestaat-het-koninkrijk-der-nederlanden |website=Rijksoverheid |date=19 May 2015 |language=nl}}</ref>
| area_rank = 181th <!-- Should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| percent_water =
| elevation_max_m = 372
| elevation_max_ft =
| population_estimate = 148,925<ref name="Pop Estimate">{{Cite web |title=Population|date=January 2023|url=https://www.cbs.cw/population |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=Central Bureau of Statistics Curaçao|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411113123/https://www.cbs.cw/population|archive-date=2023-04-11}}</ref>
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| population_estimate_rank = 177th
| population_density_km2 = 349.13
| population_density_rank =
| GDP_PPP = $5.5 billion
| GDP_PPP_year = 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=van der Molen |first=Maarten |date=19 September 2013 |title=Country Report Curaçao |url=https://economics.rabobank.com/publications/2013/september/country-report-curacao/ |access-date=23 August 2017 |website=RaboResearch – Economic Research}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_rank = 184th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $35,484
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 45th
| GDP_nominal = $3.5 billion<ref name="World Bank data">{{Cite web |title=Curacao |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/CW |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=The World Bank}}</ref>
| GDP_nominal_year = 2021
| GDP_nominal_rank = 149th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = $22,581
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 40th
| Gini = <!--number only-->
| Gini_year =
| Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref =
| Gini_rank =
| HDI = 0.811 <!--number only-->
| HDI_year = 2012<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI_ref = <ref>{{Citation |title=Human Development Index (HDI): Korte Notitie inzake de berekening van de voorlopige Human Development Index (HDI) voor Curaçao |date=20 December 2013 |url=http://www.cbs.cw/cbs/themes/Labour%20and%20Social%20Security/Data/Labour%20&%20Social%20Security-20140511112021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713230223/http://www.cbs.cw/cbs/themes/Labour%20and%20Social%20Security/Data/Labour%20%26%20Social%20Security-20140511112021.pdf |publisher=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek |language=nl |access-date=13 July 2015 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |mode=cs1 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| HDI_rank =
| currency = [[Netherlands Antillean guilder]] (ƒ)
| currency_code =
| timezone = [[Atlantic Time Zone|AST]]
| utc_offset = -4:00
| drives_on = right
| calling_code = [[Telephone numbers in Curaçao and the Caribbean Netherlands|+5999]]
| iso_code = {{hlist|[[ISO 3166-2:CW|CW]]|[[ISO 3166-2:NL|NL-CW]]}}
| cctld = [[.cw]]
| religion = {{Tree list}}
* 90% [[Christianity]]
** 73% [[Roman Catholic]]
** 18.5% total Protestant
*** 6.6% [[Pentecostal]]
*** 3.2% [[Protestant]]
*** 3% [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]]
*** 3.2% [[Evangelical]]
*** 0.8% [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]
*** 1.7% Other [[List of Christian denominations|Christian]]
* 6% [[Irreligion|No religion]]
* 2% [[Hinduism]]
* 0.5% [[Islam]]
* 0.2% [[Judaism]]
* 0.8% Other
* 0.6% Not stated
{{Tree list/end}}|settlement_type=[[Kingdom of the Netherlands|Constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands]]|subdivision_type1=[[Sovereign state]]|subdivision_name1={{flag|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}|established_title1=[[Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles|Before separation]]}}


'''Curaçao''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|j|ʊər|ə|s|oʊ|,_|-|s|aʊ|,_|ˌ|k|j|ʊər|ə|ˈ|s|oʊ|,_|-|ˈ|s|aʊ}} {{respell|KURE|ə|soh|,_|KURE|ə|sow|,_|kure|ə|SOH|,_|kure|ə|SOW}},<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John C. |title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary |publisher=Longman |year=2008 |isbn=9781405881180 |edition=3rd |location=Harlow}}</ref><ref>{{cite Dictionary.com|Curaçao}}</ref> {{IPA|nl|kyːraːˈsʌu|lang|nl-Curaçao.ogg|small=no}} {{IPA|nl|kuːr-|label=or|small=no}};<ref>{{cite book |last=Mangold |first=Max |title=Aussprachewörterbuch |publisher=Duden Verlag |year=2005 |isbn=978-3-411-04066-7 |editor-last=Franziska Münzberg |location=Mannheim |chapter=Curaçao |chapter-url=https://www.duden.de/}}</ref> {{langx|pap|Kòrsou}} {{IPA|pap|ˈkɔrsɔu̯|}}.}} officially the '''Country of Curaçao''' ({{langx|nl|Land Curaçao}};<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/Staatsregeling_18-6-10.pdf |title= Art. 1 para 1 Constitution of Curaçao|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722200254/http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/Staatsregeling_18-6-10.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2011}} (Dutch version)</ref> [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]]: ''Pais Kòrsou''),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/konstitushon/Konstitushon_Papiamentu.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902205625/http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/konstitushon/Konstitushon_Papiamentu.pdf|title=Art. 1 para 1 Constitution of Curaçao|archive-date=2 September 2009}} (Papiamentu version)</ref><ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |title=CIA World Factbook- Curaçao|access-date= 15 July 2019}}</ref> is a [[Lesser Antilles]] island in the southern [[Caribbean Sea]], specifically the [[Dutch Caribbean]] region, about {{convert|65|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [[Venezuela]]. It is a constituent country of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CIA World Factbook – Curaçao |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |access-date=15 July 2019}}</ref>
Curaçao is the largest and most populous of the three so-called [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC islands]] (for [[Aruba]], [[Bonaire]], and Curaçao) of the [[Lesser Antilles]], specifically the [[Leeward Antilles]]. It has a land area of 444 square kilometres (171 square miles). At the 2001 Netherlands Antilles census, the population was 130,627 inhabitants; in 2004 the population was estimated at 133,644.


Curaçao includes the main island of Curaçao and the much smaller, uninhabited island of [[Klein Curaçao]] ("Little Curaçao").<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Curaçao has a population of 158,665 (January 2019 est.),<ref name="rijksoverheid.nl" /> with an area of {{convert|444|km2|abbr=on}}; its capital is [[Willemstad]].<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Together with [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]], Curaçao forms the [[ABC islands (Leeward Antilles)|ABC islands]]. Collectively, Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the [[Caribbean]] are often called the [[Dutch Caribbean]]. It is the largest of the ABC islands in area and population, as well as the largest in the Dutch Caribbean.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYSZDwAAQBAJ&dq=curacao+largest+abc+islands&pg=PT16 | title=Traveler's Paradise - ABC Islands: Travel Guide for ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) | last1=Öörni | first1=Juha | date=6 October 2017 }}</ref>
==Origin of the name Curaçao==
The origin of the name Curaçao is still under debate. One explanation is that it is derived from the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] word for ''heart'' (''coração''), referring to the island as a centre in trade, or it could mean ''heal'' (''cura'') for the plants that grow on the island. Spanish traders took the name over as ''Curaçao'', which was followed by the Dutch. Another explanation is that Curaçao was the name the indigenous peoples of Curaçao had used to label themselves (Joubert and Baart, 1994). This theory is supported by early Spanish accounts, which refer to the indigenous peoples as "Indios Curaçaos".


The name "Curaçao" may originate from the indigenous autonym of its people; this idea is supported by early Spanish accounts referring to the inhabitants as Indios Curaçaos. Curaçao's history begins with the [[Arawak]] and [[Caquetio]] [[Amerindians]]; the island becoming a Spanish colony after [[Alonso de Ojeda]]'s 1499 expedition. Though labelled "the useless island" due to its poor agricultural yield and lack of precious metals, it became a strategic cattle [[ranching]] area. When the Dutch colonized the island in 1634, they shifted the island's focus to trade and shipping, and later made it a hub of the [[Atlantic slave trade]]. Members of the Jewish community, fleeing persecution in Europe, settled here and significantly influenced the economy and culture.
Whatever the origin of the name, after 1525 the island appeared on Spanish maps as "Curaçote," "Curasaote," and "Curasaore." By the seventeenth century the island was generally known on all maps as "Curaçao" or "Curazao".


[[British Empire|British]] forces occupied Curaçao twice during the [[French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars]] but it was returned to Dutch rule. The abolition of slavery in 1863 led to economic shifts and migrations. Dutch remains the official language, though [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]], English, and Spanish are widely spoken, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. Curaçao was formerly part of the [[Curaçao and Dependencies]] [[colony]] from 1815 to 1954 and later the [[Netherlands Antilles]] from 1954 to 2010, as Island Territory of Curaçao.<ref>({{langx|nl|Eilandgebied Curaçao|links=no}}, [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]]: ''Teritorio Insular di Kòrsou'').</ref><ref>The English name is used by the governments of Curaçao and Netherlands Antilles, as English was an official language of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Territory of Curaçao.</ref><ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/>
On a map created by [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd/gmd3/g3290/g3290/ct000342.jp2&style=dsxpmap&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(g3290+ct000342))+@field(COLLID+dsxpmap))&title=Americae%20sive%20qvartae%20orbis%20partis%20nova%20et%20exactissima%20descriptio%20%2f%20avtore%20Diego%20Gvtiero%20Philippi%20Regis%20Hisp.%20etc.%20Cosmographo%20;%20Hiero.%20Cock%20excvde%201562%20;%20Hieronymus%20Cock%20excude%20cum%20gratia%20et%20priuilegio%201562. Hieronymus Cock in 1562 in Antwerp], the island was referred to as Quracao.


The discovery of oil in the [[Maracaibo Basin]] in 1914 transformed Curaçao into a critical [[refinery]] location, altering its economic landscape. There were efforts towards becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the island achieved autonomy in 2010.
The name "Curaçao" has become associated with a particular shade of blue, and is sometimes used as an adjective, because of the deep-blue [[liqueur]] named "[[Curaçao liqueur|Blue Curaçao]]".


==History==
== Etymology ==
{{See also|Portuguese Curaçaoans}}
{{main|History of Curaçao}}
One explanation for the island's name is that ''Curaçao'' was the [[Autonym (onomastics)|autonym]] by which its indigenous peoples identified themselves.<ref>Joubert and Van Buurt, 1994</ref> Early [[Spanish colonization of the Americas|Spanish]] accounts support this theory, referring to the indigenous peoples as ''Indios Curaçaos''.<ref name="curacao-nature">[http://www.curacao-nature.com/curacao "Curaçao"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165042/http://www.curacao-nature.com/curacao |date=24 February 2021 }}, Curaçao-nature.com, 2005–2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016</ref>
The original inhabitants of Curaçao were [[Arawak]] Amerindians. The first [[Europe]]ans to see the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of [[Alonso de Ojeda]] in 1499. The [[Spain|Spaniards]] exported most of the indigenous population to other colonies where workers were needed. The island was occupied by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] in 1634. The [[Dutch West India Company]] founded the capital of [[Willemstad]] on the banks of an inlet called the 'Schottegat'. Curaçao had been previously ignored by colonists because it lacked many things that colonists were interested in, such as [[gold]] deposits. However, the [[natural harbour]] of Willemstad proved quickly to be an ideal spot for trade. [[Commerce]] and [[shipping]] — but also [[piracy in the Caribbean|piracy]] — became Curaçao's most important economic activities. In addition, Curaçao came to play a pivotal role in one of the most intricate international trade networks in history: the [[Atlantic slave trade]]. The [[Dutch West India Company]] made Curaçao a center for slave trade in 1662. Dutch merchants brought [[slaves]] from [[Africa]] under a trading agreement with Spain called [[Asiento]]. Under this agreement, slaves were sold and shipped to various destinations in South America and the Caribbean. At the height of the trade, large numbers of slaves were traded here.
[[Image:Willemstad harbor.jpg|thumb|left|Dutch architecture along Willemstad's harbor.|right|300px]]
The slave trade made the island affluent, and led to the construction of impressive colonial buildings that still stand today. Curaçao features architecture that blends various Dutch and Spanish colonial styles. The wide range of other historic buildings in and around Willemstad earned the capital a place on [[UNESCO]]'s [[world heritage]] list. Landhouses (former plantation estates) and West African style 'kas di pal'i maishi' (former slave dwellings) are scattered all over the island and some of them have been restored and can be visited.
[[Image:Curacaobridges.jpg|thumb|right|The Queen Emma and Queen Juliana bridges.|right|300px]][[Image:curacao rooi katootje.jpg|right|thumb|The building 'Groot Davelaar', one of app. 100 plantation houses on the island']]
Curaçao's proximity to [[South America]] translated into a long-standing influence from the nearby Latin American coast. This is reflected in the architectural similarities between the 19th century parts of [[Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles|Willemstad]] and the nearby [[Venezuela]]n city of [[Santa Ana de Coro|Coro]] in [[Falcón State]], the latter also being a [[UNESCO]] [[world heritage]] site. In the 19th century, Curaçaoans such as [[Manuel Piar]] and [[Luis Brión]] were prominently engaged in the wars of independence of [[Venezuela]] and [[Colombia]]. Political refugees from the mainland (like Bolivar himself) regrouped in Curaçao and children from affluent Venezuelan families were educated in the island.


From 1525, the island was featured on Spanish maps as ''Curaçote, Curasaote, Curasaore'', and even ''Curacaute''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://decolonialatlas.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/taino-names-of-the-caribbean-islands/|title=Taino Names of the Caribbean Islands|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> By the 17th century, it appeared on most maps as ''Curaçao'' or ''Curazao.''<ref name="curacao-nature" /> On a map created by [[Hieronymus Cock]] in 1562 in [[Antwerp]], the island was called ''Qúracao''.<ref>[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd/gmd3/g3290/g3290/ct000342.jp2&style=dsxpmap&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(g3290+ct000342))+@field(COLLID+dsxpmap))&title=Americae%20sive%20qvartae%20orbis%20partis%20nova%20et%20exactissima%20descriptio%20%2f%20avtore%20Diego%20Gvtiero%20Philippi%20Regis%20Hisp.%20etc.%20Cosmographo%20;%20Hiero.%20***%20excvde%201562%20;%20Hieronymus%20***%20excude%20cum%20gratia%20et%20priuilegio%201562. Cock's 1562 map], Library of Congress website</ref>
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the island changed hands among the [[United Kingdom|British]], the [[France|French]], and the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] several times. Stable Dutch rule returned in 1815, at the end of the [[Napoleonic wars]]. The Dutch abolished [[slavery]] in 1863. The end of [[slavery]] caused economic hardship, prompting many inhabitants of Curaçao to emigrate to other islands, such as to [[Cuba]] to work in sugarcane plantations.


A persistent but undocumented story claims the following: in the 16th and 17th centuries—the early years of European exploration—when [[sailor]]s on long voyages got [[scurvy]] from lack of [[vitamin C]], sick Portuguese or Spanish sailors were left on the island now known as Curaçao. When their ship returned, some had recovered, probably after eating vitamin C-rich fruit there. From then on, the Portuguese allegedly referred to the island as ''Ilha da Curação'' (Island of Healing) or the Spanish as ''Isla de la Curación.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" />''
When in 1914 oil was discovered in the [[Maracaibo Basin]] town of [[Mene Grande]], the fortunes of the island were dramatically altered. [[Royal Dutch Shell]] and the Dutch Government had built an extensive oil refinery installation on the former site of the slave-trade market at Asiento, thereby establishing an abundant source of employment for the local population and fueling a wave of immigration from surrounding nations. Curaçao was an ideal site for the refinery as it was away from the social and civil unrest of the South American mainland, but near enough to the [[Maracaibo Basin]] [[oil fields]]. It also had an excellent natural harbor that could accommodate large [[oil tankers]]. The company brought a degree of affluence to the island. Large housing was provided and Willemstad developed an extensive infrastructure. However, discrepancies started to appear amongst the social groups of Curaçao. The discontent and the antagonisms between Curaçao social groups culminated in large scale rioting and protest on [[May 30]], [[1969]]. The civil unrest fueled a [[social movement]] that resulted in the local Afro-Caribbean population attaining more influence over the political process (Anderson and Dynes 1975). The island also developed a tourist industry and offered low corporate taxes to encourage many companies to set up holdings in order to avoid rigorous schemes elsewhere. In the mid 1980s Royal Dutch Shell sold the refinery for a symbolic amount to a local government consortium. The aging refinery has been the subject of lawsuits in recent years, which charge that its emissions, including [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[particulate matter]], far exceed safety standards.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-06-30 | title=Curacao refinery sputters on, despite emissions | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2929170620080701 | accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> The government consortium currently leases the refinery to the Venezuelan state oil company [[PDVSA]].


== History ==
In recent years, the island had attempted to capitalize on its peculiar history and heritage to expand its tourism industry. In 1984 the Island Council of Curaçao inaugurated the National Flag and the official anthem of the island. This was done on July 2, which was the date when in 1954 the first elected island council was instituted. Since then, the movement to separate the island from the Antillean federation has steadily become stronger.
{{Main|History of Curaçao|Curaçao and Dependencies|Dutch Caribbean}}


===Pre-colonial===
Due to an economic slump in recent years, emigration to the Netherlands has been high. Attempts by Dutch politicians to stem this flow of emigration have exacerbated already tense Dutch-Curaçao relations. In turn, a lot of immigration from surrounding Caribbean islands, Latin American countries and the Netherlands has also taken place. This means that the population base is changing.
[[File:1562 Americae-Gutierrez map 10hrs-inn Sth-Florida-Cuba-Spagnola-Benezuela-to-Lesser-Antilles.jpg|thumb|left|Map from 1562 with Curaçao indicated as Qúracao]]
[[Image:Punda otrabanda.jpg|thumb|View of Willemstad.|center|700px]]
[[File:Curaçao1836.png|thumb|Map of Curaçao in 1836|left]]
The original inhabitants of Curaçao were the [[Arawak]] and [[Caquetio]] [[Amerindians]].<ref name="The History of Curaçao">{{cite web |url=https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |title=The History of Curaçao|access-date= 15 July 2019}}</ref> Their ancestors had migrated to the island from the mainland of [[South America]], probably hundreds of years before Europeans' first arrival.


===Spanish colonization===
==Geography==
The first Europeans recorded as seeing the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of [[Alonso de Ojeda]] in 1499.<ref name="The History of Curaçao"/> The Spaniards [[Enslaving|enslaved]] most of the Caquetios (Arawak) for [[forced labour]] in their [[Hispaniola]] colony, but paid little attention to the island itself.<ref name="The History of Curaçao"/> In 1515, almost all of the 2,000 Caquetios living there were also transported to Hispaniola as slaves.
[[Image:CuracaoCIAmap.png|left|200px]]


Established in [[1499]] as a Spanish launchpad for exploring northern South America, Curaçao was officially settled by Spain in [[1527]]. It functioned as an island extension of Venezuela throughout the 1500s. As mainland colonization advanced, Spain slowly withdrew from the island. The city registry of [[Caracas]], [[Venezuela]] holds one of the earliest written mentions of Curaçao. A document dated 9 December 1595 states that Francisco Montesinos, [[priest]] and [[vicar]] of "the Yslas de Curasao, [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]]" conferred his [[power of attorney]] to Pedro Gutiérrez de Lugo, a Caracas resident, to collect his ecclesiastic salary from the Royal Treasury of [[Philip II of Spain|King Philip II of Spain]].
Like [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]], Curaçao is a [[transcontinental country|transcontinental island]] that is geographically part of [[South America]] but is also considered to be part of [[Caribbean|West Indies]] and one of the [[Leeward Antilles]]. Curaçao and the other [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC Islands]] are in terms of climate, geology, flora and fauna more akin to nearby [[Paraguaná Peninsula]], [[Isla Margarita]] and the nearby Venezuelan areas of the [[Coro region]] and [[Falcón State]]. The flora of Curaçao differs from the typical tropical island vegetation. Xeric [[scrubland]]s are common, with various forms of [[cacti]], thorny shrubs, [[evergreen]]s, and the island's symbolic [[divi-divi]]s. Curaçao's highest point is the 375&nbsp;metre (1,230&nbsp;ft) [[Christoffelberg]] ("Mount Christoffel") in the northwestern part of the island. This lies in the reserved wildlife park, Curaçao Christoffelpark, and can be explored by car, bike or horse or on foot. Several trails have been laid out. Curaçao has many places where one can hike. There are Saliñas, salt [[marshes]] where [[flamingo]]s fly out to rest and feed. 15&nbsp;miles off the coast of Curaçao, to the southeast, lies the small, uninhabited island of [[Klein Curaçao]] ("Little Curaçao").
[[Image:Wilhemstad from the coast.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Sea Aquarium beach]]


The Spanish introduced numerous tree, plant and animal species to Curaçao, including horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle from Europe and other Spanish colonies. In general, imported sheep, goats and cattle did relatively well. Cattle were herded by Caquetios and Spaniards and roamed freely in the kunuku plantations and [[savanna]]s.
Curaçao is renowned for its [[coral reef]]s which makes it an excellent spot for [[scuba diving]]. The beaches on the south side contain many popular diving spots. An unusual feature of Curaçao diving is that the sea floor drops off steeply within a few hundred feet of the shore, and the reef can easily be reached without a boat. This drop-off is locally known as the "blue edge." Strong currents and lack of beaches make the rocky northern coast dangerous for swimming and diving, but experienced divers sometimes dive there from boats when conditions permit. The southern coast is very different and offers remarkably calm waters. The coastline of Curaçao features many bays and inlets, many of them suitable for mooring.


Not all imported species fared equally well, and the Spanish also learned to use Caquetio crops and agricultural methods, as well as those from other Caribbean islands. Though historical sources point to thousands of people living on the island, agricultural yields were disappointing; this and the lack of precious metals in the salt mines led the Spanish to call Curaçao "the useless island".
Some of the coral reefs have been affected by tourism. Porto Marie beach is experimenting with artificial coral reefs in order to improve the reef's condition. Hundreds of artificial coral blocks that have been placed are now home to a large array of tropical fish.


Over time, the number of Spaniards living on Curaçao decreased while the number of aboriginal inhabitants stabilized. Presumably through natural growth, return and colonization, the Caquetio population then began to increase. In the last decades of Spanish occupation, Curaçao was used as a large cattle ranch. At that point, Spaniards lived around [[Santa Barbara, Curaçao|Santa Barbara]], Santa Ana and in the villages in the western part of the island, while the Caquetios are thought to have lived scattered all over the island.
===Climate===
Curaçao has a semi-arid [[savanna]]-like climate with a [[dry season]] from January to September and a [[wet season]] from October to December. The temperatures are relatively constant with small differences throughout the year. The [[trade winds]] brings cooling during the daylight and the same trade winds brings warming during the night. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 79.7 °F (26.5 °C) and the warmest month is September with an average temperature of 84.0 °F (28.9 °C). The year's average daylight temperature is 88.2 °F (31.2 °C). The year's average night temperature is 78.1 °F (25.6 °C). Curaçao lies outside the [[hurricane belt]], but can still occasionally be impacted by hurricanes. A [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in Curaçao has not occurred since [[National Hurricane Center]] started tracking of hurricanes.


===Dutch colonial rule===
<!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather |single_line=yes |location=Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
In 1634, during the [[Eighty Years' War]] of independence between the [[Dutch Republic|Republic of the Netherlands]] and Spain, the [[Dutch West India Company]] under Admiral [[Johann van Walbeeck]] invaded the island; the Spanish surrendered in San Juan in August. Approximately 30 Spaniards and many indigenous people were then deported to Santa Ana de Coro in Venezuela. About 30 Taíno families were allowed to live on the island while Dutch colonists started settling there.<ref name="The History of Curaçao"/>
|Jan_Hi_°C = 29.7 |Jan_REC_Hi_°C = 32.8
|Feb_Hi_°C = 30.0 |Feb_REC_Hi_°C = 33.2
|Mar_Hi_°C = 30.5 |Mar_REC_Hi_°C = 33.0
|Apr_Hi_°C = 31.1 |Apr_REC_Hi_°C = 34.7
|May_Hi_°C = 31.6 |May_REC_Hi_°C = 35.8
|Jun_Hi_°C = 32.0 |Jun_REC_Hi_°C = 37.5
|Jul_Hi_°C = 31.9 |Jul_REC_Hi_°C = 35.0
|Aug_Hi_°C = 32.4 |Aug_REC_Hi_°C = 37.4
|Sep_Hi_°C = 32.6 |Sep_REC_Hi_°C = 38.3
|Oct_Hi_°C = 31.9 |Oct_REC_Hi_°C = 36.0
|Nov_Hi_°C = 31.1 |Nov_REC_Hi_°C = 35.6
|Dec_Hi_°C = 30.1 |Dec_REC_Hi_°C = 33.3
|Year_Hi_°C = 31.2 |Year_REC_Hi_°C = 38.3
|Jan_Lo_°C = 24.3 |Jan_REC_Lo_°C = 19.0
|Feb_Lo_°C = 24.4 |Feb_REC_Lo_°C = 20.6
|Mar_Lo_°C = 24.8 |Mar_REC_Lo_°C = 21.0
|Apr_Lo_°C = 25.5 |Apr_REC_Lo_°C = 22.0
|May_Lo_°C = 26.3 |May_REC_Lo_°C = 21.6
|Jun_Lo_°C = 26.4 |Jun_REC_Lo_°C = 22.6
|Jul_Lo_°C = 26.1 |Jul_REC_Lo_°C = 22.4
|Aug_Lo_°C = 26.3 |Aug_REC_Lo_°C = 21.3
|Sep_Lo_°C = 26.5 |Sep_REC_Lo_°C = 21.7
|Oct_Lo_°C = 26.2 |Oct_REC_Lo_°C = 21.9
|Nov_Lo_°C = 25.6 |Nov_REC_Lo_°C = 22.2
|Dec_Lo_°C = 24.8 |Dec_REC_Lo_°C = 21.1
|Year_Lo_°C = 25.6 |Year_REC_Lo_°C = 19.0
|Jan_Precip_mm = 44.7
|Feb_Precip_mm = 25.5
|Mar_Precip_mm = 14.2
|Apr_Precip_mm = 19.6
|May_Precip_mm = 19.6
|Jun_Precip_mm = 19.3
|Jul_Precip_mm = 40.2
|Aug_Precip_mm = 41.5
|Sep_Precip_mm = 48.6
|Oct_Precip_mm = 83.7
|Nov_Precip_mm = 96.7
|Dec_Precip_mm = 99.8
|Year_Precip_mm = 553.4
|source = <ref name=climate>{{cite web |url=http://weather.an/climate/cur.climsum.htm
|title=Climatological Summary for Curaçao|publisher=Meteorological service of Netherlands Antilles and Aruba}}</ref>|accessdate=September 2008}}<!--Infobox ends-->


The Dutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad on the banks of an inlet called the Schottegat; the [[natural harbour]] proved an ideal place for trade. Commerce and shipping—and [[piracy in the Caribbean|piracy]]—became Curaçao's most important economic activities. Later, [[salt mines|salt mining]] became a major industry, the mineral being a lucrative export at the time.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} From 1662, the Dutch West India Company made Curaçao a centre of the [[Atlantic slave trade]], often bringing slaves from West Africa to the island, before selling them elsewhere in the Caribbean and [[Spanish Main]].<ref name="The History of Curaçao"/>
==Politics==
Curaçao gained self-government on [[January 1]], [[1954]] as an island territory of the Netherlands Antilles. Despite this, the islanders did not fully participate in the political process until after the social movements of the late '60s. In the 2000s the political status of the island has been under discussion again, as for the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles, regarding the relationship with the Netherlands and between the islands of the Antilles.


[[Sephardic Jews]] fleeing persecution in [[Expulsion of the Jews from Spain|Spain]] and [[Expulsion of the Jews from Portugal|Portugal]] sought safe haven in [[Dutch Brazil]] and the [[Dutch Republic]]. Many settled in Curaçao, where they made significant contributions to its civil society, cultural development and economic prosperity.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Curacao.html|title=Curacao Virtual Jewish History Tour|website=jewishvirtuallibrary.org}}</ref> In 1674 the island became a [[free port]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://discovercuracao.today/history | title=The story of Curacao &#124; History }}</ref>
In a referendum held on [[April 8]], [[2005]], together with [[Sint Maarten]], the residents voted for a separate status outside the Netherlands Antilles, like [[Aruba]], rejecting the options for full independence, becoming part of the Netherlands, or retaining the status quo. In 2006, [[Emily de Jongh-Elhage]], a resident of Curaçao, was elected as the new prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles, and not Curaçao.


In the [[Franco-Dutch War]] of 1672–78, French Count<!--"Admiral" might be more appropriate here--> [[Jean II d'Estrées]] planned to attack Curaçao. His fleet—12 [[Man-of-war|men-of-war]], three [[fire ship]]s, two transports, a [[hospital ship]], and 12 [[privateer]]s—met with disaster, losing seven men-of-war and two other ships when they struck [[reef]]s off the [[Las Aves archipelago]]. The serious navigational error occurred on 11 May 1678, a week after the fleet set sail from [[Saint Kitts]]. To commemorate its narrow escape from invasion, Curaçao marked the events with a day of thanksgiving, which was celebrated for decades into the 18th century.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
On [[July 1]], [[2007]], the island of Curaçao was due to become an autonomous [[associated state]], under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On [[November 28]], [[2006]], the island council rejected a clarificatory memorandum on the process. On [[July 9]], [[2007]] the new island council of Curaçao approved the agreement previously rejected in November 2006.<ref name="approved">{{cite web | author = The Daily Herald St. Maarten | title = Curaçao IC ratifies November 2 accord | url = http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k045/ratify045.html | date = 2007-07-09 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}</ref> On December 15, 2008 Curaçao was scheduled to become a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (like Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles are now). This dissolution is still planned, but has been postponed to an indefinite future date.<ref>[http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k006/steer006.html St. Maarten-St. Martin - Consensus, but no date set for new status<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


[[File:Curaçao, Broad Street.jpg|thumb|Willemstad, 1885]]
==Education==
Many Dutch colonists grew affluent from the slave trade, building impressive colonial buildings in the capital of Willemstad; the city is now a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].
Public education is based on the Dutch educational system. Until recently, all instruction was provided in Dutch. Now, bilingual primary education in Papiamentu and Dutch is also available. Private and parochial schools also exist on the island. [http://www.isc.an The International School Of Curaçao] provides education for English-speaking immigrants.


In 1795, [[Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795|a major slave revolt]] took place under the leaders [[Tula (Curaçao)|Tula Rigaud]], Louis Mercier, Bastian Karpata, and Pedro Wakao. Up to 4,000 slaves in northwest Curaçao revolted, with more than 1,000 taking part in extended gunfights. After a month, the slave owners were able to suppress the revolt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.papiamentu.net/curacao/heroes.html |title=Curaçao History |publisher=Papiamentu.net |access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RXsBJzA61lcC&pg=PA525 |title=Encyclopedia of Slave Resistance and Rebellion|last=Rodriguez|first=Junius P.|date=2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780313332739|language=en}}</ref>
Higher education in Curaçao, as in the rest of the Netherlands Antilles, is good relative to regional standards.
[[File:Luis Brión 2012 000.jpg|thumb|[[Luis Brión]], a Curaçao-born Venezuelan admiral]]
The main institute of higher learning is the [[University of the Netherlands Antilles]] (UNA).
[[File:The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao.jpg|thumb|The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in [[Willemstad]], Curaçao]]
Curaçao's proximity to South America resulted in interaction with cultures of the coastal areas more than a century after the independence of the Netherlands from Spain. Architectural similarities can be seen between 19th century Willemstad neighborhoods and the nearby Venezuelan city of [[Santa Ana de Coro|Coro]] in [[Falcón State]], which has also been designated a World Heritage Site. Netherlands established economic ties with the [[Viceroyalty of New Granada]] that included the present-day countries of [[Colombia]] and [[Venezuela]]. In the 19th century, Curaçaoans such as [[Manuel Piar]] and [[Luis Brión]] were prominently engaged in the wars of independence of both Venezuela and Colombia. Political refugees from the mainland, such as [[Simon Bolivar]], regrouped in Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://curacao-art.com/galleries/octagon-museum/|title=Octagon Museum – Curaçao Art}}</ref>


During the [[French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars]], [[British Empire|British]] forces twice occupied Curaçao; the [[Invasion of Curaçao (1800)|first occupation]] lasted from 1800 to 1803, and the second occupation from 1807 to 1815.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/curacao.htm |title = Curacao in the British Empire}}</ref> Stable Dutch rule returned in 1815 at the end of the [[Napoleonic wars]], when the island was incorporated into the colony of [[Curaçao and Dependencies]].<ref name="curacao-travelguide.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |title=The History of Curaçao|access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref>
==Economy==
Although a few plantations were established on the island by the Dutch, the first profitable industry established on Curaçao was [[salt]] mining. The mineral was an extremely lucrative export at the time and became one of the major factors responsible for drawing the island into international commerce. Curaçao also became a center for [[slave trade]] during the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the 19th century, [[phosphate]] mining also became significant. All the while, Curaçao's fine deep water ports and ideal location in the Caribbean were crucial in making it a significant center of [[commerce]].


The Dutch [[Timeline of abolition of slavery and serfdom|abolished slavery]] in 1863, causing vast changes in the economy with the shift to [[wage labour]].<ref name="curacao-travelguide.com"/> Some Curaçao inhabitants emigrated to other islands, such as [[Cuba]], to work in [[Sugar plantations in the Caribbean|sugarcane plantations]]. Other former slaves had nowhere to go and continued working for plantation owners under the [[tenant farmer]] system,<ref>Called "Paga Tera"</ref> in which former slaves leased land from former masters, paying most of their [[harvest]] to owners as rent. The system lasted until the early 20th century.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
Today, Curaçao enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean, with a GDP per capita of ca. US$ 18.000 (2007) and an excellent infrastructure which is among the best in the Caribbean. The main industries of the island include [[oil refinery|oil refining]], [[tourism]] and [[financial services]]. Shipping, international trade and other activities related to the port of Willemstad (like the Free Zone) also makes a considerable contribution to the economy. With the government realizing that its economy needs be more diverse, significant efforts are being made to attract more foreign investments. This policy is called the 'Open Arms' policy with one of its main features to focus heavily on information technology companies.<ref>IMedia:[http://www.curacao-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/Investors%20Guide%20Curacao%202006.pdf]</ref><ref>[http://www.ecommerceatcuracao.com/corporate.htm Ecommerce At Curacao Corporate<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.investcuracao.com/01e01.html ::::: Invest Curacao - Economic Data Overview :::::<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> For its size, the island has a considerable diverse economy which does not rely mostly on tourism alone as is the case on many other Caribbean islands.


Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island outside of the colonial administration, but its use increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref name=Putte>''Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd''. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers</ref> Students on Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire were taught predominantly in Spanish until the early 19th century, when the British occupied all three islands. Teaching of Spanish was restored when Dutch rule resumed in 1815. Also, efforts were made to introduce widespread bilingual Dutch and [[Papiamento|Papiamentu]] education in the late 19th century.<ref>Van Putte 1999.</ref>
Curaçao has strong business ties with both the United States and the European Union. It has an Association Agreement with the European Union which allows companies which do business in and via Curaçao to export many products to European markets,<ref>[http://curacao-chamber.an/c-info-htm/content/EUTradeProgram.htm EU Trade Program<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> free of import duties and quotas. It is also a participant in the US Caribbean Basin Initiative allowing it to have preferential access to the US market.<ref>[http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/CBI/Section_Index.html USTR - Caribbean Basin Initiative<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===20th and 21st centuries===
[[Prostitution]] is tolerated. A large open-air brothel called "[[Le Mirage]]" or "Campo Alegre" operates near the airport since the 1940s. As prostitution exists in most parts of the world, Curaçao has implemented a different approach on handling prostitution. By monitoring, containing and regulating it, the workers in these establishments are given a safe environment and access to medical practitioners.
When oil was discovered in the Venezuelan [[Maracaibo Basin]] town of Mene Grande in 1914, Curaçao's economy was dramatically altered. In the early years, both [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] and [[Exxon]] held drilling [[Concession (contract)|concessions]] in Venezuela, which ensured a constant supply of crude oil to refineries in Aruba and Curaçao. Crude oil production in Venezuela was inexpensive. Both Shell and Exxon were [[vertical integration|vertically integrated]] and controlled the entire industry, from pumping, transporting, and refining to sales. The refineries on Aruba and Curaçao operated in global markets and were profitable partly because of the margin between the production costs of crude oil and the revenues the sale of oil products. This provided a safety net for losses incurred through inefficiency or excessive operating costs at the refineries.<ref name="The History of Curaçao"/>{{unreliable source?|date=February 2022}}


In 1929, Curaçao was attacked by [[Venezuelans|Venezuelan]] rebel commander [[Rafael Simón Urbina]], who, with 250 soldiers, captured the fort. The Venezuelans plundered weapons, ammunition, and the island's treasury. They also managed to capture the Governor of the island, Leonardus Albertus Fruytier (1882–1972), and hauled him off to Venezuela on a stolen American ship, ''Maracaibo''. Fruytier was criticized and had to resign as governor. After returning to the Netherlands, he settled for a position as chief inspector in [[Maastricht]]. The Dutch increased their military presence on the island.<ref name=mindef>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/inhoud/1914-1945-tussen-neutraliteit-en-bezetting/overval-op-fort-amsterdam-in-willemstad-op-curacao-door-de-venezolaanse-revolutionair-urbina-8-juni-1929 |title=Overval op fort Amsterdam in Willemstad op Curaçao door de Venezolaanse revolutionair Urbina (8 juni 1929) |language=nl |publisher=Ministry of Defense |access-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328061718/http://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/inhoud/1914-1945-tussen-neutraliteit-en-bezetting/overval-op-fort-amsterdam-in-willemstad-op-curacao-door-de-venezolaanse-revolutionair-urbina-8-juni-1929 |archive-date=28 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/military/lowcountries/milxnederland.html |title = WHKMLA: List of Wars of the Dutch Republic / Netherlands| date=7 April 2024 }}</ref>
==Demographics==
===Ethnicities===
[[Image:bulawaya-1.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Bulawaya]] dance]]
Because of its history, the island's population comes from many ethnic backgrounds. There is a majority of mixed [[Afro-Caribbean]] and European descent, and also sizeable minorities of [[Dutch people|Dutch]], Latin American, [[South Asian]], [[East Asian]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and [[Levantine]] people. The [[Sephardic Jews]] that arrived from [[the Netherlands]] and then-[[Dutch Brazil]] since the 17th century have had a significant influence on the culture and economy of the island. The years before and after World War II also saw an influx of [[Ashkenazi Jews]] from Eastern Europe. Many Portuguese and Lebanese also migrated to Curaçao in the early 19th century due to the financial possibilities of the island. East and South Asian migrants came to Curaçao during the economic boom of the early 20th century. There are also many recent immigrants from neighbouring countries, most notably the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Haiti]], the [[Anglophone Caribbean]] and [[Colombia]]. In recent years the influx of Dutch [[pension]]ers has increased significantly, dubbed locally as ''pensionados''.


In 1936 burning bale of cotton thrown overboard by the crew of the M. S. Colombia, which lay anchored in the Schottegat, caused the oil floating on the water to catch fire. It took days to get the fire under control; houses had to be evacuated, but there were no casualties.
===Religion===
According to the 2001 census, the majority of the inhabitants of Curaçao are [[Roman Catholic]] (85%). This includes a shift towards the Charismatic Renewal or [[Charismatic movement]] since the mid-seventies. Other major denominations are the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] and the [[Methodist]] Church. Alongside these [[Christian]] denominations, some inhabitants practice ''Montamentu'', and other diasporic African religions. Like elsewhere in Latin America, [[Pentecostalism]] is on the rise. There are practicing [[Muslim]]s as well as [[Hindu]]s.


During the Second World War, the island played an important role in the supply of fuel for the Allied forces. In 1940, before the invasion of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany, the British occupied Curaçao and the French Aruba. The presence of powers other than the Netherlands alarmed the Venezuelan government given the proximity of these islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Venezuela and the fact they'd historically been used as bases to launch incursions against Venezuelan territory. In 1941, US troops occupied the island and built military airport "Hato". The main purpose was this deployment was to fight against expected future attacks by Axis submarines and potentially long-distance Nazi bombers. America was also concerned over the potential threat of a German invasion of the continental US launched with the aid of German settlers in South America.
Though small in size, Curaçao's [[Jew]]ish community has a significant impact on history. Curaçao boasts the oldest active Jewish congregation in the [[Americas]], dating to 1651, and the oldest [[synagogue]] of the Americas in continuous use, since its completion in 1732 on the site of a previous synagogue. The Jewish Community of Curaçao also played a key role in supporting early Jewish congregations in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, including in New York City and the [[Touro Synagogue]] of Newport, Rhode Island. Also see [[List of Caribbean Jews]].


In 1942 the port of Willemstad, one of the main sources of fuel for the Allied operations, was besieged by German submarines on several occasions under Neuland Operation. In August 1942, the Germans returned to Curaçao and attacked a tanker and received fire from a Dutch shore battery before slipping away. The US Navy established the Fourth Fleet, which was responsible for countering enemy naval operations in the Caribbean and in the South Atlantic. The US Army also sent aircraft and personnel to help protect the oil refineries and bolster the Venezuelan Air Force.
==Culture==
===Language===
Curaçao is a [[polyglot]] society. The languages widely spoken are [[Papiamentu]], [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], and [[English language|English]]. Many people can speak all four of these languages. Spanish and English both have a long historical presence on the island alongside Dutch and Papiamentu. Spanish remained an important language throughout the 18th and 19th centuries as well due to the close economic ties with nearby Venezuela and Colombia. The use of English dates back to the early 19th century, when Curaçao became a British colony. In fact, after the restoration of Dutch rule in 1815, colonial officers already noted wide use of English among the island (van Putte 1999). Recent immigration from the Anglophone Caribbean and the Netherlands Antillean islands of ([[St. Eustatius]], [[Saba]] and [[Sint Maarten]])&mdash;where the primary language is English&mdash;as well as the ascendancy of English as a world language, has intensified the use of English on Curaçao. For much of colonial history, Dutch was never as widely spoken as English or Spanish and remained exclusively a language for administration and legal matters; popular use of Dutch increased towards the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century (van Putte 1999).


In 1954, Curaçao and other Dutch Caribbean colonies were joined to form the [[Netherlands Antilles]]. Discontent with Curaçao's seemingly subordinate relationship to the Netherlands, ongoing [[racial discrimination]], and a rise in [[unemployment]] owing to layoffs in the oil industry led to a [[1969 Curaçao uprising|series of riots]] in 1969.<ref>Anderson & Dynes 1975, p. 81, Oostindie & Klinkers 2013, p. 98, "Striking Oil Workers Burn, Loot in Curacao". ''Los Angeles Times''. 31 May 1969, p. 2.</ref> The riots resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries and severe damage in Willemstad. In response, the Dutch government introduced far-reaching reforms, allowing Afro-Curaçaoans greater influence over the island's political and economic life, and increased the prominence of the local Papiamentu language.<ref>Anderson & Dynes 1975, pp. 100&ndash;101, Sharpe 2015, p. 122, Verton 1976, p. 90, "Nieuwe ministers legden eed af" (in Dutch). ''Amigoe di Curaçao''. 12 December 1969, p. 1.</ref>
Historically, education on Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire had been predominantly in Spanish up until the late 19th century. There were also efforts to introduce bilingual popular education in Dutch and Papiamentu in the late 19th century (van Putte 1999). Dutch was made the sole language of instruction in the educational system in the early 20th century to facilitate education for the offspring of [[expatriate]] employees of [[Royal Dutch Shell]] (Romer, 1999). Papiamentu was tentatively re-introduced in the school curriculum during the mid-1980s. Recent political debate has centered on the issue of Papiamentu becoming the sole language of instruction. Proponents of making Papiamentu the sole language of instruction argue that it will help to preserve the language and will improve the quality of primary and secondary school education. Proponents of Dutch-language instruction argue that students who study in Dutch will be better prepared for the free university education offered to Curaçao residents in the Netherlands.


[[File:Dutch soldier, 1969 Curaçao uprising.png|thumb|right|A Dutch soldier on patrol in Willemstad following the 1969 riots]]
Effective [[July 1]] [[2007]], the Netherlands Antilles declared Dutch, Papiamentu, and English as official languages, in recognition of the Dutch-speaking, Papiamentu-speaking and English-speaking communities of all the islands.
Curaçao experienced an economic downturn in the early 1980s. Shell's refinery on the island operated with significant losses from 1975 to 1979, and again from 1982 to 1985. Persistent losses, global [[overproduction]], stronger competition, and low market expectations threatened the refinery's future. In 1985, after 70 years, Royal Dutch Shell decided to end its activities on Curaçao. This came at a crucial moment. Curaçao's fragile economy had been stagnant for some time. Several revenue-generating sectors suffered even more during this period: tourism from Venezuela collapsed after the [[devaluation]] of the [[Venezuelan bolívar|bolivar]], and a slowdown in the transportation sector had deleterious effects on the Antillean Airline Company and the Curaçao Dry Dock Company. The offshore financial services industry also experienced a downturn due to new U.S. tax laws.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


In the mid-1980s, Shell sold its refinery for the symbolic amount of one [[Netherlands Antillean guilder|Antillean guilder]] to a local government [[consortium]]. In recent years, the aging refinery has been the subject of lawsuits alleging that its emissions, including [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[Atmospheric particulate matter|particulate matter]], far exceed safety standards.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=30 June 2008 |title=Curaçao refinery sputters on, despite emissions |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2929170620080701|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111181434/http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2929170620080701|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 January 2009|access-date=30 June 2008}}</ref> The government consortium leases the refinery to the Venezuelan [[PDVSA]] state oil company.<ref name=":1" />
===Literature===
Despite the island's relatively small population, the diversity of languages and cultural influences on Curaçao have generated a remarkable literary tradition, primarily in Dutch and Papiamento. The oral traditions of the [[Arawak]] [[indigenous peoples]] are lost. West African slaves brought the tales of [[Anansi]], thus forming the basis of Papiamento literature. The first published work in Papiamento was a poem by [[Joesph Sickman Corsen]] entitled ''Atardi'', published in the ''La Cruz'' newspaper in 1905. Throughout Curaçaoan literature, [[narrative]] techniques and metaphors best characterized as [[magic realism]] tend to predominate. Novelists and poets from Curaçao have made an impressive contribution to [[Caribbean Literature|Caribbean]] and [[Dutch literature]]. Best known are [[Cola Debrot]], [[Frank Martinus Arion]], Pierre Lauffer, Elis Juliana,Guillermo Rosario, Boeli van Leeuwen and [[Tip Marugg]].


Continuing economic hardship in the late 1990s and early 2000s resulted in much emigration to the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wodc.nl/binaries/ob299-summary_tcm28-70855.pdf|title=The Dutch migration monitor: Backgrounds and developments of different types of international migration|website=Wodc.nl|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820091344/http://www.wodc.nl/images/ob299-summary_tcm44-402600.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Cuisine===
Local food is called ''Krioyo'' (pronounced the same as ''criollo'', the Spanish word for "Creole") and boasts a blend of flavours and techniques best compared to Caribbean cuisine and Latin American cuisine. Dishes common in Curaçao are found in [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]] as well. Popular dishes include: stobá (a stew made with various ingredients such as [[papaya]], [[beef]] or [[goat]]), Guiambo (soup made from [[okra]] and [[seafood]]), kadushi (cactus soup), sopi mondongo (intestine soup), funchi (cornmeal paste similar to [[fufu]], [[ugali]] and [[polenta]]) and a lot of fish and other seafood. The ubiquitous side dish is fried [[plantain]]. Local bread rolls are made according to a [[Portugal|Portuguese]] recipe. All around the island, there are snèk which serve local dishes as well as alcoholic drinks in a manner akin to the English [[pub]]. The ubiquitous breakfast dish is pastechi: fried pastry with fillings of cheese, tuna, ham, or ground meat. Around the holiday season special dishes are consumed, such as the [[hallaca]] and pekelé, made out of [[salt cod]]. At weddings and other special occasions a variety of kos dushi are served: kokada (coconut sweets), ko'i lechi (condensed milk and sugar sweet) and tentalaria (peanut sweets). The [[Curaçao liqueur]] was developed here, when a local experimented with the rinds of the local [[citrus]] fruit known as [[laraha]]. [[Surinam]]ese, Chinese, [[Indonesia]]n, Indian and Dutch culinary influences also abound. The island also has many Chinese restaurants that serve mainly Indonesian dishes such as [[satay]], [[nasi goreng]] and [[lumpia]] (which are all Indonesian names for the dishes). Dutch specialties such as [[croquette]]s and [[oliebollen]] are widely served in homes and restaurants.


On 1 July 2007, Curaçao was due to become a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, like Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. On 28 November 2006, the change was delayed when the island council rejected a clarification memorandum on the process. A new island council ratified this agreement on 9 July 2007.<ref name="approved">{{cite web |author=The Daily Herald St. Maarten |title=Curaçao IC ratifies 2 November accord |url=http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k045/ratify045.html |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=13 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711181904/http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k045/ratify045.html |archive-date=11 July 2007}}</ref> On 15 December 2008, Curaçao was again scheduled to become a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A non-binding referendum on the move was held in Curaçao on 15 May 2009; 52% of voters supported it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cuales |first=Orlando |date=15 May 2009 |title=Curacao<!--actual spelling used at the website--> Referendum Approves Increasing Autonomy |work=Newser |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.newser.com/article/d98729g80/curacao-referendum-approves-increasing-autonomy.html |url-status=dead |access-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607042327/https://www.newser.com/article/d98729g80/curacao-referendum-approves-increasing-autonomy.html |archive-date=7 June 2019}}</ref>
===Sports===
For the past eight years the baseball team from Willemstad, Curaçao has made it all the way to the [[Little League World Series]] in [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania]]. The team features players from ages 11 and 12 who get a chance to represent the [[Caribbean]] region. In 2004 the team from Willemstad, Curaçao won the title game against the [[United States]] champion from [[Thousand Oaks, California]]. The following year the team from Curaçao made it right back to the championship game but were defeated by [[Ewa Beach, Hawaii]] after Michael Memea hit a walk-off home run to win the title game for [[Hawaii]]. In 2007 the team lost to Japan in the International Championship game.


====Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles====
In the [[2006 World Baseball Classic]], Curaçan natives played for the Netherlands team. [[Shairon Martis]], born in [[Willemstad]], provided the highlight of the tournament for the Dutch team by throwing a seven-inning no-hitter against Panama (the game was stopped due to the mercy rule). In addition, [[Major League Baseball|Major League]] player and [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All Star]] [[Andruw Jones]] is a native of Curaçao.
The [[dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles]] came into effect on 10 October 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.government.nl/topics/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order|title=New constitutional order – Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom – Government.nl|first=Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en|last=Koninkrijksrelaties|website=Government.nl|access-date=23 August 2017|date=13 December 2011|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607111857/https://www.government.nl/topics/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nos.nl/nosjournaal/artikelen/2009/10/1/011009_antillen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004012255/http://www.nos.nl/nosjournaal/artikelen/2009/10/1/011009_antillen.html|archive-date=4 October 2009 |title=NOS Nieuws&nbsp;– Antillen opgeheven op 10-10-2010 |publisher=Nos.nl |date=18 November 2009 |access-date=10 October 2010}}</ref> Curaçao became a country within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], with the kingdom retaining responsibility for [[Defense (military)|defence]] and [[foreign policy]]. The kingdom was also tasked with overseeing the island's finances under a [[Debt relief|debt-relief]] arrangement agreed upon between the two.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |work=BBC News|title=Status change means Dutch Antilles no longer exists |date=10 October 2010}}</ref> Curaçao's first [[Prime Minister of Curaçao|prime minister]] was [[Gerrit Schotte]]. He was succeeded in 2012 by [[Stanley Betrian]], ''ad interim''. After the 2012 elections, [[Daniel Hodge]] became the third prime minister on 31 December 2012.<ref name=Hodge>{{cite news|url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2012/12/31/curacao-heeft-een-nieuw-tussenkabinet-dat-vooral-moet-bezuinigen/|title=Curaçao heeft een tussenkabinet, dat vooral moet bezuinigen|language=nl|date=31 December 2012|access-date=31 December 2012}}</ref> He led a [[demissionary cabinet]] until 7 June 2013, when a new cabinet under the leadership of [[Ivar Asjes]] was sworn in.<ref name=Asjes>{{cite news|url=http://nos.nl/artikel/515584-regering-curacao-beedigd.html|title=Regering Curaçao beëdigd|language=nl|date=7 June 2013|access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref>


Although Curaçao is autonomous, the Netherlands has intervened in its affairs to ensure that parliamentary elections are held and to assist in finalizing accurate budgets. In July 2017, Curaçaoan Prime Minister [[Eugene Rhuggenaath]] said he wanted Curaçao to take full responsibility over its affairs, but asked for more cooperation and assistance from the Netherlands, with suggestions for more innovative approaches to help Curaçao succeed and increase its [[standard of living]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/curacao-prime-minister-wants-to-do-business-with-the-netherlands/|title=Curaçao Prime Minister wants to do business with the Netherlands|date=4 July 2017|website=Curacaochronicle.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/premier-rhuggenaath-participates-high-level-political-forum-in-new-york/|title=Premier Rhuggenaath participates High Level Political Forum in New York|date=17 July 2017|website=Curacaochronicle.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> The Dutch government reminded the Curaçaoan government that it had provided assistance with oil refinery negotiations with the Chinese "on numerous occasions".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/on-numerous-occasions-the-netherlands-has-offered-assistance-with-oil-refinery-negotiations/|title=On numerous occasions the Netherlands has offered assistance with Oil Refinery negotiations|date=10 July 2017|website=Curacaochronicle.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref>
The prevailing trade winds and warm water make Curaçao a very good location for windsurfing, although the nearby islands of Aruba and Bonaire are far better known in the sport.<ref> "''Curacao's Caribbean sister islands, Aruba and Bonaire, are well known in the windsurfing world. Curaçao , which receives the same Caribbean trade winds as its siblings, has remained undiscovered by travelling windsurfers''." [http://www.windsurfingcuracao.com/]</ref><ref> Motion Magazine, June 2005</ref> One factor is that the deep water around Curaçao makes it difficult to lay marks for major windsurfing events, thus hindering the island's success as a windsurfing destination. Similarly, the warm clear water around the island makes Curaçao a mecca for diving.<ref> New York Times, Frommers Guide to Curacao watersports. "Scuba divers and snorkelers can expect spectacular scenery in waters with visibility often exceeding 30m (98 ft) at the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, which stretches along 20km (12 miles) of Curaçao's southern coastline". [http://www.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/caribbean-and-bermuda/curacao/frm_curacao_0178020606.html].</ref>


The 2020 [[COVID-19 pandemic in Curaçao|COVID-19 pandemic]] resulted in [[austerity measures]]. Curaçao had to impose spending cuts to qualify for additional aid from the Netherlands.<ref name="ntr">{{cite news|url=https://www.knipselkrant-curacao.com/ntr-protest-curacao-eindigt-in-rellen-en-plunderingen-avondklok-ingesteld/|title=Protest Curaçao eindigt in rellen en plunderingen, avondklok ingesteld|website=[[Omroep NTR]] via Knispelkrant Curaçao|access-date=25 June 2020|language=nl}}</ref> As part of the austerity package, the Government of Curaçao announced a 12.5% cut in benefits for [[civil servants]].<ref name="head"/> On 24 June 2020, a group of civil servants, together with [[waste collector]]s from Selikor, marched to [[Fort Amsterdam (Curaçao)|Fort Amsterdam]] and demanded to speak with Rhuggenaath.<ref name="head">{{cite news|url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/angry-protestors-heading-towards-fort-amsterdam/|title=Angry protestors heading towards Fort Amsterdam|website=Curaçao Chronicle|access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref> The demonstration turned into a [[riot]], and police cleared the square in front of Fort Amsterdam<ref name="nu">{{cite web|url=https://curacao.nu/plunderingen-in-willemstad-uitgaansverbod/|title=Plunderingen in Willemstad uitgaansverbod|website=Curacao.nu|date=24 June 2020|access-date=25 June 2020|language=nl}}</ref> with [[tear gas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/curacao-protest-gets-out-of-hand|title=Curaçao protest gets out of hand|website=The Daily Herald.sx|date=25 June 2020 |access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref> The city centre of [[Willemstad]] was later [[Looting|looted]].<ref name="nu"/> 48 people were arrested,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dolfijnfm.com/48-personen-gearresteerd/|title=48 personen gearresteerd|website=Dolfijn FM|access-date=25 June 2020|language=nl|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627184303/https://www.dolfijnfm.com/48-personen-gearresteerd/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the city districts of [[Punda]] and [[Otrobanda]] were placed under [[lockdown]] for the night, and a general [[curfew]] was declared from 20:30 to 06:00.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/punda-and-otrobanda-in-lockdown-until-friday-curfew-tonight-from-830pm-until-6am/|title=Punda and Otrobanda in lockdown until Friday; Curfew tonight from 8:30pm until 6am|website=Curaçao Chronicle|access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref>
==Notable people from Curaçao==

Famous people from Curaçao include:
== Geography ==
*[[Jan Gerard Palm]], 1831-1906 a [[composer]] often referred to as the "Father of Curaçao music"
{{further|List of populated places in Curaçao}}
*Bauke Luitsen Scholtz (aka BalusC), A notable JavaServer Faces expert.
[[File:Curacao Dushi (34800928041).jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the coast of Curaçao]]
*[[Rudolph Palm]], 1880-1950 a [[composer]], he played [[piano]], [[organ (music)|organ]], [[flute]], [[clarinet]] and [[saxophone]].
[[File:Curaçao2021OSM.png|thumb|Enlargeable, detailed map of Curaçao]]
*[[Jacobo Palm]], 1887-1982 a [[composer]], he played piano, organ, flute, clarinet and [[violin]].
[[File:Curacao Iguana iguana 2021 2.jpg|thumb|Green Iguana from Curaçao]]
*[[Andruw Jones]], [[Major League Baseball]] [[outfielder]] currently playing for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].

*[[Jair Jurrjens]], [[Major League Baseball]] [[Pitcher]] currently playing for the [[Atlanta Braves]].
Curaçao, lies on the [[continental shelf]] of South America featuring a hilly topography, with its highest point reaching {{convert|372|m|ft|abbr=on}} above [[sea level]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/|title=The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency|website=cia.gov|access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref> named [[Christoffelberg]]. Curaçao has diverse range of beaches from coastline's bays, inlets, lagoons, seasonal lakes, rough seas at its northshore, and a spring water. In addition, Curaçao has [[upwelling]] which is an [[oceanographic]] phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler and nutrient-rich water from deep ocean moving towards the ocean surface, contributing to the source of natural minerals, thermal conditions, and seawater used in [[hydrotherapy]] and [[mesotherapy]], making the island one of many [[Balneotherapy|balneoclimateric]] areas in the region. Furthemore, off the southeast coast of the main island of Curaçao lies the tiny unhabitated Isle of [[Klein Curaçao]].<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> [[Klein Curaçao]] boasts long stretched beach.
*[[Pernell Saturnino]], a graduated [[percussionist]] of [[Berklee College of Music]]<!-- http://www.pernellsaturnino.com/ -->

*[[Tula (Curaçao)|Tula]], leader of the 1795 [[slave rebellion|slave revolt]]
=== Flora ===
*[[Daniel De Leon]], a [[socialist]] leader
Curaçao's flora differ from typical tropical island vegetation. [[Guajira-Barranquilla xeric scrub]] is the most notable, with various forms of [[cacti]], thorny shrubs, [[evergreen]], and [[watapana]] trees (''Libidibia coriaria''; called ''divi-divi'' on Aruba), which are characteristic of the ABC islands and the national symbol of Aruba. ''[[Brassavola nodosa]]'' is a [[Drought tolerance|drought-tolerant]] species of ''[[Brassavola]],'' one of the few [[orchid]]s present in the ABC islands. Cacti include ''[[Melocactus]]'' and ''[[Opuntia]]'' species such as ''[[Opuntia stricta]]''.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}
*[[Kizzy Getrouw]], a [[singer songwriter]] and [[television personality]] based in the United States
[[File:Melocactus macracanthos subsp. macracanthos (6253748197).jpg|thumb|''Melocactus macracanthos'' in Curaçao]]
*[[George Maduro]], a war hero and namesake of [[Madurodam]] in [[The Hague]]

=== Fauna ===
{{further|Rodents of the Caribbean#Curaçao}}
Curaçao is [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid]], and as such has not supported the numerous tropical species of mammals, birds, and lizards most associated with [[rainforest]]s. Dozens of species of [[hummingbird]]s, [[bananaquit]]s, [[Oriole blackbird|orioles]], and the larger [[tern]]s, [[heron]]s, [[egret]]s, and even [[flamingo]]s make their homes near ponds or in coastal areas. The trupial, a black bird with a bright orange underbelly and white swatches on its wings, is common to Curaçao. The [[mockingbird]], called ''chuchubi'' in Papiamentu, resembles the North American mockingbird, with a long white-grey tail and a grey back. Near shorelines, big-billed [[brown pelican]]s feed on fish. Other seabirds include several types of [[gull]]s and large [[cormorant]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Prins |first1=T. G. |last2=Reuter |first2=J. H. |last3=Debrot |first3=A. O. |last4=Wattel |first4=J. |last5=Nijman |first5=V. |date=October 2009 |title=Checklist of the Birds of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, South Caribbean |url=https://bioone.org/journals/ardea/volume-97/issue-2/078.097.0201/Checklist-of-the-Birds-of-Aruba-Cura%c3%a7ao-and-Bonaire-South/10.5253/078.097.0201.full |journal=Ardea |volume=97 |issue=2 |pages=137–268 |doi=10.5253/078.097.0201 |issn=0373-2266}}</ref>

Other than field mice, small rabbits, and cave bats, Curaçao's most notable animal is the [[white-tailed deer]]. This deer is related to the American white-tailed deer, or Virginia deer, found in areas from North America through Central America and the Caribbean, and as far south as Bolivia. It can be a large deer, some reaching {{convert|6|ft|m|spell=in|sigfig=1}} in length and {{convert|3|ft|m|spell=in|sigfig=1}} in height, and weighing as much as {{convert|300|lb}}. It has a long tail with a white underside, and is the only type of deer on the island. It has been a [[protected species]] since 1926, and an estimated 200 live on Curaçao. They are found in many parts of the island, but most notably at the west end's Christoffel Park, where about 70% of the herd resides. [[Archaeology|Archaeologists]] believe the deer were brought from South America to Curaçao by its original inhabitants, the Arawaks.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

There are several species of [[iguana]], light green in colour with shimmering shades of aqua along the belly and sides, found lounging in the sun across the island. The iguanas found on Curaçao serve not only as a scenic attraction but, unlike many islands that gave up the practice years ago, remain hunted for food. Along the west end of the island's north shore are several inlets that have become home to breeding [[sea turtle]]s. These turtles are protected by the park system in Shete Boka Park, and can be visited accompanied by park rangers.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Climate ===
Curaçao has a [[semi-arid climate|hot, semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BSh'') with a [[dry season]] from January to September and a [[wet season]] from October to December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meteo.cw/climate.php|title=Climate Summaries |publisher=Meteorological Department Curaçao}}</ref> Rainfall is scarce, only 450 millimeters (12 inches) per year; in particular, the rainy season is drier than it normally is in tropical climates; during the dry season, it almost never rains. Owing to the scarcity of rainfall, the landscape of Curaçao is arid; especially on the north coast of the island. Temperatures are relatively constant, with small differences measured throughout the year. The [[trade winds]] cool the island during the day and warm it at night. The coolest month is January with an average temperature of {{convert|26.6|°C|0|disp=or}}; the hottest is September with an average temperature of {{convert|29.1|°C|0|disp=or}}. The year's average maximum temperature is {{convert|31.4|°C|0|disp=or}}. The year's average temperature is {{convert|25.7|°C|0|disp=or}}. The seawater around Curaçao averages around {{cvt|27|°C}} and is coolest (avg. {{convert|25.9|°C|disp=sqbr}}) from February to March, and hottest (avg. {{convert|28.2|°C|disp=sqbr}}) from September to October.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Because Curaçao lies North of the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] and in an area of low-level divergence where winds flow parallel to the coast, its climate is much drier than expected for the northeastern side of a continent at its latitude. Rainfall is also extremely variable from year to year,<ref>Dewar, Robert E. and Wallis, James R; ‘Geographical patterning in interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach’; in ''[[Journal of Climate]]'', 12; pp. 3457–3466</ref> being strongly linked to the [[El Niño Southern Oscillation]]. As little as {{convert|200|mm|in|0|disp=or}} may fall in a strong El Niño year, but as much as {{convert|1150|mm|in|0|disp=or}} is not unknown in powerful [[La Niña]] years.

Curaçao lies outside the [[Main Development Region]] for [[tropical cyclone]]s, but is still occasionally affected by them, as with Hurricanes [[Hurricane Hazel|Hazel]] in 1954, [[Hurricane Anna (1961)|Anna]] in 1961, [[Hurricane Felix (2007)|Felix]] in 2007, and [[Hurricane Omar (2008)|Omar]] in 2008. No hurricane has made [[landfall]] in Curaçao since the US [[National Hurricane Center]] started tracking hurricanes. Curaçao has, however, been directly affected by pre-hurricane tropical storms several times; the latest being Hurricane [[Hurricane Tomas|Tomas]] in 2010, [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Cesar]] in 1996, [[Hurricane Joan–Miriam|Joan]] in 1988, [[Hurricane Cora|Cora]] and [[Hurricane Greta–Olivia|Greta]] in 1978, [[Hurricane Edith (1971)|Edith]] and [[Hurricane Irene (1971)|Irene]] in 1971, and [[Hurricane Francelia|Francelia]] in 1969. Tomas brushed past Curaçao as a tropical storm, dropping as much as {{convert|265|mm|1|abbr=on}} of rain on the island, nearly half its annual precipitation in a single day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Doden door noodweer op Curaçao|url=http://www.nu.nl/buitenland/2369389/doden-noodweer-curaao.html|access-date=1 November 2010|date=1 November 2010|publisher=Netherlands National News Agency|language=nl}}</ref> This made Tomas one of the wettest events in the island's history,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myheadlines.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=MyHeadlines&file=index5&sid=1558&cid=3586951&source=Nieuws.nl |title=Damdoorbraken in Curaçao door storm Tomas |access-date=2 November 2010 |date=2 November 2010 |publisher=Nieuws.nl |language=nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618091320/http://www.myheadlines.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=MyHeadlines&file=index5&sid=1558&cid=3586951&source=Nieuws.nl |archive-date=18 June 2011 }}</ref> as well as one of the most devastating; its flooding killed two people and caused over NAƒ50&nbsp;million (US$28&nbsp;million) in damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.curalive.com/news/versgeperst/06nov2010-50-miljoen-schade|title=50 miljoen schade|date=6 November 2010|publisher=versgeperst.com|author=Elisa Koek|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708213319/http://www.curalive.com/news/versgeperst/06nov2010-50-miljoen-schade|archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/twee-doden-op-curacao-door-tropische-storm-tomas|title=Twee doden op Curaçao door Tropische Storm Tomas|author=Redactie Aworaki|date=2 November 2010|publisher=Aworaki.nl}}</ref>

According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, average [[List of countries by carbon dioxide emissions per capita|carbon dioxide emissions per person]] on the island were 52 tonnes in 2018, the second highest in the world.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Fossil CO<sub>2</sub> and GHG emissions of all world countries: 2019 report.|url=http://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9d09ccd1-e0dd-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en|date=2019-09-26|publisher=Publications Office of the European Union |isbn=9789276111009}}</ref>

Meteo, the Curaçao weather department, provides up-to-date information about weather conditions via its [[website]] and [[mobile app]]s for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weather App |url=https://www.meteo.cw/about_app.php?Lang=Eng&St=TNCC&Sws=R11 |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=www.meteo.cw}}</ref>
<div style="width:100%">
{{Weather box
| location = Curaçao - Hato International airport (TNCC) (1981-2010)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 33.3
|Feb record high C = 33.2
|Mar record high C = 33.0
|Apr record high C = 34.7
|May record high C = 36.0
|Jun record high C = 37.5
|Jul record high C = 35.0
|Aug record high C = 37.4
|Sep record high C = 38.3
|Oct record high C = 36.0
|Nov record high C = 35.6
|Dec record high C = 33.3
|year record high C = 38.3
|Jan high C = 29.9
|Feb high C = 30.1
|Mar high C = 30.7
|Apr high C = 31.4
|May high C = 32.0
|Jun high C = 32.1
|Jul high C = 32.1
|Aug high C = 32.7
|Sep high C = 32.8
|Oct high C = 32.1
|Nov high C = 31.1
|Dec high C = 30.3
|year high C = 31.4
|Jan mean C = 26.6
|Feb mean C = 26.7
|Mar mean C = 27.2
|Apr mean C = 27.8
|May mean C = 28.4
|Jun mean C = 28.6
|Jul mean C = 28.5
|Aug mean C = 28.9
|Sep mean C = 29.1
|Oct mean C = 28.6
|Nov mean C = 28.0
|Dec mean C = 27.2
|year mean C = 28.0
|Jan low C = 24.4
|Feb low C = 24.5
|Mar low C = 24.9
|Apr low C = 25.6
|May low C = 26.3
|Jun low C = 26.5
|Jul low C = 26.1
|Aug low C = 26.5
|Sep low C = 26.6
|Oct low C = 26.2
|Nov low C = 25.6
|Dec low C = 24.9
|year low C = 25.7
|Jan record low C = 21.5
|Feb record low C = 20.6
|Mar record low C = 21.3
|Apr record low C = 22.0
|May record low C = 21.6
|Jun record low C = 22.4
|Jul record low C = 22.3
|Aug record low C = 21.3
|Sep record low C = 22.7
|Oct record low C = 21.9
|Nov record low C = 22.0
|Dec record low C = 21.6
|year record low C = 20.6
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 46.0
|Feb rain mm = 28.8
|Mar rain mm = 14.1
|Apr rain mm = 19.4
|May rain mm = 21.3
|Jun rain mm = 22.4
|Jul rain mm = 41.3
|Aug rain mm = 39.7
|Sep rain mm = 49.1
|Oct rain mm = 102.0
|Nov rain mm = 122.4
|Dec rain mm = 95.5
|year rain mm = 602.0
|unit rain days = 1.0 mm
|Jan rain days = 8.5
|Feb rain days = 5.5
|Mar rain days = 2.5
|Apr rain days = 2.4
|May rain days = 2.2
|Jun rain days = 3.3
|Jul rain days = 6.3
|Aug rain days = 4.6
|Sep rain days = 4.7
|Oct rain days = 8.1
|Nov rain days = 10.9
|Dec rain days = 11.4
|year rain days = 70.4
|Jan humidity = 78.5
|Feb humidity = 78.2
|Mar humidity = 77.3
|Apr humidity = 78.2
|May humidity = 77.9
|Jun humidity = 77.5
|Jul humidity = 78.1
|Aug humidity = 77.8
|Sep humidity = 78.1
|Oct humidity = 79.6
|Nov humidity = 80.6
|Dec humidity = 79.5
|year humidity = 78.4
|Jan sun = 264.7
|Feb sun = 249.6
|Mar sun = 271.8
|Apr sun = 249.4
|May sun = 266.3
|Jun sun = 266.7
|Jul sun = 290.4
|Aug sun = 302.5
|Sep sun = 261.7
|Oct sun = 247.8
|Nov sun = 234.7
|Dec sun = 247.1
|year sun = 3152.7
|Jan percentsun = 73.8
|Feb percentsun = 75.2
|Mar percentsun = 72.8
|Apr percentsun = 67.0
|May percentsun = 67.9
|Jun percentsun = 70.8
|Jul percentsun = 73.3
|Aug percentsun = 78.2
|Sep percentsun = 71.6
|Oct percentsun = 67.4
|Nov percentsun = 67.6
|Dec percentsun = 69.8
|year percentsun = 71.3
|source = Meteorological Department Curacao<ref name=climate>{{cite web
|url= https://www.meteo.cw/Data_www/Climate/documents/CLIM_SUM_Cur.pdf
|publisher= Meteorological Department Curacao
|title= Summary Climatological Data 1981–2010
|access-date= 12 August 2020
}}</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

=== Climate change ===
Average temperatures have risen sharply in the past 40 years in the Caribbean Netherlands and Curaçao has experienced more warm days and fewer cooler nights.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2021-11-15 |title=Climate change becomes an existential crisis on the islands |url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/climate-change-becomes-an-existential-crisis-on-the-islands/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=Curacao Chronicle}}</ref> The [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] predicts that should air temperatures increase by 1.4 degrees, there will be a 5% to 6% decrease in rainfall, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (including a 66% increase in hurricane intensity), and a 0.5- to 0.6-meter sea-level rise in the Caribbean Netherlands.<ref name=":2" />
</div>

=== Geology ===
{{main|Geology of Curaçao}}
The northern [[seabed]] drops steeply within {{convert|60|m|abbr=on}} of the Curaçaoan shore. This drop-off is known as the "blue edge".

On Curaçao, four major [[geological formation]]s can be found: the lava formation, the Knip formation, the Mid-Curaçao formation and limestone formations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.researchstationcarmabi.org/ecosystems/geology|title=CARMABI Research Station Curaçao|work=researchstationcarmabi.org}}</ref>

Curaçao lies within the [[Caribbean large igneous province]] (CLIP) with key exposures of those lavas existing on the island consisting of the Curaçao Lava Formation (CLF). The CLF consists of 5&nbsp;km of [[pillow lava]]s with some [[basalt]] [[intrusion]]s. The ages of these rocks include 89 [[mega-annum|Ma]] for the lavas and 75 Ma for the [[poikilitic]] [[sill (geology)|sills]], though some sequences may have erupted as late as 62–66 Ma, placing them in the [[Cretaceous]] period. Their composition includes [[picrite]] pillows at the base, followed by [[tholeiitic]] lavas, then [[hyaloclastite]]s, then the poikilitic sills. The CLF was gradually [[geologic uplift|uplifted]] until [[Eocene]]-[[Miocene]] limestone caps formed, before final exposure above sea level. [[Christoffelberg]] and the Zevenbergen (Seven Hills) portion of the island have exposures of the Knip [[formation (geology)|Formation]]. This formation includes deepwater deposits of [[calcareous]] [[sand]]s and fine [[clay]]s, capped by [[siliceous]] [[chert]] containing [[radiolarian]]s. Middle Curaçao contains [[alluvial]] soils from eroded CLF and limestone.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Loewen |first1=M.W. |last2=Duncan |first2=R.A. |last3=Krawl |first3=K. |last4=Kent |first4=A.J. |last5=Sinton |first5=C.W. |last6=Lackey |first6=J. |title=Prolonged volcanic history for the Curaçao Lava Formation inferred from new 40Ar-39Ar ages and trace phase geochemistry |journal=American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, Abstract Id. V51D-2542 |year=2011 |volume=2011 |pages=V51D–2542 |bibcode=2011AGUFM.V51D2542L }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=van Buurt |first1=Gerard |title=A Short Natural History of Curaçao. In: Crossing Shifting Boundaries, Language and Changing Political status in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao |journal=Proceedings of the ECICC-conference, Dominica 2009 |year=2010 |volume=I |pages=229–256 |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/www.dcbd.nl/files/documents/Short%20Natural%20History%20of%20Cura%C3%A7ao%202010.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519204621/https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/www.dcbd.nl/files/documents/Short%20Natural%20History%20of%20Cura%C3%A7ao%202010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2019 |access-date=3 September 2018}}</ref>

=== Beaches ===
[[File:Grote Knip Kenepa Grandi Curacao (36561697451).jpg|thumb|Grote Knip Beach]]
Curaçao has 37 beaches.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruepert|first=Maaike|date=2014-11-25|title=De 37 stranden van Curaçao in kaart|url=https://www.ad.nl/wonen/de-37-stranden-van-curacao-in-kaart~a05dee2c/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-04|website=[[Algemeen Dagblad]]|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115104733/https://www.ad.nl/wonen/de-37-stranden-van-curacao-in-kaart~a05dee2c/ |archive-date=15 January 2020 }}</ref> Most are on the south side of the island. The best known are:

{{div col|colwidth=16em}}
* [[Baya Beach]]
* [[Blue Bay, Curaçao|Blue Bay]]
* [[Boca Sami]]
* [[Daaibooi]]
* [[Grote Knip]] (Kenepa Grandi)
* [[Kleine Knip]] (Kenepa Chiki)
* Kokomo Beach
* Mambo Beach
* Piscaderabaai
* [[Playa Forti]]
* [[Playa Jeremi]]
* Playa Kas Abao
* [[Playa Kalki]]
* [[Playa Kanoa]]
* [[Playa Lagun]]
* [[Playa Porto Marie]]
* [[Playa Santa Cruz]]
* [[Santa Barbara Beach, Curaçao|Playa Santa Barbara]]
* [[Seaquarium Beach]]
* Sint Michielsbaai
* Vaersenbaai
* [[Westpunt]]
{{div col end}}

== Architecture ==
The island has diverse architectural styles reflecting the influence of the various historical rulers over the region, including Spain, the Netherlands, with more modern elements under Western influence primarily including the United States and other European countries. This ranges from [[ruins]] and colonial buildings to modern infrastructure.

=== Forts ===
[[File:Curacao Fort Beekenburg Luftbild (34873603326).jpg|thumb|Fort Beekenburg, Caracas Bay, Curaçao]]
When the Dutch arrived in 1634, they built forts at key points around the island to protect themselves from foreign powers, privateers, and pirates. Six of the best-preserved forts can still be seen today:

* [[Fort Amsterdam (Curaçao)|Fort Amsterdam]] (1635)
* [[Fort Beekenburg]] (1703)
* [[Fort Nassau (Curaçao)|Fort Nassau]] (1797)
* [[Waterfort]] (1826)
* [[Otrobanda#Rif Fort|Rif Fort]] (1828)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://riffortcuracao.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509200837/http://riffortcuracao.com/|archive-date=9 May 2011 |title=Riffort |publisher= Riffortcuracao.com |access-date= 20 May 2014}}</ref>
* [[Fort Piscadera]] (built between 1701 and 1704)

In 1957, the hotel [[Van der Valk Plaza Curaçao]] was built on top of the Waterfort.<ref>{{cite book|first=Thijs|last=Kateman|title=Curacao, Aruba en Bonaire / druk 1: Binaire en Aruba|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h8tD8_FRoW8C&pg=PA70|year=2012|publisher=ANWB Media – Boeken & Gidsen|isbn=978-90-18-02464-2|page=70}}</ref>

The Rif Fort is located opposite of the Waterfort, across the [[Otrobanda]] harbour entrance. It contains restaurants and shops, and in 2009, the Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino opened next to it.<ref>(2011) GEA Curaçao. Ref. AR 48811 – [http://www.slideshare.net/jronger/110429-verzoekschrift-bodemprocedure Aqua Spa B.V. vs Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino (Riffort Village N.V.) – Riffort Village Exploitatie Maatschappij N.V. – Aruba Bank N.V.]</ref><ref>"[http://www.slideshare.net/jronger/beslag-renaissance-curacao-resort-casino-bank-amigoe Lien on Renaissance Bank Accounts]", ''Amigoe Newspaper'', 31 May 2011</ref>

==Government==
{{Main|Government of Curaçao}}
[[File:Edificio del Parlamento de Curaçao, ubicado en el distrito de Punda, Willemstad.jpg|thumb|right|Curaçao Parliament Building (''Parlamento di Kòrsou'') located in the Punda district, Willemstad]]

Curaçao is a [[Kingdom of the Netherlands#Constituent countries|constituent country]] of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]].<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Its governance takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy]]. The [[King of the Netherlands]] is the [[head of state]], represented locally by a [[Governor of Curaçao|governor]], with the [[Prime Minister of Curaçao]] serving as [[head of government]].<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> [[Executive power]] is exercised by the government. [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the government and [[Estates of Curaçao|parliament]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The [[judiciary]] is [[Judicial independence|independent]] of the executive and the legislature. Convicted [[Felony|felons]] are held at the [[Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou|Curaçao Centre for Detention and Correction]].{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}

Curaçao has full autonomy over most matters; the exceptions are outlined in the [[Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands]] under the title "[[Kingdom of the Netherlands#Kingdom affairs|Kingdom affairs]]".{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}

=== Military ===
[[File:Luchtfoto van de marinebasis Parera op Curaçao.jpg|thumb|right|Parera Naval Base]]
Defence of the island is the responsibility of the Netherlands.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> The [[Netherlands Armed Forces]] deploy both ground and naval units in the Caribbean with some of these forces based on Curaçao. These forces include:

* a company of the [[Royal Netherlands Army]] on Curaçao on a rotational basis;
* a Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Craft (FRISC) troop (fast boats);
* a guardship, normally a [[Holland-class offshore patrol vessel]], from the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] on station in the Caribbean on a rotational basis;
* the Royal Netherlands Navy support vessel [[HNLMS Pelikaan (A804)|HNLMS Pelikaan]];
* Curmil (Curaçaoan) militia elements;
* Elements of a [[Royal Marechaussee]] brigade of the Armed Forces.<ref name="ULCdefensie">{{cite web | url=https://english.defensie.nl/topics/caribbean/units-and-locations | title=Units and locations - Caribbean territories - Defensie.nl | date=3 June 2022 }}</ref>

Two [[Royal Netherlands Navy|Dutch]] naval bases, Parera and [[Marinekazerne Suffisant|Suffisant]], are located on the island of Curaçao.<ref name="CZCdefensie">{{cite web |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/marine/eenheden/commandement-der-zeemacht-caribisch-gebied |title=Commandement der Zeemacht Caribisch gebied |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=|website= Defensie.nl}}</ref> Officers of the [[Military of Aruba|Arubaanse Militie]] complete additional training on Curaçao.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The [[Curaçao Volunteer Corps]] is also stationed at the Suffisant Naval Barracks.<ref name="ULCdefensie" />

On the west side of [[Curaçao International Airport]] are hangars for the two [[De Havilland Canada Dash 8|Bombardier Dash 8]] Maritime Patrol Aircraft and two [[AgustaWestland AW139]] helicopters of the [[Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard]]. Until 2007, the site was a [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] [[air base]] which operated for 55 years with a wide variety of aircraft, including [[Fairey Firefly|Fireflies]], [[Grumman TBF Avenger|Avengers]], [[Grumman S-2 Tracker|Trackers]], [[Lockheed P-2 Neptune|Neptunes]], [[Fokker F27 Friendship|Fokker F-27s]], [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C Orions]], [[Fokker 50|Fokker F-60s]] and several helicopter types. After the political decision to sell off all Orions, the air base wasn't needed anymore.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

The west end of the airport is a [[USAF]] [[Forward Operating Site|Forward Operating Location]] (FOL).<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Curacao/Aruba Forward Operating Locations|url=http://www.12af.acc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/5922/Article/319233/curacaoaruba-forward-operating-locations.aspx|access-date=2021-01-18|website=12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern)|language=en-US}}</ref> The base hosts [[Airborne early warning and control|Airborne Warning And Control System]] (AWACS), [[cargo aircraft]], [[aerial refueling]] planes, and [[reconnaissance aircraft]].<ref name="auto"/> Until 1999, the USAF operated a small fleet of [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighters from the FOL.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The [[Pacific Architects and Engineers|PAE]] corporation runs base operations at the FOL.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for October 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2400904//|access-date=2021-01-18|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Conscription ====
Suffisant Naval Base has facilities used for [[conscription]] in the Caribbean. There has been no military conscription since 1997, but a form of [[civil conscription]] has replaced it, compelling underprivileged young Antilleans to undertake professional training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/navy/contents/navy-units/dutch-naval-command-caribbean|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925143919/https://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/navy/contents/navy-units/dutch-naval-command-caribbean|title=Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean|first=Ministerie van|last=Defensie|website=defensie.nl|archive-date=25 September 2015|access-date= 15 February 2018}}</ref>

===Politics===
After being part of the [[Netherlands Antilles]], Curaçao became autonomous, along with [[Sint Maarten]] island, while the less populated islands of [[Bonaire]], [[Sint Eustatius]] and [[Saba (island)|Saba]] remained [[Caribbean Netherlands|special municipalities]] governed by the Netherlands.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20413910|title=Curacao profile|date=2017-06-08|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-04-12|language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Curaçao}}
[[File:Bohrinsel Curacao (34800864151).jpg|thumb|Offshore oil platform in Curaçao]]
[[File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139159.jpg|thumb|Historic area of Willemstad, declared a [[World Heritage Site]] by UNESCO in 1997]]
Curaçao has an [[open economy]]; its most important sectors are [[tourism]], [[international trade]], [[Freight transport|shipping services]], [[Oil refinery|oil refining]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.caribflame.com/2017/07/dutch-caribbean-refineries-on-uncertain-path/
|title=Dutch Caribbean Refineries on Uncertain Path – Carib Flame|website=Caribflame.com|access-date=23 August 2017
}}</ref> [[Oil terminal|oil storage]] and [[bunkering]], and international [[financial services]].<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Venezuelan state oil company [[PDVSA]]'s lease on the island's oil refinery expired in 2019; the facility employs 1,000 people, refining oil from [[Venezuela]] for export to the US and Asia.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/curacao/curacao_economy.html
|title=Curacao Economy 2017, CIA World Factbook|website=Theodora.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> [[Schlumberger]], the world's largest oil field services company, is incorporated in Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Schlumberger_NV.5f3499e2666948c7.html
|title=Schlumberger N.V. – Company Information
}}</ref> The {{interlanguage link|Isla oil refinery|fr|Raffinerie de Isla|nl|Isla (raffinaderij)}} is said to be responsible for Curaçao's position as one of the world's top five highest per capita CO<sub>2</sub> emission-producing countries.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.stichtingsmoc.nl/2015/11/cop21-alert-caribbean-part-of-dutch-kingdom-belongs-to-top-5-co2-emissions-per-capita/
|title=COP21 alert: Caribbean part of Dutch Kingdom belongs to top 5 CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per capita {{!}} Stichting SMOC|website=www.stichtingsmoc.nl|language=nl|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref>

Along with [[Sint Maarten]], Curaçao uses the [[Netherlands Antillean guilder]] as its currency.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Its economy is well-developed, supporting a high standard of living, ranking 46th in the world in terms of [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|GDP (PPP) per capita]] and 27th in the world in terms of [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|nominal GDP per capita]]. Curaçao possesses a [[World Bank high-income economy|high-income economy]] as defined by the [[World Bank]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=The World Bank |title=Excel file of historical classifications by income. |url=http://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/site-content/OGHIST.xls |access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How are the income group thresholds determined? – World Bank Data Help Desk |url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/378833-how-are-the-income-group-thresholds-determined |website=datahelpdesk.worldbank.org |access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref>
Activities related to the port of Willemstad, such as the [[Free Trade Zone]], make significant contributions to the economy.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> To achieve greater [[Economic diversity|economic diversification]], the Curaçaoan government is increasing its efforts to attract more foreign investment.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> This policy, called the "Open Arms" policy, features a heavy focus on attracting [[information technology]] companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.curacao-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/Investors%20Guide%20Curacao%202006.pdf |title= An investor's guide to the welcoming island of Curaçao |access-date=10 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Mindmagnet.com |url=http://www.ecommerceatcuracao.com/corporate.htm |title=Ecommerce at Curaçao Corporate |publisher=Ecommerceatcuracao.com |date=1 March 2001 |access-date=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investcuracao.com/01e01.html |title=Economic Data Overview |publisher=Investcuracao.com |access-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228080942/http://www.investcuracao.com/01e01.html |archive-date=2009-02-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since 2016, reduced foreign demand for goods due to the ongoing [[Venezuelan protests (2014–present)|unrest]] and [[Venezuelan presidential crisis|political uncertainty]] in Venezuela has led to decreased exports and increased domestic demand for goods and services, resulting in [[economic stagnation]]. While many economic sectors contracted, expansion took place in the [[construction]], [[Financial intermediary|financial intermediation]], and [[Public utility|utilities]] sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/economic-developments-2016-outlook-2017-economische-ontwikkelingen-2016-en-vooruitzichten-voor-2017-curacao-sint-maarten/|title=Economic Developments in 2016 and outlook for 2017 / Economische ontwikkelingen in 2016 en vooruitzichten voor 2017 – Curacao / Sint Maarten – BearingPoint Caribbean|date=14 February 2017|website=Bearingpointcaribbean.com|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803091737/http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/economic-developments-2016-outlook-2017-economische-ontwikkelingen-2016-en-vooruitzichten-voor-2017-curacao-sint-maarten/|archive-date=2017-08-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Tourism ===
[[File:Curacao Jan Thiel (34526956140).jpg|thumb|Jan Thiel Beach]]
[[File:Elkhorn Coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao.jpg|thumb|[[Elkhorn coral]] with a Yellowtail Damselfish ([[Microspathodon chrysurus]]) in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao]]
While tourism plays a major role in Curaçao's economy, the island is less reliant on tourism than many other Caribbean countries. Most tourists come to Curaçao from the Netherlands, the eastern United States, South America and other Caribbean islands.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Curaçao was a Caribbean leader in [[cruise ship]] tourism growth, with 610,186 cruise passengers in 2013, a 41.4% increase over the previous year.<ref name="CaribbeanInTourismGrowth">{{cite news|url=http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/02/14/curacao-leading-caribbean-in-cruise-tourism-growth/|title=Curaçao Leading Caribbean in Cruise Tourism Growth |publisher=Caribjournal.com |date=14 February 2014 |access-date=14 February 2014}}</ref> [[Hato International Airport]] received 1,772,501 passengers in 2013 and announced capital investments totaling US$48&nbsp;million aimed at transforming the airport into a [[Airline hub|regional hub]] by 2018.

The Curaçaoan [[Continental shelf|insular shelf's]] sharp drop-off known as the "Blue Edge" is often visited by [[scuba diving]] tourists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-travel/article/underwater-photographers-guide-curacao/|title=An Underwater Photographer's Guide to Curaçao|website=DivePhotoGuide|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> Coral reefs for [[snorkeling]] and scuba diving can be reached without a boat. The southern coast has calm waters as well as many small beaches, such as Jan Thiel and Cas Abou. At the westernmost point of the island is [[Watamula]] and the [[Cliff Villa Peninsula]] which are good locations for drift diving. The coastline of Curaçao features numerous bays and inlets which serve as popular mooring locations for boats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.curacao-vakantie.nl/|title=Curacao vakantie – Curacao vakantie|website=Curacao vakantie|language=nl-NL|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

In June 2017, the island was named the Top Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean by [[Cruise Critic]], a major online forum. The winners of the Destination Awards were selected based on comments from cruise passengers who rated the downtown area of Willemstad as "amazing" and the food and shopping as "excellent".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/tourism/curacao-has-been-named-the-top-cruise-destination-in-the-southern-caribbean/|title=Curaçao has been named the Top Cruise destination in the Southern Caribbean|date=27 July 2017|website=Curacaochronicle.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> The historic centre of Willemstad is a [[Lists of World Heritage Sites|World Heritage Site]]. Another attraction is the towns colourful street art. the [[Blue Bay Sculpture Garden]] with works from known Curaçao artists is situated in a nearby resort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://curacao-art.com/galleries/blue-bay-beeldentuin/ |title=Blue Bay Beeldentuin|website=Curacao Art|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> [[Landhuis Bloemhof]] is an art museum and gallery located in Willemstad.<ref name="beautiful">{{cite web|url=https://www.beautiful-curacao.nl/bezienswaardigheden/landhuis-bloemhof.php |title=Landhuis Bloemhof|website=Beautiful Curaçao|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref>

Some of the coral reefs are affected by tourism. [[Playa Porto Marie|Porto Marie Beach]] is experimenting with artificial coral reefs in order to improve the reef's condition.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Hundreds of artificial coral blocks that have been placed are now home to a large array of tropical fish. It is now under investigation to see if the sewer waste of hotels is a partial cause of the dying of the coral reef.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://npofocus.nl/artikel/7733/vernietigt-toeristenpoep-ons-nederlandse-koraal|title=Vernietigt toeristenpoep ons Nederlandse koraal?|first=Omroep|last=NTR|website=NPO Focus}}</ref>

Ecotourism is a growing segment of Curaçaoan tourism. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=Why Curacao is a great destination for ecotourists |url=https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/explore/curacao-eco-attractions-caribbean-islands/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=10Best |language=en}}</ref> One site in particular – [https://sandee.com/curacao/southern-region/willemstad/mambo-beach Mambo Beach], also known as "Seaquarium Beach" – is a popular destination due to the calm tides for children, frequent viewing of marine life, and vibrant coral reefs – some of which have been artificially planted to improve reef health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.reefrenewalcuracao.org/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Reef Renewal Curacao |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Curacao-Sea-Aquarium-2013.JPG|thumb|The Curaçao Sea Aquarium and the Dolphin Academy share this islet on the west coast of Curaçao, with [[Seaquarium Beach]] nearby.]]

=== Labour ===
In 2016, a Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicated that the unemployment rate was 13.3%. For residents ages 15–64, the employment rate was 70.4%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/politics/statistics-unemployment-rate-rose-to-13-3-percent/|title=Statistics: "Unemployment rate rose to 13.3 percent"|date=1 February 2017|website=Curacaochronicle.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/supply-side-labour-market-curacao-labour-force-survey-2016/|title=Supply Side of the Labour Market Curaçao: Labour Force Survey 2016 – BearingPoint Caribbean|date=3 March 2017|website=Bearingpointcaribbean.com|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130421/http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/supply-side-labour-market-curacao-labour-force-survey-2016/|archive-date=2017-08-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Financial services ===
Curaçao's history in [[financial services]] dates back to [[World War I]]. Prior to this period, the financial arms of local merchant houses functioned as informal lenders to the community. However, at the turn of the 20th century, Curaçao underwent industrialization, and a number of merchant houses established private [[commercial bank]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Commercial_History_of_Curacao/twentieth-century-private-banking.shtml|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030514073223/http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Commercial_History_of_Curacao/twentieth-century-private-banking.shtml|archive-date= 14 May 2003 |title=Twentieth Century Private Banking&nbsp;– Roots of Our Future |publisher=caribseek.com |date=11 December 2002 |access-date=14 February 2014}}</ref> As the economy grew, these banks began assuming additional functions eventually becoming full-fledged financial institutions.

The [[Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange]] is located in the capital of Willemstad, as is the [[Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten]]; the latter of which dates to 1828. It is the oldest [[central bank]] in the Western Hemisphere.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.centralbank.an/index.php?eid=1948|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131212045018/http://www.centralbank.an/index.php?eid=1948|archive-date= 12 December 2013 |title=In 175 years the Bank has evolved from a near dormant institution in the nineteenth century to a vibrant organization able to adapt to the ever changing financial world in the twenty-first century |publisher=centralbank.an |date=1 February 2003 |access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref> The island's legal system supports a variety of corporate structures and is a [[corporate haven]]. Though Curaçao is considered a [[tax haven]], it adheres to the EU Code of Conduct against harmful tax practices. It holds a qualified intermediary status from the [[United States Internal Revenue Service]]. It is an accepted jurisdiction of the [[OECD]] and Caribbean [[Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering]]. The country enforces Anti-[[Money Laundering]] and [[Counter-Terrorism]] funding compliance.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}

==== Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ====
[[File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139160.jpg|thumb|left|Banco di Caribe in Willemstad]]

On 30 June 2014, Curaçao<ref>U.S. Treasury [https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Pages/FATCA.aspx FACTA].</ref> was deemed to have an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States of America with respect to the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" of the United States of America. The Tax Information Exchange Agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on 17 April 2002<ref>U.S. Treasury [https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Documents/FATCA-Agreement-Curacao-12-16-2014.pdf Agreement with Curaçao] (pdf).</ref> between the U.S. and the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes Curaçao, and was updated with respect to Curaçao in 2014, taking effect in 2016.

=== Trade ===
Curaçao trades mainly with the United States, Venezuela, and the European Union. It has an Association Agreement with the European Union which allows companies which do business in and via Curaçao to export products to European markets,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.curacao-chamber.an/c-info-htm/content/EUTradeProgram.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624215811/http://www.curacao-chamber.an/c-info-htm/content/EUTradeProgram.htm|archive-date=24 June 2007|title=EU Trade Program|date=24 June 2007|work=archive.org}}</ref> free of import duties and quotas. It is also a participant in the US [[Caribbean Basin Initiative]] allowing it to have preferential access to the US market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/CBI/Section_Index.html |title=USTR&nbsp;– Caribbean Basin Initiative |publisher=Ustr.gov |date=1 October 2000 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505233136/http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/CBI/Section_Index.html |archive-date=5 May 2009 }}</ref>

=== Prostitution ===
{{see also|Prostitution in the Dutch Caribbean#Curaçao}}
Prostitution in Curaçao is legal only for foreign women who get a temporary permit to work in the large open-air brothel called "Le Mirage" or "[[Campo Alegre (brothel)|Campo Alegre]]". Using prostitution services is legal for men (locals included). The brothel has operated near the airport since the 1940s.<ref name="chron">{{cite web|title=Sex Tourism And Trafficking In The Dutch Caribbean|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/judicial/sex-tourism-and-trafficking-in-the-dutch-caribbean/|website=Curacao Chronicle|access-date=23 December 2017|date=26 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="nswp">{{cite web|title=Curaçao Opens Campo Alegre Brothel|url=http://www.nswp.org/timeline/event/curacao-opens-campo-alegre-brothel|website=NSWP|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref> Curaçao monitors, contains and regulates the industry. The government states that the workers in these establishments are thereby given a safe environment and access to medical practitioners. However this approach does exclude local women (or men) to legally make a living from prostitution and does lead to loss of local income, as the foreign prostitutes send or take most of their earnings home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://global-writes.com/2009/08/curacaos-x-rated-resort.html|title=Curaçao's X-Rated Resort|year=2009|publisher=Global Writes|access-date=3 October 2012|archive-date=17 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217080557/http://global-writes.com/2009/08/curacaos-x-rated-resort.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Developments of Campo Alegre (2020-2024) ====
Since its closure in 2020 after 71 years of operation, Campo Alegre, Curaçao's largest open-air brothel, has been at the center of significant developments. Following the closure, a government-appointed working group proposed three scenarios for the site: transforming it into a regulated prostitution area, repurposing it for commercial use, or converting it into a residential area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://knipselkrant-curacao.com/nieuws/economie/horeca/antilliaansdagblad-werkgroep-adviseert-regering-over-heropening-bordeel/|title=Werkgroep adviseert regering over heropening bordeel|publisher=Antilliaans Dagblad|date=2023}}</ref>

In 2023, the property was put up for auction, attracting various potential buyers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://curacao.nu/campo-alegre-s-werelds-grootste-bordeel-op-het-westelijk-halfrond-gaat-dinsdag-onder-de-hamer|title=Campo Alegre, 's werelds grootste bordeel op het westelijk halfrond, gaat dinsdag onder de hamer|publisher=Curacao.nu|date=2023}}</ref> In a significant move, the Curaçao government purchased the Campo Alegre property, aiming to have more control over its future use.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2336831-groot-openluchtbordeel-curacao-sluit-na-71-jaar-maar-voor-hoelang|title=Groot openluchtbordeel Curaçao sluit na 71 jaar, maar voor hoelang?|publisher=NOS|date=2020}}</ref>

The current ruling political party, Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), had made an election promise to reopen Campo Alegre as a regulated prostitution center. This promise aligns with the recommendations of the working group and reflects the party's stance on creating a controlled environment for sex work.

As of 2024, the government is evaluating scenarios to ensure that the chosen path will benefit the local economy and social landscape.

The [[United States Department of State|U.S. State Department]] has cited anecdotal evidence claiming that, "Curaçao...[is a] destination island... for women trafficked for the sex trade from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, according to local observers. At least 500 foreign women reportedly are in prostitution throughout the five islands of the Antilles, some of whom have been trafficked."<ref name="trafficking192">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2008/105388.htm |title=Trafficking in Persons Report |date=4 June 2008 |publisher=U.S. State Dept. |page=192 }}</ref> The US Department of State has said that the government of Curaçao frequently underestimates the extent of [[human trafficking]] problems.<ref name="trafficking192" />

== Demographics ==
[[File:Santa Famia church Willemstad.jpg|thumb|upright|Santa Famia church, Willemstad]]
[[File:Curaçao synagogue1.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue]] in Willemstad is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western hemisphere.]]
Owing to the island's history of colonial times, the majority of the Curaçaoans are of [[Afro-Curaçaoan|African]], or partial African descent.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> There are also many Curaçaoans and immigrants of [[Dutch people|Dutch]], French, [[Portuguese Curaçaoans|Portuguese]], [[Latin American]], South Asian, East Asian, and [[Levant]]ine descent on the island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-04 |title=Eerste resultaten Census 2023 |url=https://cuatro.sim-cdn.nl/sensocbs/uploads/04062024-publicatie-eerste-resultaten-census-2023.pdf |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=cuatro.sim-cdn.nl}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{Pie chart
|caption = ;Religion in Curaçao<ref name="CIACuraçao" />
|label1 = Roman Catholic
|color1 = DodgerBlue
|value1 = 69.8
|label2 = Protestant
|color2 = SkyBlue
|value2 = 16.7
|label3 = None
|color3 = Black
|value3 = 10
|label4 = Other (Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, etc.)
|color4 = grey
|value4 = 3.8
|label5 = Unspecified
|color5 = LightGrey
|value5 = 0.6
}}

The religious breakdown of the population of Curaçao, according to a 2011 estimate:<ref name="CIACuraçao">{{cite web|url= https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/|title=Central America and Caribbean: Curaçao|date=19 October 2021|publisher= CIA The World Factbook}}</ref>
*[[Roman Catholic]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 69.8%
*[[Adventism|Adventist]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 9%
*[[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 8.9%
*[[Pentecostal]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 7.6%
*Other [[Protestant]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 3.2%
*[[Jehovah's Witnesses]];<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 2%
*Other;<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 3.8%
*None;<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 10%
*Unspecified;<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 0.6%

There has been a shift towards the Charismatic movement in recent decades. Other denominations include the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] and the [[Methodist Church]]. Alongside these Christian denominations, some inhabitants practise [[Montamentu]] and other diaspora African religions.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bernadina|first1=Frieda|title=Montamentoe: een beschrijvende en analyserende studie van een Afro-Amerikaanse godsdienst op Curaçao|date=1981|publisher=Bernadina|location=Curaçao}}</ref> As elsewhere in Latin America, [[Pentecostalism]] is on the rise.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} There are also practising Muslims and Hindus.

The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Willemstad]] encompasses all the territory of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]] in the [[Caribbean]] which includes [[Aruba]], Curaçao, [[Sint Maarten]], and the islands of [[Bonaire]], [[St. Eustatius]] and [[Saba (island)|Saba]]. The diocese is also a member of the [[Antilles Episcopal Conference]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

While small, Curaçao's [[Jewish]] community has had a significant impact on the island's history.<ref name="history" /> Curaçao has the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas, dating to 1651. The [[Curaçao synagogue]] is the oldest synagogue of the Americas in continuous use, since its completion in 1732 on the site of a previous synagogue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=106837 |title=Dwindling Community of Curacao Maintains Oldest Synagogue in West |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106225008/http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=106837 |archive-date=2014-01-06 }}</ref> Additionally, there are both [[Sephardic]] and [[Ashkenazi]] Jewish communities.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> As of the year 2000 there were approximately 300 Jewish people living on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/curacao|title=The Jewish Community of Curacao|access-date=4 March 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085916/https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/curacao|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Languages ===
Curaçao is a [[Multilingualism|multilingual]] society. The official languages are [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[Papiamentu]] and English.<ref name = "official-spanish portugues,languages">{{Citation |title=Landsverordening van de 28ste maart 2007 houdende vaststelling van de officiële talen (Landsverordening officiële talen) |url=https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR144328 |language=nl |via=Overheid.nl |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> However, Dutch is the sole language for all administration and legal matters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |title=About Us |website=DutchCaribbeanLegalPortal.com |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref> Most of Curaçao's population is able to converse in at least two, though more commonly in all four of the languages of Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The most widely spoken language is Papiamentu, a [[Portuguese creole]] with African, Dutch and Spanish influences, spoken in all levels of society.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao"/> Papiamentu was introduced as a language of primary school education in 1993, making Curaçao one of a handful of places where a creole language is used as a medium to acquire basic literacy.<ref name="Liddicoat2007">{{cite book|author=Anthony Liddicoat|title=Language planning and policy: issues in language planning and literacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aP3iylRYWywC&pg=PA149|access-date=9 August 2011|date=15 June 2007|publisher=Multilingual Matters|isbn=978-1-85359-977-4|page=149}}</ref>
Spanish and English also have a long historical presence in Curaçao. Spanish became an important language in the 18th century due to the close economic ties with Spanish territories in what are now Venezuela and Colombia<ref name=Putte /> and several Venezuelan TV networks are received. Use of English dates to the early 19th century, when the British occupied Curaçao, Aruba and [[Bonaire]]. When Dutch rule resumed in 1815, officials already noted the widespread use of the English language.<ref name=Putte />

According to the 2001 census, Papiamentu was the [[first language]] of 81.2% of the population. Dutch of 8%, Spanish of 4%, and English of 2.9%.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs.cw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103:households-by-the-most-spoken-language-in-the-household&catid=48:household-characteristics&Itemid=82 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029064510/http://www.cbs.cw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103%3Ahouseholds-by-the-most-spoken-language-in-the-household&catid=48%3Ahousehold-characteristics&Itemid=82 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-29 |title=Households by the most spoken language in the household Population and Housing Census 2001 |publisher=Central Bureau of Statistics }}</ref> However, these numbers divide the population in terms of first language and do not account for the high rate of [[bilingualism]] in the population of Curaçao.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Localities ===
Curaçao was divided into five districts from 1863 to 1925, after which it was reduced to the two outer districts of [[Bandabou]] and [[Bandariba]] and the city district of Willemstad. Over the years, the capital, Willemstad, encompassed the entire area surrounding the large natural harbour, the Schottegat. As a result, many formerly isolated villages have grown together to form a large urbanised area. The city covers approximately one third of the entire island in the east. Willemstad's most famous neighbourhoods are:

* [[Punda]], the historic city centre with the Handelskade on St. Anna Bay.
* [[Otrobanda]], on the other side of St. Anna Bay
* [[Pietermaai]], east of Punda
* [[Scharloo]], north of Punda and Pietermaai, across the Waaigat
* [[Julianadorp, Curaçao|Julianadorp]], a suburb on the west side of the city, built around 1928 on behalf of Shell for its personnel
* [[Emmastad]], built for Shell in the 1950s, after Julianadorp was full.
* [[Saliña, Curaçao|Saliña]] is situated next to Punda and has many shops and restaurants.
* [[Brievengat]], a suburb in the north of the city.

===Structure of the population===
{{Hidden begin
|title= Population Estimates by Sex and Age Group (01.VII.2021) (Provisional) (Post-censal estimates.):<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNSD — Demographic and Social Statistics |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/products/dyb/#statistics |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=unstats.un.org}}</ref>
|titlestyle = background:#EEBC35;
}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! width="80pt"|Age Group
! width="80pt"|Male
! width="80pt"|Female
! width="80pt"|Total
! width="80pt"|%
|-
| align="right" | Total
| align="right" | 69 285
| align="right" | 83 084
| align="right" | 152 369
| align="right" | 100
|-
| align="right" | 0–4
| align="right" | 3 876
| align="right" | 3 637
| align="right" | 7 513
| align="right" | 4.93
|-
| align="right" | 5–9
| align="right" | 4 750
| align="right" | 4 479
| align="right" | 9 229
| align="right" | 6.06
|-
| align="right" | 10–14
| align="right" | 4 487
| align="right" | 4 401
| align="right" | 8 888
| align="right" | 5.83
|-
| align="right" | 15–19
| align="right" | 4 503
| align="right" | 4 393
| align="right" | 8 895
| align="right" | 5.84
|-
| align="right" | 20–24
| align="right" | 3 891
| align="right" | 3 665
| align="right" | 7 556
| align="right" | 4.96
|-
| align="right" | 25–29
| align="right" | 3 862
| align="right" | 4 280
| align="right" | 8 142
| align="right" | 5.34
|-
| align="right" | 30–34
| align="right" | 3 966
| align="right" | 4 774
| align="right" | 8 740
| align="right" | 5.74
|-
| align="right" | 35–39
| align="right" | 4 081
| align="right" | 5 091
| align="right" | 9 172
| align="right" | 6.02
|-
| align="right" | 40–44
| align="right" | 3 833
| align="right" | 5 099
| align="right" | 8 932
| align="right" | 5.86
|-
| align="right" | 45–49
| align="right" | 4 563
| align="right" | 5 790
| align="right" | 10 353
| align="right" | 6.79
|-
| align="right" | 50–54
| align="right" | 5 049
| align="right" | 6 323
| align="right" | 11 372
| align="right" | 7.46
|-
| align="right" | 55–59
| align="right" | 5 481
| align="right" | 7 013
| align="right" | 12 493
| align="right" | 8.20
|-
| align="right" | 60–64
| align="right" | 4 937
| align="right" | 6 576
| align="right" | 11 513
| align="right" | 7.56
|-
| align="right" | 65–69
| align="right" | 4 098
| align="right" | 5 523
| align="right" | 9 621
| align="right" | 6.31
|-
| align="right" | 70–74
| align="right" | 3 427
| align="right" | 4 506
| align="right" | 7 932
| align="right" | 5.21
|-
| align="right" | 75–79
| align="right" | 2 163
| align="right" | 3 342
| align="right" | 5 504
| align="right" | 3.61
|-
| align="right" | 80–84
| align="right" | 1 346
| align="right" | 2 146
| align="right" | 3 492
| align="right" | 2.29
|-
| align="right" | 85–89
| align="right" | 661
| align="right" | 1 283
| align="right" | 1 944
| align="right" | 1.28
|-
| align="right" | 90–94
| align="right" | 248
| align="right" | 543
| align="right" | 791
| align="right" | 0.52
|-
| align="right" | 95–99
| align="right" | 59
| align="right" | 192
| align="right" | 250
| align="right" | 0.16
|-
| align="right" | 100+
| align="right" | 8
| align="right" | 35
| align="right" | 43
| align="right" | 0.03
|-
! width="50"|Age group
! width="80pt"|Male
! width="80"|Female
! width="80"|Total
! width="50"|Percent
|-
| align="right" | 0–14
| align="right" | 13 113
| align="right" | 12 517
| align="right" | 25 630
| align="right" | 16.82
|-
| align="right" | 15–64
| align="right" | 44 162
| align="right" | 52 997
| align="right" | 97 159
| align="right" | 63.77
|-
| align="right" | 65+
| align="right" | 12 010
| align="right" | 17 570
| align="right" | 29 580
| align="right" | 19.41
|-
|}
{{Hidden end}}

===Statistics===
[[File:Curaçao single age population pyramid 2020.png|thumb|alt=|left|Curaçao [[population pyramid]] in 2020]]

=== Education ===
[[File:Hoofdingang van de University of Curacao-Mei 2018.jpg|thumb|left|The [[University of Curaçao]]]]
Public education is based on the Dutch educational system and besides the public schools, private and parochial schools are also available. Since the introduction of a new public education law in 1992, compulsory primary education starts at age six and continues for six years; secondary lasts for another four.<ref name="edu">{{cite book|first=R.H.|last=Walton|title=Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayHr0mFX6LYC&pg=PA87|date=2006|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-4200-0394-9|page=87}}</ref>

The main institute of higher learning is the [[University of Curaçao]] (formerly University of The Netherlands Antilles), enrolling 2,100 students.<ref name="edu" /> The comprehensive model of education is influenced by both the Dutch and American education systems. Other higher education offerings on the island include [[Offshore Medical School in the Caribbean|offshore medical schools]], [[List of universities in the Dutch Caribbean|universities]], language schools and academies for fine art, music, police, teacher and nurse-training.<ref>{{cite book |last= Rosalind Latiner |first=Raby |title=Community College Models: Globalization and Higher Education Reform |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vzyx5mwzGGcC&pg=PA260 |access-date=7 May 2013 |year=2009 |publisher=Springer |isbn= 978-1-4020-9477-4|page=260}}</ref>

== Culture ==
[[File:bulawaya-1.jpg|thumb|A Bulawaya dance]]

=== Visual art ===
Visual art in Curaçao encompasses painting, sculptures, and street art.<ref>{{cite web |title=Curaçao: The Caribbean Getaway That Sets You Free |url=https://www.curacao.com/en/category/art-and-culture |website=www.curacao.com |access-date=21 March 2024}}</ref>

Curaçao promotes street art with a festival, Kaya Kaya, held in the Otrabanda neighborhood of Willemstad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaya Kaya Festival |url=https://www.kayakaya.org |access-date=21 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The streets of Willemstad are filled with murals from multiple versions of the festival.

=== Literature ===
Despite the island's relatively small population, the diversity of languages and cultural influences on Curaçao have generated a remarkable literary tradition, primarily in [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and [[Papiamentu]]. The oral traditions of the [[Arawak peoples|Arawak]] [[indigenous peoples]] are lost. West African slaves brought the tales of [[Anansi]], thus forming the basis of Papiamentu literature. The first published work in Papiamentu was a poem by Joseph Sickman Corsen entitled ''Atardi'', published in the ''La Cruz'' newspaper in 1905.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Throughout Curaçaoan literature, narrative techniques and metaphors best characterized as [[magic realism]] tend to predominate. Novelists and poets from Curaçao have contributed to [[Caribbean Literature|Caribbean]] and [[Dutch literature]]. Best known are [[Cola Debrot]], [[Frank Martinus Arion]], [[Pierre Lauffer]], {{ill|Elis Juliana|nl}}, Guillermo Rosario, {{ill|Boeli van Leeuwen|nl}} and [[Tip Marugg]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Cuisine ===
Local food is called ''Krioyo'' (pronounced the same as ''[[Criollo people|criollo]]'', the Spanish word for "Creole") and boasts a blend of flavours and techniques best compared to [[Caribbean cuisine]] and [[Latin American cuisine]]. Dishes common in Curaçao are found in [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]] as well. Popular dishes include stobá (a stew made with various ingredients such as [[papaya]], beef or goat), Guiambo (soup made from [[okra]] and seafood), kadushi (cactus soup), sopi mondongo (intestine soup), funchi (cornmeal paste similar to [[fufu]], [[ugali]] and [[polenta]]) and fish and other seafood. The ubiquitous side dish is fried [[Plantain (cooking)|plantain]]. Local bread rolls are made according to a Portuguese recipe. All around the island, there are snèks which serve local dishes as well as alcoholic drinks in a manner akin to the English [[pub]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The ubiquitous breakfast dish is [[pastechi]]: fried pastry with fillings of cheese, tuna, ham, or ground meat. Around the holiday season special dishes are consumed, such as the [[hallaca]] and pekelé, made out of [[salt cod]]. At weddings and other special occasions a variety of kos dushi are served: kokada (coconut sweets), ko'i lechi (condensed milk and sugar sweet) and tentalaria (peanut sweets). The [[Curaçao liqueur]] was developed here, when a local experimented with the rinds of the local [[citrus]] fruit known as [[laraha]]. [[Suriname]]se, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Dutch culinary influences also abound. The island also has a number of Chinese restaurants that serve mainly Indonesian dishes such as [[satay]], [[nasi goreng]] and [[lumpia]] (which are all Indonesian names for the dishes). Dutch specialties such as [[croquette]]s and [[oliebollen]] are widely served in homes and restaurants.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Sports ===
[[File:Jurickson Profar (47569154041).jpg|thumb|[[Jurickson Profar]]]]
In 2004, the [[Little League Baseball]] team from Willemstad, Curaçao, won the world title in a game against the United States champion from [[Thousand Oaks, California]]. The Willemstad lineup included [[Jurickson Profar]], the standout shortstop prospect who now plays for the [[San Diego Padres]] of [[Major League Baseball]], and [[Jonathan Schoop]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-baseball-curacao-20180326-story.html |title=Curacao an island unto itself when it comes to producing big-league ballplayers |website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

Curaçaoan players [[Andruw Jones]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Braves: It's time to retire Andruw Jones' number 25 |url=https://calltothepen.com/2022/02/05/atlanta-braves-retire-andruw-jones-number-25/ |website=calltothepen.com |date=5 February 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022}}</ref> [[Ozzie Albies]], and [[Kenley Jansen]] have made multiple [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game]] appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jansen's 3-K ninth highlights LA's ASG |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kenley-jansen-strikes-out-3-in-all-star-game-c241763192 |website=MLB |access-date=7 February 2022}}</ref>

The 2010 documentary film ''Boys of Summer''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boysofsummerfilm.com/ |title=Boys of Summer |publisher=Boysofsummerfilm.com |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref> details Curaçao's Pabao Little League All-Stars winning their country's eighth straight championship at the 2008 [[Little League World Series]], then going on to defeat other teams, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and earning a spot in [[South Williamsport, Pennsylvania|Williamsport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/10/boys-of-summer-documentary-features-cuaracaos-championship-little-league-team/ |title=Boys of Summer: Documentary Spotlights Youth Baseball in Cuaraçao|website=Large Up|date=10 March 2014|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

The prevailing [[trade wind]]s and warm water make Curaçao a location for [[windsurfing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.windsurfingcuracao.com/ |title=Curaçao's Caribbean sister islands, Aruba and Bonaire, are well known in the windsurfing world. Curaçao, which receives the same Caribbean trade winds as its siblings, has remained undiscovered by traveling windsurfers |publisher=Windsurfingcuracao.com |date=7 August 2011 |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref>Motion Magazine, June 2005</ref>

There is warm, clear water around the island. [[Scuba dive]]rs and snorkelers may have visibility up to {{convert|30|m|abbr=off}} at the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, which stretches along {{convert|20|km|abbr=off}} of Curaçao's southern coastline.<ref>{{cite news|work= The New York Times |title= Frommers Guide to Curaçao water sports |url=https://www.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/caribbean-and-bermuda/curacao/frm_curacao_0178020606.html |date=20 November 2006}}</ref>

Curaçao participated in the [[2013 CARIFTA Games]]. Kevin Philbert stood third in the under-20 male Long Jump with a distance of {{convert|7.36|m|2|abbr=off}}. Vanessa Philbert stood second the under-17 female {{convert|1500|m|abbr=off}} with a time of 4:47.97.<ref name=cfpi_1>{{ Citation
|title = 42nd CARIFTA BAHAMAS in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM&nbsp;– Nassau, Bahamas&nbsp;– Results
|url = http://www.cfpitiming.com/2013_Outdoor_Season/Carifta_Games_2013/Carifta_Games_male_results_2013.htm
|publisher = C.F.P.I. Timing & Data
|access-date = 13 November 2013
}}</ref><ref name=milesplit_1>{{ Citation |title = 42nd CARIFTA BAHAMAS in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM&nbsp;– Nassau, Bahamas&nbsp;– Results
|url = http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239214
|publisher = MileSplit
|access-date = 13 November 2013
}}</ref><ref name=cfpi_2>{{ Citation |title = 42nd CARIFTA BAHAMAS in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM&nbsp;– Nassau, Bahamas&nbsp;– Results|url = http://www.cfpitiming.com/2013_Outdoor_Season/Carifta_Games_2013/Carifta_Games_female_results_2013.htm
|publisher = C.F.P.I. Timing & Data|access-date = 13 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=milesplit_2>{{ Citation |title = 42nd CARIFTA BAHAMAS in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM&nbsp;– Nassau, Bahamas&nbsp;– Results
|url = http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239213
|publisher = MileSplit
|access-date = 13 November 2013
}}</ref>

The [[Curaçao national football team]] won the [[2017 Caribbean Cup]] by defeating [[Jamaica national football team|Jamaica]] in the final, qualifying for the [[2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |work= CONCACAF Gold Cup |title= Curaçao edges Jamaica for first-ever Caribbean Cup title |url= https://www.goldcup.org/en/article/curacao-edges-jamaica-for-first-ever-caribbean-cup-title |date= 26 June 2017 |access-date= 7 November 2020 |archive-date= 7 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210207071154/https://www.goldcup.org/en/article/curacao-edges-jamaica-for-first-ever-caribbean-cup-title |url-status= dead }}</ref> They then traveled to [[Thailand]] and participated in the [[2019 King's Cup]] for the first time, eventually winning the tournament by beating [[Vietnam]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adodenhaag.nl/nl/nieuws/laatste-nieuws/1e-elftal/7842-elson-hooi-sleept-king-s-cup-in-de-wacht-met-curacao|title=Elson Hooi slept King's Cup in de wacht met Curaçao|trans-title=Elson Hooi wins King's Cup with Curaçao|language=nl|publisher=[[ADO Den Haag]]|date=8 June 2019|access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==

=== Airport ===
[[Curaçao International Airport]] (also called Hato International Airport) is located on the northern coast of the island and offers connections to the Caribbean region, South America, North America and Europe. Curaçao Airport is a fairly large facility, with the third longest commercial runway in the Caribbean region after Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico and [[Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport]] in Guadeloupe. The airport served as a main base for [[Insel Air]], and for [[Air ALM]], the former national airlines of Curaçao.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Railways ===
In 1887 a horse drawn street tramway opened in Punda, the part of the capital Willemstad on the eastern side of Sint Annabaai. It had a U-shaped route about 2&nbsp;km in length. In 1896, a tramway opened in Otrabanda on the opposite side of the bay, but it ceased operations within a few months. The Punda line was rebuilt in 1911, regauged to metre gauge, and the horse-drawn trams replaced by petrol engined ones. The line closed in 1920.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morrison |first1=Allen |title=The Tramways of WILLEMSTAD |url=http://www.tramz.com/cw/cw.html |website=www.tramz.com |access-date=17 January 2023}}</ref>

=== Bridges ===
[[File:Curacao-Bridges-2013.JPG|thumb|The [[Queen Emma Bridge|Queen Emma]] (semi-open), and the [[Queen Juliana Bridge|Queen Juliana]]]]
[[File:Smith brug over the Waaigat.jpg|thumb|Smith brug over the Waaigat]]
[[File:Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat.jpg|thumb|Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat]]
The [[Queen Emma Bridge]], a {{convert|168|m}} long [[pontoon bridge]], allows pedestrians to walk between the Punda and Otrobanda districts.<ref>{{cite web|author=Curacao |url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147278-d148574-r32109942-Queen_Emma_Pontoon_Bridge-Willemstad_Curacao.html |title=Curaçao's Landmark! – Review of Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, Willemstad, Curacao |publisher=TripAdvisor |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> This swings open to allow the passage of ships to and from the port.<ref name="queen">{{cite web|url=http://www.curacao.com/The-Curacao-Difference/Vibrant-Architecture/Bridges?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723234128/http://www.curacao.com/The-Curacao-Difference/Vibrant-Architecture/Bridges|archive-date=23 July 2009|title=Pontoon Bridge- Curacao Bridges- Queen Emma Willemstad, Dutch Queens, Landmarks|publisher=Curacao.com|access-date=26 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The bridge was originally opened in 1888 and the current bridge was installed in 1939.<ref name="emmabridge">{{cite web|url=http://thetraveltrolley.com/2011/09/curacaos-floating-bridge-worth-a-gander/ |title=Curacao's floating bridge worth a gander |date=18 September 2011 |publisher=thetraveltrolley.com |access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref> It is best known and, more often than not, referred to by the locals as "Our Swinging Old Lady".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2013/03/14/745-our-swinging-old-lady-queen-emma/|title=745. Our Swinging Old Lady: Queen Emma|date=14 March 2013|website=1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao|access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref>

The [[Queen Juliana Bridge]] carries [[motor vehicle]] traffic between the same two districts and its 1974 opening allowed the Queen Emma Bridge to become a pedestrian-only bridge. At {{convert|185|ft}} above the sea, the Queen Juliana Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the Caribbean.<ref name="queen" />

=== Utilities and sanitation ===
Aqualectra, a government-owned company<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aqualectra.com/company-profile/|title=Company profile - Aqualectra}}</ref> and a full member of [[Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC)|CARILEC]], delivers potable water and electricity to the island. Rates are controlled by the government.<!--says nothing about sewage!--> Water is produced by [[reverse osmosis]] or [[desalinization]].<ref name="aqualectra.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aqualectra.com/en/about-aqualectra/company-profile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518220555/http://www.aqualectra.com/en/about-aqualectra/company-profile|archive-date=18 May 2013 |title=Distribution Information |publisher=Aqualectra.com |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> It services 69,000 households and companies using 130,000 water and electric meters.<ref name="aqualectra.com" /> The power generation company NuCuraçao opened wind farms in Tera Kora and Playa Kanoa in 2012, and expanded in Tera Kora in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aqualectra.com/files/PDF/Annual_Reports/Aqualectra_Annual_Report_2017.pdf|title=Aqualectra Annual Report 2017|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011903/https://www.aqualectra.com/files/PDF/Annual_Reports/Aqualectra_Annual_Report_2017.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is no natural gas distribution grid; gas is supplied to homes by pressurized containers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://century21numberone.com/en/about-curacao/renting-property-in-curacao/|title=Renting Property in Curacao}}</ref>

[[Kerbside collection|Curbside trash pickup]] is provided by the Selikor company. There is no [[recycling]] pickup, but there are drop-off centers for certain recycled materials at the Malpais [[landfill]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/296-drop-off-centers|title=Drop-Off Centers|website=www.selikor.com}}</ref> and various locations operated by Green Force;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.greenforcecuracao.com/Recycling/Where-can-I-recycle-on-Curacao/where-can-i-recycle-on-curacao-through-green-force-.html|title=Where can I recycle on Curacao through Green Force?|website=www.greenforcecuracao.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politiklounge.com/en/policy-blog/2016/december/recycling-project|title=Curaçao – a recycling project in the Caribbean – TUI policyBLOG|website=www.politiklounge.com}}</ref> private haulers recycle [[construction waste]], paper, and cardboard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caribbeanhomeandhouse.com/chh/recycling|title=Caribbean Recycling|website=www.caribbeanhomeandhouse.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/298-26-caribbean-recycling-company|title=Caribbean Recycling Company|website=www.selikor.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/paradiserecycling/|title=Paradise Recycling|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
People from Curaçao include:

=== Arts and culture ===
<!---needs blue link
--needs cite to tie them to Curaçao-->
*[[Izaline Calister]], singer-songwriter
*[[Joceline Clemencia]], writer
*[[Peter Hartman]], past-CEO of [[KLM]]
*[[May Henriquez]], writer and sculptor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.huygens.knaw.nl/vrouwenlexicon/lemmata/data/Alvarez |title=Alvarez Correa, May (1915-1999) |author=Wim Rutgers|website=Digitaal Vrouwenlexicon van Nederland|access-date=22 April 2021|language=nl}}</ref>
*[[Tip Marugg]], writer{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}
*[[Kizzy (entertainer)|Kizzy]], a singer songwriter and television personality based in the United States{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}
*[[Ruënna Mercelina]], model, actress, beauty queen
*[[Robby Müller]], cinematographer, closely associated with [[Wim Wenders]] and [[Jim Jarmusch]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jonathanrosenbaum.net/1996/12/mixed-emotions/|title=Mixed Emotions (BREAKING THE WAVES) {{!}} Jonathan Rosenbaum|website=www.jonathanrosenbaum.net|access-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111216/https://www.jonathanrosenbaum.net/1996/12/mixed-emotions/|archive-date=2017-12-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Wim Statius Muller]], composer, pianist<ref>{{cite news |title=Wim Statius Muller overleden |url=https://antilliaansdagblad.com/curacao/20053-wim-statius-muller-overleden |access-date=13 February 2022 |work=Antilliaans Dagblad |date=1 September 2019}}</ref>
*[[Pernell Saturnino]], a graduated percussionist of [[Berklee College of Music]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pernellsaturnino.com|title=Pernells at Urnino – Adult|work=pernellsaturnino.com|access-date=4 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124010859/http://www.pernellsaturnino.com/|archive-date=24 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Sherman Smith (musician)]], singer-songwriter
*[[Ellen Spijkstra]], ceramist
*[[Siny van Iterson]], children's writer

=== Politics and government ===
*[[Luis Brión]], admiral in the [[Venezuelan War of Independence]]
*[[Luis Brión]], admiral in the [[Venezuelan War of Independence]]
*[[Moises Frumencio da Costa Gomez]], first Prime Minister of the [[Netherlands Antilles]]
*[[George Maduro]], a war hero and namesake of [[Madurodam]] in [[The Hague]]
*[[Manuel Piar|Manuel Carlos Piar]], general and competitor of Bolivar during the [[Venezuelan War of Independence]]
*[[Manuel Piar|Manuel Carlos Piar]], general and competitor of Bolivar during the [[Venezuelan War of Independence]]
*[[Tula (Curaçao)|Tula]], leader of the 1795 [[slave rebellion|slave revolt]]
*[[Hensley Meulens]], former [[Major League Baseball]] player
*[[Randall Simon]], a [[Major League Baseball]] player
*[[Daniël Corsen]], Chairperson of the [[World Scout Committee]]

*[[Churandy Martina]], gold medallist 100m at the Pan American Games 2007
===Sports===
*[[Shad Gaspard]], WWE Pro Wrestler
==== Baseball ====
*[[Wladimir Balentien]], [[Major League Baseball]] [[outfielder]] currently playing for the [[Seattle Mariners]]
*Curt Smith, [[Minor League Baseball]] [[first baseman]] drafted by the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]
Players in [[Major League Baseball]]:

*[[Ozzie Albies]], professional second baseman<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/player/645277/ozzie-albies|title=Ozzie Albies Stats, Fantasy & News|website=Atlanta Braves|access-date=3 August 2017}}</ref>
*[[Wladimir Balentien]], professional outfielder<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan home run leader Wladimir Balentien arrested in Fla.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/01/13/japan-home-run-leader-wladimir-balentien-arrested-in-florida/4460645/|access-date=6 July 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=USA Today|date=13 January 2013}}</ref>
*[[Roger Bernadina]], professional outfielder<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/nationals-rookie-roger-bernadina-steals-show-homers-great-catch-new-york-mets-article-1.449383 |title=Nationals rookie Roger Bernadina steals the show with two homers, great catch against New York Mets |work=Daily News|location=New York |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Didi Gregorius]], professional shortstop<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130212/didi-gregorious-diamondbacks.ap/?sct=uk_t2_a10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309194630/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130212/didi-gregorious-diamondbacks.ap/?sct=uk_t2_a10 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 March 2013 |title=Gregorious, D-backs' SS of the future, shut down with elbow injury&nbsp;– Major League Baseball&nbsp;– SI.com |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=12 February 2013 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Kenley Jansen]], professional pitcher<ref>{{cite news|last1=Saxon|first1=Mark|title=Kenley Jansen refines game|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9045293/los-angeles-dodgers-kenley-jansen-works-harnessing-potential-heart-scare|access-date=6 July 2014|publisher=ESPN|date=13 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Andruw Jones]], professional outfielder<ref>{{cite news|title=Outfielder Andruw Jones returning to Japan for 2014 season|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Andruw-Jones-returning-to-Japan-for-2014-season-010714|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108182002/http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Andruw-Jones-returning-to-Japan-for-2014-season-010714|archive-date=8 January 2014|access-date=6 July 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=Fox Sports|date=28 May 2014}}</ref>
*[[Jair Jurrjens]], professional pitcher<ref>{{cite web|author=Will Hammock |url=http://infosurhoy.com/cocoon/saii/xhtml/en_GB/features/saii/features/sports/2011/07/12/feature-03 |title=Curaçao's Jair Jurrjens starring for Atlanta Braves |publisher=Infosurhoy.com |access-date=26 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428123259/http://infosurhoy.com/cocoon/saii/xhtml/en_GB/features/saii/features/sports/2011/07/12/feature-03 |archive-date=28 April 2015 }}</ref>
*[[Shairon Martis]], professional pitcher<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shipley|first1=Amy|title=Control Is No Longer an Issue for Nationals Pitcher Shairon Martis|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/09/AR2009040901835.html|access-date=6 July 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=10 April 2009}}</ref>
*[[Hensley Meulens]], professional baseball player and hitting coach<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jenkins|first1=Bruce|title=Giants coach Hensley Meulens a true man of the world|url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/jenkins/article/Giants-coach-Hensley-Meulens-a-true-man-of-the-5347584.php|access-date=6 July 2014|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=27 March 2014}}</ref>
*[[Jurickson Profar]], professional outfielder<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/8959186/texas-rangers-jurickson-profar-play-holland-world-baseball-classic |title=Texas Rangers' Jurickson Profar won't play for Holland in World Baseball Classic&nbsp;– ESPN Dallas |publisher=ESPN |date=18 February 2013 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Ceddanne Rafaela]], professional outfielder<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/23/sports/red-sox-ceddanne-rafaela/ | title=Red Sox name Ceddanne Rafaela to Opening Day roster - the Boston Globe | website=[[The Boston Globe]] }}</ref>
*[[Jonathan Schoop]], professional infielder<ref>{{cite news|last1=Connolly|first1=Dan|title=With Orioles' Jonathan Schoop and others, Curaçao becoming baseball hotbed|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/03/25/with-orioles-jonathan-schoop-and-others-curacao-becoming-baseball-hotbed-2/|access-date=6 July 2014|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=25 March 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714125229/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-03-25/sports/bs-sp-orioles-curacao-0324-20140323_1_curacao-orioles-jonathan-schoop-andrelton-simmons|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Andrelton Simmons]], professional shortstop<ref>{{cite web |url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130223&content_id=41911498&notebook_id=41911502&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl |title=Simmons makes bittersweet journey to Taiwan |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=23 February 2013 |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-date=27 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227045219/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130223&content_id=41911498&notebook_id=41911502&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Randall Simon]], first baseman<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Shelly|title=Pirates' Simon is a sweet guy who doesn't see many pitches he doesn't like|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/pirates/20030511simon0511p4.asp|access-date=6 July 2014|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=11 May 2003}}</ref>

====Football====
{{See also|Curaçao national football team}}
*[[Vurnon Anita]], a football player for [[Al-Orobah FC]] in the Saudi Arabian [[Saudi First Division League|First Division]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2012/11/09/853-vurnon-anita/ |title=853. Vurnon Anita &#124; 1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao |publisher=1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Juninho Bacuna]], footballer playing for [[Al Wehda FC|Al Wehda]] in the [[Saudi Professional League]].
*[[Leandro Bacuna]], footballer playing for [[FC Groningen]] in the Dutch [[Eerste Divisie]].
*[[Roly Bonevacia]], a footballer who plays for [[Al-Faisaly FC|Al-Faisaly]] in the [[Saudi Professional League]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/bonevacia-set-for-middle-east-adventure-524963 |title=Roly Bonevacia |publisher=FTBL |access-date=11 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[Tahith Chong]], a footballer playing for [[Luton Town]] in the English [[Premier League]].
*[[Juriën Gaari]], footballer playing for [[RKC Waalwijk]] in the Dutch [[Eredivisie]].
*[[Sontje Hansen]], footballer playing for [[NEC Nijmegen]] in the Dutch [[Eredivisie]].
*[[Rangelo Janga]], a footballer who plays for [[Bnei Sakhnin F.C.|Bnei Sakhnin]] in the Israeli [[Israeli Premier League|Premier League]].
*[[Jürgen Locadia]], footballer playing for [[Cangzhou Mighty Lions F.C.|Cangzhou Mighty Lions]] in the Chinese [[Chinese Super League|Super League]].
*[[Cuco Martina]], footballer playing for [[NAC Breda]] in the Dutch [[Eerste Divisie]]
*[[Roshon van Eijma]], footballer playing for [[Top Oss]] in the Dutch [[Eerste Divisie]]
*[[Jeremy Antonisse]], footballer playing for [[Moreirense F.C.|Moreirense]] in the Portuguese [[Primeira Liga]].
*[[Darryl Lachman]], footballer who plays for [[Perth Glory]] in the Australian [[A-League]].
*[[Eloy Room]], footballer playing for [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse Arnhem]] in the Dutch [[Eredivisie]].
*[[Gino van Kessel]], footballer playing for [[MFK Zemplín Michalovce]] in the Slovak [[Slovak First Football League|Niké liga]].
*[[Jetro Willems]], footballer playing for [[Heracles Almelo]] in the Dutch [[Eredivisie]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2012/10/09/879-jetro-willems/ |title=879. Jetro Willems &#124; 1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao |publisher=1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>

====Other Sports====
*[[Jemyma Betrian]], professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) fighter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/local/jemyma-betrian-dazzles-in-mma-debut |title=Jemyma Betrian dazzles in MMA debut |date=11 August 2014 |publisher=curacaochronicle.com |access-date=30 April 2015}}</ref>
*[[Liemarvin Bonevacia]], professional sprinter
*[[Marc de Maar]], professional cyclist<ref>{{cite web|author=Pierre Carrey |url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/marc-de-maar-wears-first-ever-curacao-champions-jersey |title=Marc De Maar Wears First Ever Curaçao Champion's Jersey |date=31 July 2011 |publisher=Cyclingnews.com |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Churandy Martina]], gold medalist [[100 metres]] at the Pan American Games 2007<ref>{{cite web |author=Churandy Martina |url=http://curacaoatletiekbond.com/churandy-martina/ |title=Churandy Martina &#124; Curaçao Athletics Association (CAB) |publisher=Curaçaoatletiekbond.com |date=23 September 2011 |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-date=2 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502205307/http://curacaoatletiekbond.com/churandy-martina/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Jordann Pikeur]], professional kickboxer
*[[Jean-Julien Rojer]], professional tennis player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2012.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/atpr513.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910230838/http://2012.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/atpr513.html|archive-date=10 September 2012 |title=Jean-Julien Rojer Profile &#124; 2012 US Open Official Site&nbsp;– A USTA Event |publisher=2012.usopen.org |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Roelly Winklaar]], IFBB pro [[Bodybuilding|bodybuilder]]

== See also ==
{{portal|Caribbean|Islands}}
*[[Leeward Antilles]]
*[[Telecommunications in Curaçao]]
*[[Religion in Curaçao]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}


==Sources==
== Sources ==
*Habitantenan di Kòrsou, sinku siglo di pena i gloria: 1499–1999. Römer-Kenepa, NC, Gibbes, FE, Skriwanek, MA. , 1999. Curaçao: Fundashon Curaçao 500.
*Habitantenan di Kòrsou, sinku siglo di pena i gloria: 1499–1999. [[Nolda Römer-Kenepa|Römer-Kenepa, NC]], Gibbes, FE, Skriwanek, MA., 1999. Curaçao: Fundashon Curaçao 500.
*Social movements, violence, and change: the May Movement in Curaçao. WA Anderson, RR Dynes, 1975. Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
*Social movements, violence, and change: the May Movement in Curaçao. WA Anderson, RR Dynes, 1975. Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
*Stemmen uit het Verleden. Buurt, G., Joubert, S., 1994. Curaçao: Curaçaose Courant.
*Stemmen uit het Verleden. Van Buurt, G., Joubert, S., 1994, Curaçao.
*Het Patroon van de Oude Curaçaose Samenleving. Hoetink, H., 1987. Amsterdam: Emmering.
*Het Patroon van de Oude Curaçaose Samenleving. Hoetink, H., 1987. Amsterdam: Emmering.
*Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers
*Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers


== Further reading ==
==Footnotes==
*Corcos, Joseph. A Synopsis of the History of the Jews of Curaçao. Curazao: Imprenta de la Librería, 1897.
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
*Emmanuel, Isaac S. and Suzanne A. ''History of the Jews of the Netherlands Antilles''. 2 vols. Cincinnati: American Jewish Archives, 1970.
<references/>
*Rupert, Linda M. "Contraband Trade and the Shaping of Colonial Societies in Curaçao and Tierra Firme." ''Itinerario'' 30 (2006): 35–54.
</div>


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commonscat|Curaçao}}
{{EB1911 poster|Curaçao}}
{{Commons category|Curaçao}}
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nt.html] - CIA World Factbook page on Netherlands Antilles, of which Curaçao is a part
*[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ Curaçao]. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]].
*[http://www.curacao-gov.an/ Curacao-gov.an] - official website of the government of Curaçao
*[http://www.gobiernu.cw/nl/ Government of Curaçao] {{in lang|nl}}
*[http://www.rinkes.com/curacao/ Rinkes Curacao] - Rinkes website about (the architecture of) Curaçao
*[http://www.gobiernu.cw/pap/ Government of Curaçao] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113231548/https://www.gobiernu.cw/pap/ |date=13 November 2019 }}) in Papiamentu
* Curaçao is at coordinates {{coord|12|11|N|69|00|W|type:country(444)|display=inline,title}}
*[http://www.curacao.com/ Curaçao Tourism Board]
*{{wikitravel}}
*[https://www.instagram.com/curacao/ Curaçao] – official [[Instagram]] account
*[http://www.curacao-photos.com/ Curacao-Photos.com] - pictures of Curaçao sent in by various photographers
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130901005056/http://buskami.info/ Directory and information guide for Curaçao] (archived)
*[http://www.noskorsou.com/ noskorsou.com] - Information of Curaçao Vakantie,Locaties.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140713170159/http://www.undp.org.tt/NA/MDGReportCURandSXM.pdf First Millennium Development Goals and Report. Curaçao and Sint Maarten. 2011] (PDF; archived)
*{{Cite book|author1=Halman, Johannes|author2=Robert Rojer|title=Jan Gerard Palm Music Scores: Waltzes, Mazurkas, Danzas, Tumbas, Polkas, Marches, Fantasies, Serenades, a Galop and Music Composed for Services in the Synagogue and the Lodge|publisher=Amsterdam: [[Broekmans & Van Poppel]]|year=2008|url=http://www.broekmans.com/nl/product_details.cfm?ArtikelId=720270|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226182057/http://www.broekmans.com/nl/product_details.cfm?ArtikelId=720270|archive-date=26 December 2008}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Halman, Johannes I.M. |author2=Rojer, Robert A.|title=Jan Gerard Palm: Life and Work of a Musical Patriarch in Curaçao (In Dutch language)|publisher=Leiden: KITLV|year=2008|url=http://www.kitlv.nl/book/show/1246|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925102829/http://www.kitlv.nl/book/show/1246|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-09-25}}
* {{Cite book|author=Palm, Edgar|title=Muziek en musici van de Nederlandse Antillen|publisher=Curaçao: E. Palm|year=1978 |url=http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Muziek_en_Musici_Nederlandse_Antillen/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605232842/http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Muziek_en_Musici_Nederlandse_Antillen/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-06-05}}
* {{Cite book|author=Boskaljon, Rudolph|title=Honderd jaar muziekleven op Curaçao|series=Anjerpublicaties 3|publisher=Assen: Uitg. in samenwerking met het Prins Bernhard fonds Nederlandse Antillen door Van Gorcum|year=1958 |url=http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Honderd_Jaar_Muziekleven_op_Curacao/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040202085423/http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Honderd_Jaar_Muziekleven_op_Curacao/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-02-02}}


{{Curaçao topics}}
{{Island areas of the Netherlands Antilles}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{Island territories of the Netherlands Antilles}}
{{Countries of North America}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title = International membership and history
|list =
{{Caribbean Community (CARICOM)|state=collapsed}}
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}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|12|11|N|69|00|W|type:isle|display=title}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Curacao}}
[[Category:Curaçao| ]]
[[Category:Kingdom of the Netherlands]]
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[[Category:Caribbean countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Islands of the Netherlands Antilles]]
[[Category:Islands of the Netherlands Antilles]]
[[Category:Island countries]]

[[Category:Countries and territories where Dutch is an official language]]
[[ar:كوراساو]]
[[Category:Countries and territories where English is an official language]]
[[an:Curaçao]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in the Netherlands Antilles]]
[[br:Kòrsou]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1954]]
[[bg:Кюрасао]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2010]]
[[ca:Curaçao]]
[[Category:2010s establishments in the Caribbean]]
[[cs:Curaçao]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in North America]]
[[da:Curaçao]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in the Netherlands]]
[[de:Curaçao]]
[[et:Curaçao]]
[[es:Curazao]]
[[eo:Curaçao]]
[[fo:Curaçao]]
[[fr:Curaçao]]
[[gl:Curaçao]]
[[ko:퀴라소 섬]]
[[hr:Curaçao]]
[[id:Curaçao]]
[[it:Curaçao]]
[[he:קוראסאו]]
[[lv:Kirasao]]
[[lb:Curaçao]]
[[lmo:Curaçao]]
[[nl:Curaçao]]
[[ja:キュラソー島]]
[[no:Curaçao]]
[[pap:Kòrsou]]
[[pms:Curaçao]]
[[pl:Curaçao (wyspa)]]
[[pt:Curaçao]]
[[ro:Curaçao]]
[[ru:Кюрасао]]
[[sk:Curaçao]]
[[sr:Курасао]]
[[fi:Curaçao]]
[[sv:Curaçao]]
[[tr:Kurasao]]
[[uk:Кюрасао]]
[[zh:库拉索]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 20 November 2024

Curaçao
Kòrsou (Papiamento)
Country of Curaçao
Land Curaçao (Dutch)
Pais Kòrsou (Papiamento)
Anthem: "Himno di Kòrsou"
(English: "Anthem of Curaçao")
Royal anthem: "Wilhelmus"
(English: "William of Nassau")
Location of Curaçao
Location of Curaçao (circled in red)
Sovereign state Kingdom of the Netherlands
Country status10 October 2010
Capital
and largest city
Willemstad
12°7′N 68°56′W / 12.117°N 68.933°W / 12.117; -68.933
Official languages
Ethnic groups
(2018)
75.4% Curaçaoans
9% Dutch
3.6% Dominican
3% Colombian
1.2% Haitian
1.2% Surinamese
1.1% Venezuelan
1.1% Aruban
0.9% unspecified
6% other[1]
Religion
Demonym(s)
  • Curaçaoan
  • Dutch
GovernmentParliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch
Willem-Alexander
• Governor
Lucille George-Wout
• Speaker
Charetti America-Francisca
Gilmar Pisas
LegislatureParliament of Curaçao
Area
• Total
444[2] km2 (171 sq mi) (181th)
Highest elevation
372 m (1,220 ft)
Population
• 2023 estimate
148,925[3] (177th)
• Density
349.13/km2 (904.2/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2021[4] estimate
• Total
$5.5 billion (184th)
• Per capita
$35,484 (45th)
GDP (nominal)2021 estimate
• Total
$3.5 billion[5] (149th)
• Per capita
$22,581 (40th)
HDI (2012)0.811[6]
very high
CurrencyNetherlands Antillean guilder (ƒ)
Time zoneUTC-4:00 (AST)
Driving sideright
Calling code+5999
ISO 3166 code
Internet TLD.cw

Curaçao,[a] officially the Country of Curaçao (Dutch: Land Curaçao;[10] Papiamentu: Pais Kòrsou),[11][12] is a Lesser Antilles island in the southern Caribbean Sea, specifically the Dutch Caribbean region, about 65 km (40 mi) north of Venezuela. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.[13]

Curaçao includes the main island of Curaçao and the much smaller, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao").[12] Curaçao has a population of 158,665 (January 2019 est.),[2] with an area of 444 km2 (171 sq mi); its capital is Willemstad.[12] Together with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao forms the ABC islands. Collectively, Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Dutch Caribbean. It is the largest of the ABC islands in area and population, as well as the largest in the Dutch Caribbean.[14]

The name "Curaçao" may originate from the indigenous autonym of its people; this idea is supported by early Spanish accounts referring to the inhabitants as Indios Curaçaos. Curaçao's history begins with the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians; the island becoming a Spanish colony after Alonso de Ojeda's 1499 expedition. Though labelled "the useless island" due to its poor agricultural yield and lack of precious metals, it became a strategic cattle ranching area. When the Dutch colonized the island in 1634, they shifted the island's focus to trade and shipping, and later made it a hub of the Atlantic slave trade. Members of the Jewish community, fleeing persecution in Europe, settled here and significantly influenced the economy and culture.

British forces occupied Curaçao twice during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars but it was returned to Dutch rule. The abolition of slavery in 1863 led to economic shifts and migrations. Dutch remains the official language, though Papiamentu, English, and Spanish are widely spoken, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. Curaçao was formerly part of the Curaçao and Dependencies colony from 1815 to 1954 and later the Netherlands Antilles from 1954 to 2010, as Island Territory of Curaçao.[15][16][12]

The discovery of oil in the Maracaibo Basin in 1914 transformed Curaçao into a critical refinery location, altering its economic landscape. There were efforts towards becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the island achieved autonomy in 2010.

Etymology

[edit]

One explanation for the island's name is that Curaçao was the autonym by which its indigenous peoples identified themselves.[17] Early Spanish accounts support this theory, referring to the indigenous peoples as Indios Curaçaos.[18]

From 1525, the island was featured on Spanish maps as Curaçote, Curasaote, Curasaore, and even Curacaute.[19] By the 17th century, it appeared on most maps as Curaçao or Curazao.[18] On a map created by Hieronymus Cock in 1562 in Antwerp, the island was called Qúracao.[20]

A persistent but undocumented story claims the following: in the 16th and 17th centuries—the early years of European exploration—when sailors on long voyages got scurvy from lack of vitamin C, sick Portuguese or Spanish sailors were left on the island now known as Curaçao. When their ship returned, some had recovered, probably after eating vitamin C-rich fruit there. From then on, the Portuguese allegedly referred to the island as Ilha da Curação (Island of Healing) or the Spanish as Isla de la Curación.[12]

History

[edit]

Pre-colonial

[edit]
Map from 1562 with Curaçao indicated as Qúracao
Map of Curaçao in 1836

The original inhabitants of Curaçao were the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians.[21] Their ancestors had migrated to the island from the mainland of South America, probably hundreds of years before Europeans' first arrival.

Spanish colonization

[edit]

The first Europeans recorded as seeing the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499.[21] The Spaniards enslaved most of the Caquetios (Arawak) for forced labour in their Hispaniola colony, but paid little attention to the island itself.[21] In 1515, almost all of the 2,000 Caquetios living there were also transported to Hispaniola as slaves.

Established in 1499 as a Spanish launchpad for exploring northern South America, Curaçao was officially settled by Spain in 1527. It functioned as an island extension of Venezuela throughout the 1500s. As mainland colonization advanced, Spain slowly withdrew from the island. The city registry of Caracas, Venezuela holds one of the earliest written mentions of Curaçao. A document dated 9 December 1595 states that Francisco Montesinos, priest and vicar of "the Yslas de Curasao, Aruba and Bonaire" conferred his power of attorney to Pedro Gutiérrez de Lugo, a Caracas resident, to collect his ecclesiastic salary from the Royal Treasury of King Philip II of Spain.

The Spanish introduced numerous tree, plant and animal species to Curaçao, including horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle from Europe and other Spanish colonies. In general, imported sheep, goats and cattle did relatively well. Cattle were herded by Caquetios and Spaniards and roamed freely in the kunuku plantations and savannas.

Not all imported species fared equally well, and the Spanish also learned to use Caquetio crops and agricultural methods, as well as those from other Caribbean islands. Though historical sources point to thousands of people living on the island, agricultural yields were disappointing; this and the lack of precious metals in the salt mines led the Spanish to call Curaçao "the useless island".

Over time, the number of Spaniards living on Curaçao decreased while the number of aboriginal inhabitants stabilized. Presumably through natural growth, return and colonization, the Caquetio population then began to increase. In the last decades of Spanish occupation, Curaçao was used as a large cattle ranch. At that point, Spaniards lived around Santa Barbara, Santa Ana and in the villages in the western part of the island, while the Caquetios are thought to have lived scattered all over the island.

Dutch colonial rule

[edit]

In 1634, during the Eighty Years' War of independence between the Republic of the Netherlands and Spain, the Dutch West India Company under Admiral Johann van Walbeeck invaded the island; the Spanish surrendered in San Juan in August. Approximately 30 Spaniards and many indigenous people were then deported to Santa Ana de Coro in Venezuela. About 30 Taíno families were allowed to live on the island while Dutch colonists started settling there.[21]

The Dutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad on the banks of an inlet called the Schottegat; the natural harbour proved an ideal place for trade. Commerce and shipping—and piracy—became Curaçao's most important economic activities. Later, salt mining became a major industry, the mineral being a lucrative export at the time.[citation needed] From 1662, the Dutch West India Company made Curaçao a centre of the Atlantic slave trade, often bringing slaves from West Africa to the island, before selling them elsewhere in the Caribbean and Spanish Main.[21]

Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal sought safe haven in Dutch Brazil and the Dutch Republic. Many settled in Curaçao, where they made significant contributions to its civil society, cultural development and economic prosperity.[22] In 1674 the island became a free port.[23]

In the Franco-Dutch War of 1672–78, French Count Jean II d'Estrées planned to attack Curaçao. His fleet—12 men-of-war, three fire ships, two transports, a hospital ship, and 12 privateers—met with disaster, losing seven men-of-war and two other ships when they struck reefs off the Las Aves archipelago. The serious navigational error occurred on 11 May 1678, a week after the fleet set sail from Saint Kitts. To commemorate its narrow escape from invasion, Curaçao marked the events with a day of thanksgiving, which was celebrated for decades into the 18th century.[citation needed]

Willemstad, 1885

Many Dutch colonists grew affluent from the slave trade, building impressive colonial buildings in the capital of Willemstad; the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1795, a major slave revolt took place under the leaders Tula Rigaud, Louis Mercier, Bastian Karpata, and Pedro Wakao. Up to 4,000 slaves in northwest Curaçao revolted, with more than 1,000 taking part in extended gunfights. After a month, the slave owners were able to suppress the revolt.[24][25]

Luis Brión, a Curaçao-born Venezuelan admiral
The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao's proximity to South America resulted in interaction with cultures of the coastal areas more than a century after the independence of the Netherlands from Spain. Architectural similarities can be seen between 19th century Willemstad neighborhoods and the nearby Venezuelan city of Coro in Falcón State, which has also been designated a World Heritage Site. Netherlands established economic ties with the Viceroyalty of New Granada that included the present-day countries of Colombia and Venezuela. In the 19th century, Curaçaoans such as Manuel Piar and Luis Brión were prominently engaged in the wars of independence of both Venezuela and Colombia. Political refugees from the mainland, such as Simon Bolivar, regrouped in Curaçao.[26]

During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, British forces twice occupied Curaçao; the first occupation lasted from 1800 to 1803, and the second occupation from 1807 to 1815.[27] Stable Dutch rule returned in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic wars, when the island was incorporated into the colony of Curaçao and Dependencies.[28]

The Dutch abolished slavery in 1863, causing vast changes in the economy with the shift to wage labour.[28] Some Curaçao inhabitants emigrated to other islands, such as Cuba, to work in sugarcane plantations. Other former slaves had nowhere to go and continued working for plantation owners under the tenant farmer system,[29] in which former slaves leased land from former masters, paying most of their harvest to owners as rent. The system lasted until the early 20th century.[citation needed]

Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island outside of the colonial administration, but its use increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[30] Students on Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire were taught predominantly in Spanish until the early 19th century, when the British occupied all three islands. Teaching of Spanish was restored when Dutch rule resumed in 1815. Also, efforts were made to introduce widespread bilingual Dutch and Papiamentu education in the late 19th century.[31]

20th and 21st centuries

[edit]

When oil was discovered in the Venezuelan Maracaibo Basin town of Mene Grande in 1914, Curaçao's economy was dramatically altered. In the early years, both Shell and Exxon held drilling concessions in Venezuela, which ensured a constant supply of crude oil to refineries in Aruba and Curaçao. Crude oil production in Venezuela was inexpensive. Both Shell and Exxon were vertically integrated and controlled the entire industry, from pumping, transporting, and refining to sales. The refineries on Aruba and Curaçao operated in global markets and were profitable partly because of the margin between the production costs of crude oil and the revenues the sale of oil products. This provided a safety net for losses incurred through inefficiency or excessive operating costs at the refineries.[21][unreliable source?]

In 1929, Curaçao was attacked by Venezuelan rebel commander Rafael Simón Urbina, who, with 250 soldiers, captured the fort. The Venezuelans plundered weapons, ammunition, and the island's treasury. They also managed to capture the Governor of the island, Leonardus Albertus Fruytier (1882–1972), and hauled him off to Venezuela on a stolen American ship, Maracaibo. Fruytier was criticized and had to resign as governor. After returning to the Netherlands, he settled for a position as chief inspector in Maastricht. The Dutch increased their military presence on the island.[32][33]

In 1936 burning bale of cotton thrown overboard by the crew of the M. S. Colombia, which lay anchored in the Schottegat, caused the oil floating on the water to catch fire. It took days to get the fire under control; houses had to be evacuated, but there were no casualties.

During the Second World War, the island played an important role in the supply of fuel for the Allied forces. In 1940, before the invasion of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany, the British occupied Curaçao and the French Aruba. The presence of powers other than the Netherlands alarmed the Venezuelan government given the proximity of these islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Venezuela and the fact they'd historically been used as bases to launch incursions against Venezuelan territory. In 1941, US troops occupied the island and built military airport "Hato". The main purpose was this deployment was to fight against expected future attacks by Axis submarines and potentially long-distance Nazi bombers. America was also concerned over the potential threat of a German invasion of the continental US launched with the aid of German settlers in South America.

In 1942 the port of Willemstad, one of the main sources of fuel for the Allied operations, was besieged by German submarines on several occasions under Neuland Operation. In August 1942, the Germans returned to Curaçao and attacked a tanker and received fire from a Dutch shore battery before slipping away. The US Navy established the Fourth Fleet, which was responsible for countering enemy naval operations in the Caribbean and in the South Atlantic. The US Army also sent aircraft and personnel to help protect the oil refineries and bolster the Venezuelan Air Force.

In 1954, Curaçao and other Dutch Caribbean colonies were joined to form the Netherlands Antilles. Discontent with Curaçao's seemingly subordinate relationship to the Netherlands, ongoing racial discrimination, and a rise in unemployment owing to layoffs in the oil industry led to a series of riots in 1969.[34] The riots resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries and severe damage in Willemstad. In response, the Dutch government introduced far-reaching reforms, allowing Afro-Curaçaoans greater influence over the island's political and economic life, and increased the prominence of the local Papiamentu language.[35]

A Dutch soldier on patrol in Willemstad following the 1969 riots

Curaçao experienced an economic downturn in the early 1980s. Shell's refinery on the island operated with significant losses from 1975 to 1979, and again from 1982 to 1985. Persistent losses, global overproduction, stronger competition, and low market expectations threatened the refinery's future. In 1985, after 70 years, Royal Dutch Shell decided to end its activities on Curaçao. This came at a crucial moment. Curaçao's fragile economy had been stagnant for some time. Several revenue-generating sectors suffered even more during this period: tourism from Venezuela collapsed after the devaluation of the bolivar, and a slowdown in the transportation sector had deleterious effects on the Antillean Airline Company and the Curaçao Dry Dock Company. The offshore financial services industry also experienced a downturn due to new U.S. tax laws.[citation needed]

In the mid-1980s, Shell sold its refinery for the symbolic amount of one Antillean guilder to a local government consortium. In recent years, the aging refinery has been the subject of lawsuits alleging that its emissions, including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, far exceed safety standards.[36] The government consortium leases the refinery to the Venezuelan PDVSA state oil company.[36]

Continuing economic hardship in the late 1990s and early 2000s resulted in much emigration to the Netherlands.[37]

On 1 July 2007, Curaçao was due to become a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, like Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. On 28 November 2006, the change was delayed when the island council rejected a clarification memorandum on the process. A new island council ratified this agreement on 9 July 2007.[38] On 15 December 2008, Curaçao was again scheduled to become a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A non-binding referendum on the move was held in Curaçao on 15 May 2009; 52% of voters supported it.[39]

Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles

[edit]

The dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles came into effect on 10 October 2010.[40][41] Curaçao became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the kingdom retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy. The kingdom was also tasked with overseeing the island's finances under a debt-relief arrangement agreed upon between the two.[42] Curaçao's first prime minister was Gerrit Schotte. He was succeeded in 2012 by Stanley Betrian, ad interim. After the 2012 elections, Daniel Hodge became the third prime minister on 31 December 2012.[43] He led a demissionary cabinet until 7 June 2013, when a new cabinet under the leadership of Ivar Asjes was sworn in.[44]

Although Curaçao is autonomous, the Netherlands has intervened in its affairs to ensure that parliamentary elections are held and to assist in finalizing accurate budgets. In July 2017, Curaçaoan Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath said he wanted Curaçao to take full responsibility over its affairs, but asked for more cooperation and assistance from the Netherlands, with suggestions for more innovative approaches to help Curaçao succeed and increase its standard of living.[45][46] The Dutch government reminded the Curaçaoan government that it had provided assistance with oil refinery negotiations with the Chinese "on numerous occasions".[47]

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic resulted in austerity measures. Curaçao had to impose spending cuts to qualify for additional aid from the Netherlands.[48] As part of the austerity package, the Government of Curaçao announced a 12.5% cut in benefits for civil servants.[49] On 24 June 2020, a group of civil servants, together with waste collectors from Selikor, marched to Fort Amsterdam and demanded to speak with Rhuggenaath.[49] The demonstration turned into a riot, and police cleared the square in front of Fort Amsterdam[50] with tear gas.[51] The city centre of Willemstad was later looted.[50] 48 people were arrested,[52] the city districts of Punda and Otrobanda were placed under lockdown for the night, and a general curfew was declared from 20:30 to 06:00.[53]

Geography

[edit]
Aerial view of the coast of Curaçao
Enlargeable, detailed map of Curaçao
Green Iguana from Curaçao

Curaçao, lies on the continental shelf of South America featuring a hilly topography, with its highest point reaching 372 m (1,220 ft) above sea level.[54] named Christoffelberg. Curaçao has diverse range of beaches from coastline's bays, inlets, lagoons, seasonal lakes, rough seas at its northshore, and a spring water. In addition, Curaçao has upwelling which is an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler and nutrient-rich water from deep ocean moving towards the ocean surface, contributing to the source of natural minerals, thermal conditions, and seawater used in hydrotherapy and mesotherapy, making the island one of many balneoclimateric areas in the region. Furthemore, off the southeast coast of the main island of Curaçao lies the tiny unhabitated Isle of Klein Curaçao.[12] Klein Curaçao boasts long stretched beach.

Flora

[edit]

Curaçao's flora differ from typical tropical island vegetation. Guajira-Barranquilla xeric scrub is the most notable, with various forms of cacti, thorny shrubs, evergreen, and watapana trees (Libidibia coriaria; called divi-divi on Aruba), which are characteristic of the ABC islands and the national symbol of Aruba. Brassavola nodosa is a drought-tolerant species of Brassavola, one of the few orchids present in the ABC islands. Cacti include Melocactus and Opuntia species such as Opuntia stricta.[citation needed]

Melocactus macracanthos in Curaçao

Fauna

[edit]

Curaçao is semi-arid, and as such has not supported the numerous tropical species of mammals, birds, and lizards most associated with rainforests. Dozens of species of hummingbirds, bananaquits, orioles, and the larger terns, herons, egrets, and even flamingos make their homes near ponds or in coastal areas. The trupial, a black bird with a bright orange underbelly and white swatches on its wings, is common to Curaçao. The mockingbird, called chuchubi in Papiamentu, resembles the North American mockingbird, with a long white-grey tail and a grey back. Near shorelines, big-billed brown pelicans feed on fish. Other seabirds include several types of gulls and large cormorants.[55]

Other than field mice, small rabbits, and cave bats, Curaçao's most notable animal is the white-tailed deer. This deer is related to the American white-tailed deer, or Virginia deer, found in areas from North America through Central America and the Caribbean, and as far south as Bolivia. It can be a large deer, some reaching six feet (2 m) in length and three feet (0.9 m) in height, and weighing as much as 300 pounds (140 kg). It has a long tail with a white underside, and is the only type of deer on the island. It has been a protected species since 1926, and an estimated 200 live on Curaçao. They are found in many parts of the island, but most notably at the west end's Christoffel Park, where about 70% of the herd resides. Archaeologists believe the deer were brought from South America to Curaçao by its original inhabitants, the Arawaks.[citation needed]

There are several species of iguana, light green in colour with shimmering shades of aqua along the belly and sides, found lounging in the sun across the island. The iguanas found on Curaçao serve not only as a scenic attraction but, unlike many islands that gave up the practice years ago, remain hunted for food. Along the west end of the island's north shore are several inlets that have become home to breeding sea turtles. These turtles are protected by the park system in Shete Boka Park, and can be visited accompanied by park rangers.[citation needed]

Climate

[edit]

Curaçao has a hot, semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh) with a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December.[56] Rainfall is scarce, only 450 millimeters (12 inches) per year; in particular, the rainy season is drier than it normally is in tropical climates; during the dry season, it almost never rains. Owing to the scarcity of rainfall, the landscape of Curaçao is arid; especially on the north coast of the island. Temperatures are relatively constant, with small differences measured throughout the year. The trade winds cool the island during the day and warm it at night. The coolest month is January with an average temperature of 26.6 °C or 80 °F; the hottest is September with an average temperature of 29.1 °C or 84 °F. The year's average maximum temperature is 31.4 °C or 89 °F. The year's average temperature is 25.7 °C or 78 °F. The seawater around Curaçao averages around 27 °C (81 °F) and is coolest (avg. 25.9 °C [78.6 °F]) from February to March, and hottest (avg. 28.2 °C [82.8 °F]) from September to October.[citation needed]

Because Curaçao lies North of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and in an area of low-level divergence where winds flow parallel to the coast, its climate is much drier than expected for the northeastern side of a continent at its latitude. Rainfall is also extremely variable from year to year,[57] being strongly linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. As little as 200 millimetres or 8 inches may fall in a strong El Niño year, but as much as 1,150 millimetres or 45 inches is not unknown in powerful La Niña years.

Curaçao lies outside the Main Development Region for tropical cyclones, but is still occasionally affected by them, as with Hurricanes Hazel in 1954, Anna in 1961, Felix in 2007, and Omar in 2008. No hurricane has made landfall in Curaçao since the US National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Curaçao has, however, been directly affected by pre-hurricane tropical storms several times; the latest being Hurricane Tomas in 2010, Cesar in 1996, Joan in 1988, Cora and Greta in 1978, Edith and Irene in 1971, and Francelia in 1969. Tomas brushed past Curaçao as a tropical storm, dropping as much as 265 mm (10.4 in) of rain on the island, nearly half its annual precipitation in a single day.[58] This made Tomas one of the wettest events in the island's history,[59] as well as one of the most devastating; its flooding killed two people and caused over NAƒ50 million (US$28 million) in damage.[60][61]

According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, average carbon dioxide emissions per person on the island were 52 tonnes in 2018, the second highest in the world.[62]

Meteo, the Curaçao weather department, provides up-to-date information about weather conditions via its website and mobile apps for iOS and Android.[63]

Climate data for Curaçao - Hato International airport (TNCC) (1981-2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 33.3
(91.9)
33.2
(91.8)
33.0
(91.4)
34.7
(94.5)
36.0
(96.8)
37.5
(99.5)
35.0
(95.0)
37.4
(99.3)
38.3
(100.9)
36.0
(96.8)
35.6
(96.1)
33.3
(91.9)
38.3
(100.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 29.9
(85.8)
30.1
(86.2)
30.7
(87.3)
31.4
(88.5)
32.0
(89.6)
32.1
(89.8)
32.1
(89.8)
32.7
(90.9)
32.8
(91.0)
32.1
(89.8)
31.1
(88.0)
30.3
(86.5)
31.4
(88.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.6
(79.9)
26.7
(80.1)
27.2
(81.0)
27.8
(82.0)
28.4
(83.1)
28.6
(83.5)
28.5
(83.3)
28.9
(84.0)
29.1
(84.4)
28.6
(83.5)
28.0
(82.4)
27.2
(81.0)
28.0
(82.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 24.4
(75.9)
24.5
(76.1)
24.9
(76.8)
25.6
(78.1)
26.3
(79.3)
26.5
(79.7)
26.1
(79.0)
26.5
(79.7)
26.6
(79.9)
26.2
(79.2)
25.6
(78.1)
24.9
(76.8)
25.7
(78.3)
Record low °C (°F) 21.5
(70.7)
20.6
(69.1)
21.3
(70.3)
22.0
(71.6)
21.6
(70.9)
22.4
(72.3)
22.3
(72.1)
21.3
(70.3)
22.7
(72.9)
21.9
(71.4)
22.0
(71.6)
21.6
(70.9)
20.6
(69.1)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 46.0
(1.81)
28.8
(1.13)
14.1
(0.56)
19.4
(0.76)
21.3
(0.84)
22.4
(0.88)
41.3
(1.63)
39.7
(1.56)
49.1
(1.93)
102.0
(4.02)
122.4
(4.82)
95.5
(3.76)
602.0
(23.70)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 8.5 5.5 2.5 2.4 2.2 3.3 6.3 4.6 4.7 8.1 10.9 11.4 70.4
Average relative humidity (%) 78.5 78.2 77.3 78.2 77.9 77.5 78.1 77.8 78.1 79.6 80.6 79.5 78.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours 264.7 249.6 271.8 249.4 266.3 266.7 290.4 302.5 261.7 247.8 234.7 247.1 3,152.7
Percent possible sunshine 73.8 75.2 72.8 67.0 67.9 70.8 73.3 78.2 71.6 67.4 67.6 69.8 71.3
Source: Meteorological Department Curacao[64]

Climate change

[edit]

Average temperatures have risen sharply in the past 40 years in the Caribbean Netherlands and Curaçao has experienced more warm days and fewer cooler nights.[65] The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that should air temperatures increase by 1.4 degrees, there will be a 5% to 6% decrease in rainfall, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (including a 66% increase in hurricane intensity), and a 0.5- to 0.6-meter sea-level rise in the Caribbean Netherlands.[65]

Geology

[edit]

The northern seabed drops steeply within 60 m (200 ft) of the Curaçaoan shore. This drop-off is known as the "blue edge".

On Curaçao, four major geological formations can be found: the lava formation, the Knip formation, the Mid-Curaçao formation and limestone formations.[66]

Curaçao lies within the Caribbean large igneous province (CLIP) with key exposures of those lavas existing on the island consisting of the Curaçao Lava Formation (CLF). The CLF consists of 5 km of pillow lavas with some basalt intrusions. The ages of these rocks include 89 Ma for the lavas and 75 Ma for the poikilitic sills, though some sequences may have erupted as late as 62–66 Ma, placing them in the Cretaceous period. Their composition includes picrite pillows at the base, followed by tholeiitic lavas, then hyaloclastites, then the poikilitic sills. The CLF was gradually uplifted until Eocene-Miocene limestone caps formed, before final exposure above sea level. Christoffelberg and the Zevenbergen (Seven Hills) portion of the island have exposures of the Knip Formation. This formation includes deepwater deposits of calcareous sands and fine clays, capped by siliceous chert containing radiolarians. Middle Curaçao contains alluvial soils from eroded CLF and limestone.[67][68]

Beaches

[edit]
Grote Knip Beach

Curaçao has 37 beaches.[69] Most are on the south side of the island. The best known are:

Architecture

[edit]

The island has diverse architectural styles reflecting the influence of the various historical rulers over the region, including Spain, the Netherlands, with more modern elements under Western influence primarily including the United States and other European countries. This ranges from ruins and colonial buildings to modern infrastructure.

Forts

[edit]
Fort Beekenburg, Caracas Bay, Curaçao

When the Dutch arrived in 1634, they built forts at key points around the island to protect themselves from foreign powers, privateers, and pirates. Six of the best-preserved forts can still be seen today:

In 1957, the hotel Van der Valk Plaza Curaçao was built on top of the Waterfort.[71]

The Rif Fort is located opposite of the Waterfort, across the Otrobanda harbour entrance. It contains restaurants and shops, and in 2009, the Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino opened next to it.[72][73]

Government

[edit]
Curaçao Parliament Building (Parlamento di Kòrsou) located in the Punda district, Willemstad

Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.[12] Its governance takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy. The King of the Netherlands is the head of state, represented locally by a governor, with the Prime Minister of Curaçao serving as head of government.[12] Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.[citation needed]

The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Convicted felons are held at the Curaçao Centre for Detention and Correction.[citation needed]

Curaçao has full autonomy over most matters; the exceptions are outlined in the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the title "Kingdom affairs".[citation needed]

Military

[edit]
Parera Naval Base

Defence of the island is the responsibility of the Netherlands.[12] The Netherlands Armed Forces deploy both ground and naval units in the Caribbean with some of these forces based on Curaçao. These forces include:

Two Dutch naval bases, Parera and Suffisant, are located on the island of Curaçao.[75] Officers of the Arubaanse Militie complete additional training on Curaçao.[citation needed] The Curaçao Volunteer Corps is also stationed at the Suffisant Naval Barracks.[74]

On the west side of Curaçao International Airport are hangars for the two Bombardier Dash 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. Until 2007, the site was a Royal Netherlands Navy air base which operated for 55 years with a wide variety of aircraft, including Fireflies, Avengers, Trackers, Neptunes, Fokker F-27s, P-3C Orions, Fokker F-60s and several helicopter types. After the political decision to sell off all Orions, the air base wasn't needed anymore.[citation needed]

The west end of the airport is a USAF Forward Operating Location (FOL).[76] The base hosts Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS), cargo aircraft, aerial refueling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft.[76] Until 1999, the USAF operated a small fleet of F-16 fighters from the FOL.[citation needed] The PAE corporation runs base operations at the FOL.[77]

Conscription

[edit]

Suffisant Naval Base has facilities used for conscription in the Caribbean. There has been no military conscription since 1997, but a form of civil conscription has replaced it, compelling underprivileged young Antilleans to undertake professional training.[78]

Politics

[edit]

After being part of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao became autonomous, along with Sint Maarten island, while the less populated islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba remained special municipalities governed by the Netherlands.[79]

Economy

[edit]
Offshore oil platform in Curaçao
Historic area of Willemstad, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997

Curaçao has an open economy; its most important sectors are tourism, international trade, shipping services, oil refining,[80] oil storage and bunkering, and international financial services.[12] Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA's lease on the island's oil refinery expired in 2019; the facility employs 1,000 people, refining oil from Venezuela for export to the US and Asia.[81] Schlumberger, the world's largest oil field services company, is incorporated in Curaçao.[82] The Isla oil refinery [fr; nl] is said to be responsible for Curaçao's position as one of the world's top five highest per capita CO2 emission-producing countries.[83]

Along with Sint Maarten, Curaçao uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder as its currency.[12] Its economy is well-developed, supporting a high standard of living, ranking 46th in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita and 27th in the world in terms of nominal GDP per capita. Curaçao possesses a high-income economy as defined by the World Bank.[84][85] Activities related to the port of Willemstad, such as the Free Trade Zone, make significant contributions to the economy.[12] To achieve greater economic diversification, the Curaçaoan government is increasing its efforts to attract more foreign investment.[12] This policy, called the "Open Arms" policy, features a heavy focus on attracting information technology companies.[86][87][88]

Since 2016, reduced foreign demand for goods due to the ongoing unrest and political uncertainty in Venezuela has led to decreased exports and increased domestic demand for goods and services, resulting in economic stagnation. While many economic sectors contracted, expansion took place in the construction, financial intermediation, and utilities sectors.[89]

Tourism

[edit]
Jan Thiel Beach
Elkhorn coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao

While tourism plays a major role in Curaçao's economy, the island is less reliant on tourism than many other Caribbean countries. Most tourists come to Curaçao from the Netherlands, the eastern United States, South America and other Caribbean islands.[citation needed] Curaçao was a Caribbean leader in cruise ship tourism growth, with 610,186 cruise passengers in 2013, a 41.4% increase over the previous year.[90] Hato International Airport received 1,772,501 passengers in 2013 and announced capital investments totaling US$48 million aimed at transforming the airport into a regional hub by 2018.

The Curaçaoan insular shelf's sharp drop-off known as the "Blue Edge" is often visited by scuba diving tourists.[91] Coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving can be reached without a boat. The southern coast has calm waters as well as many small beaches, such as Jan Thiel and Cas Abou. At the westernmost point of the island is Watamula and the Cliff Villa Peninsula which are good locations for drift diving. The coastline of Curaçao features numerous bays and inlets which serve as popular mooring locations for boats.[92]

In June 2017, the island was named the Top Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean by Cruise Critic, a major online forum. The winners of the Destination Awards were selected based on comments from cruise passengers who rated the downtown area of Willemstad as "amazing" and the food and shopping as "excellent".[93] The historic centre of Willemstad is a World Heritage Site. Another attraction is the towns colourful street art. the Blue Bay Sculpture Garden with works from known Curaçao artists is situated in a nearby resort.[94] Landhuis Bloemhof is an art museum and gallery located in Willemstad.[95]

Some of the coral reefs are affected by tourism. Porto Marie Beach is experimenting with artificial coral reefs in order to improve the reef's condition.[citation needed] Hundreds of artificial coral blocks that have been placed are now home to a large array of tropical fish. It is now under investigation to see if the sewer waste of hotels is a partial cause of the dying of the coral reef.[96]

Ecotourism is a growing segment of Curaçaoan tourism. [97] One site in particular – Mambo Beach, also known as "Seaquarium Beach" – is a popular destination due to the calm tides for children, frequent viewing of marine life, and vibrant coral reefs – some of which have been artificially planted to improve reef health.[98]

The Curaçao Sea Aquarium and the Dolphin Academy share this islet on the west coast of Curaçao, with Seaquarium Beach nearby.

Labour

[edit]

In 2016, a Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicated that the unemployment rate was 13.3%. For residents ages 15–64, the employment rate was 70.4%.[99][100]

Financial services

[edit]

Curaçao's history in financial services dates back to World War I. Prior to this period, the financial arms of local merchant houses functioned as informal lenders to the community. However, at the turn of the 20th century, Curaçao underwent industrialization, and a number of merchant houses established private commercial banks.[101] As the economy grew, these banks began assuming additional functions eventually becoming full-fledged financial institutions.

The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange is located in the capital of Willemstad, as is the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten; the latter of which dates to 1828. It is the oldest central bank in the Western Hemisphere.[102] The island's legal system supports a variety of corporate structures and is a corporate haven. Though Curaçao is considered a tax haven, it adheres to the EU Code of Conduct against harmful tax practices. It holds a qualified intermediary status from the United States Internal Revenue Service. It is an accepted jurisdiction of the OECD and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering. The country enforces Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism funding compliance.[citation needed]

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

[edit]
Banco di Caribe in Willemstad

On 30 June 2014, Curaçao[103] was deemed to have an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States of America with respect to the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" of the United States of America. The Tax Information Exchange Agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on 17 April 2002[104] between the U.S. and the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes Curaçao, and was updated with respect to Curaçao in 2014, taking effect in 2016.

Trade

[edit]

Curaçao trades mainly with the United States, Venezuela, and the European Union. It has an Association Agreement with the European Union which allows companies which do business in and via Curaçao to export products to European markets,[105] free of import duties and quotas. It is also a participant in the US Caribbean Basin Initiative allowing it to have preferential access to the US market.[106]

Prostitution

[edit]

Prostitution in Curaçao is legal only for foreign women who get a temporary permit to work in the large open-air brothel called "Le Mirage" or "Campo Alegre". Using prostitution services is legal for men (locals included). The brothel has operated near the airport since the 1940s.[107][108] Curaçao monitors, contains and regulates the industry. The government states that the workers in these establishments are thereby given a safe environment and access to medical practitioners. However this approach does exclude local women (or men) to legally make a living from prostitution and does lead to loss of local income, as the foreign prostitutes send or take most of their earnings home.[109]

Developments of Campo Alegre (2020-2024)

[edit]

Since its closure in 2020 after 71 years of operation, Campo Alegre, Curaçao's largest open-air brothel, has been at the center of significant developments. Following the closure, a government-appointed working group proposed three scenarios for the site: transforming it into a regulated prostitution area, repurposing it for commercial use, or converting it into a residential area.[110]

In 2023, the property was put up for auction, attracting various potential buyers.[111] In a significant move, the Curaçao government purchased the Campo Alegre property, aiming to have more control over its future use.[112]

The current ruling political party, Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), had made an election promise to reopen Campo Alegre as a regulated prostitution center. This promise aligns with the recommendations of the working group and reflects the party's stance on creating a controlled environment for sex work.

As of 2024, the government is evaluating scenarios to ensure that the chosen path will benefit the local economy and social landscape.

The U.S. State Department has cited anecdotal evidence claiming that, "Curaçao...[is a] destination island... for women trafficked for the sex trade from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, according to local observers. At least 500 foreign women reportedly are in prostitution throughout the five islands of the Antilles, some of whom have been trafficked."[113] The US Department of State has said that the government of Curaçao frequently underestimates the extent of human trafficking problems.[113]

Demographics

[edit]
Santa Famia church, Willemstad
The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Willemstad is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western hemisphere.

Owing to the island's history of colonial times, the majority of the Curaçaoans are of African, or partial African descent.[12] There are also many Curaçaoans and immigrants of Dutch, French, Portuguese, Latin American, South Asian, East Asian, and Levantine descent on the island.[114]

Religion

[edit]
Religion in Curaçao[115]
  Roman Catholic (69.8%)
  Protestant (16.7%)
  None (10%)
  Other (Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, etc.) (3.8%)
  Unspecified (0.6%)

The religious breakdown of the population of Curaçao, according to a 2011 estimate:[115]

There has been a shift towards the Charismatic movement in recent decades. Other denominations include the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Methodist Church. Alongside these Christian denominations, some inhabitants practise Montamentu and other diaspora African religions.[116] As elsewhere in Latin America, Pentecostalism is on the rise.[citation needed] There are also practising Muslims and Hindus.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Willemstad encompasses all the territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean which includes Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The diocese is also a member of the Antilles Episcopal Conference.[citation needed]

While small, Curaçao's Jewish community has had a significant impact on the island's history.[22] Curaçao has the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas, dating to 1651. The Curaçao synagogue is the oldest synagogue of the Americas in continuous use, since its completion in 1732 on the site of a previous synagogue.[117] Additionally, there are both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities.[12] As of the year 2000 there were approximately 300 Jewish people living on the island.[118]

Languages

[edit]

Curaçao is a multilingual society. The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu and English.[119][12] However, Dutch is the sole language for all administration and legal matters.[120] Most of Curaçao's population is able to converse in at least two, though more commonly in all four of the languages of Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.[citation needed]

The most widely spoken language is Papiamentu, a Portuguese creole with African, Dutch and Spanish influences, spoken in all levels of society.[12] Papiamentu was introduced as a language of primary school education in 1993, making Curaçao one of a handful of places where a creole language is used as a medium to acquire basic literacy.[121] Spanish and English also have a long historical presence in Curaçao. Spanish became an important language in the 18th century due to the close economic ties with Spanish territories in what are now Venezuela and Colombia[30] and several Venezuelan TV networks are received. Use of English dates to the early 19th century, when the British occupied Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. When Dutch rule resumed in 1815, officials already noted the widespread use of the English language.[30]

According to the 2001 census, Papiamentu was the first language of 81.2% of the population. Dutch of 8%, Spanish of 4%, and English of 2.9%.[122] However, these numbers divide the population in terms of first language and do not account for the high rate of bilingualism in the population of Curaçao.[citation needed]

Localities

[edit]

Curaçao was divided into five districts from 1863 to 1925, after which it was reduced to the two outer districts of Bandabou and Bandariba and the city district of Willemstad. Over the years, the capital, Willemstad, encompassed the entire area surrounding the large natural harbour, the Schottegat. As a result, many formerly isolated villages have grown together to form a large urbanised area. The city covers approximately one third of the entire island in the east. Willemstad's most famous neighbourhoods are:

  • Punda, the historic city centre with the Handelskade on St. Anna Bay.
  • Otrobanda, on the other side of St. Anna Bay
  • Pietermaai, east of Punda
  • Scharloo, north of Punda and Pietermaai, across the Waaigat
  • Julianadorp, a suburb on the west side of the city, built around 1928 on behalf of Shell for its personnel
  • Emmastad, built for Shell in the 1950s, after Julianadorp was full.
  • Saliña is situated next to Punda and has many shops and restaurants.
  • Brievengat, a suburb in the north of the city.

Structure of the population

[edit]
Population Estimates by Sex and Age Group (01.VII.2021) (Provisional) (Post-censal estimates.):[123]
Age Group Male Female Total %
Total 69 285 83 084 152 369 100
0–4 3 876 3 637 7 513 4.93
5–9 4 750 4 479 9 229 6.06
10–14 4 487 4 401 8 888 5.83
15–19 4 503 4 393 8 895 5.84
20–24 3 891 3 665 7 556 4.96
25–29 3 862 4 280 8 142 5.34
30–34 3 966 4 774 8 740 5.74
35–39 4 081 5 091 9 172 6.02
40–44 3 833 5 099 8 932 5.86
45–49 4 563 5 790 10 353 6.79
50–54 5 049 6 323 11 372 7.46
55–59 5 481 7 013 12 493 8.20
60–64 4 937 6 576 11 513 7.56
65–69 4 098 5 523 9 621 6.31
70–74 3 427 4 506 7 932 5.21
75–79 2 163 3 342 5 504 3.61
80–84 1 346 2 146 3 492 2.29
85–89 661 1 283 1 944 1.28
90–94 248 543 791 0.52
95–99 59 192 250 0.16
100+ 8 35 43 0.03
Age group Male Female Total Percent
0–14 13 113 12 517 25 630 16.82
15–64 44 162 52 997 97 159 63.77
65+ 12 010 17 570 29 580 19.41

Statistics

[edit]
Curaçao population pyramid in 2020

Education

[edit]
The University of Curaçao

Public education is based on the Dutch educational system and besides the public schools, private and parochial schools are also available. Since the introduction of a new public education law in 1992, compulsory primary education starts at age six and continues for six years; secondary lasts for another four.[124]

The main institute of higher learning is the University of Curaçao (formerly University of The Netherlands Antilles), enrolling 2,100 students.[124] The comprehensive model of education is influenced by both the Dutch and American education systems. Other higher education offerings on the island include offshore medical schools, universities, language schools and academies for fine art, music, police, teacher and nurse-training.[125]

Culture

[edit]
A Bulawaya dance

Visual art

[edit]

Visual art in Curaçao encompasses painting, sculptures, and street art.[126]

Curaçao promotes street art with a festival, Kaya Kaya, held in the Otrabanda neighborhood of Willemstad.[127] The streets of Willemstad are filled with murals from multiple versions of the festival.

Literature

[edit]

Despite the island's relatively small population, the diversity of languages and cultural influences on Curaçao have generated a remarkable literary tradition, primarily in Dutch and Papiamentu. The oral traditions of the Arawak indigenous peoples are lost. West African slaves brought the tales of Anansi, thus forming the basis of Papiamentu literature. The first published work in Papiamentu was a poem by Joseph Sickman Corsen entitled Atardi, published in the La Cruz newspaper in 1905.[citation needed] Throughout Curaçaoan literature, narrative techniques and metaphors best characterized as magic realism tend to predominate. Novelists and poets from Curaçao have contributed to Caribbean and Dutch literature. Best known are Cola Debrot, Frank Martinus Arion, Pierre Lauffer, Elis Juliana [nl], Guillermo Rosario, Boeli van Leeuwen [nl] and Tip Marugg.[citation needed]

Cuisine

[edit]

Local food is called Krioyo (pronounced the same as criollo, the Spanish word for "Creole") and boasts a blend of flavours and techniques best compared to Caribbean cuisine and Latin American cuisine. Dishes common in Curaçao are found in Aruba and Bonaire as well. Popular dishes include stobá (a stew made with various ingredients such as papaya, beef or goat), Guiambo (soup made from okra and seafood), kadushi (cactus soup), sopi mondongo (intestine soup), funchi (cornmeal paste similar to fufu, ugali and polenta) and fish and other seafood. The ubiquitous side dish is fried plantain. Local bread rolls are made according to a Portuguese recipe. All around the island, there are snèks which serve local dishes as well as alcoholic drinks in a manner akin to the English pub.[citation needed]

The ubiquitous breakfast dish is pastechi: fried pastry with fillings of cheese, tuna, ham, or ground meat. Around the holiday season special dishes are consumed, such as the hallaca and pekelé, made out of salt cod. At weddings and other special occasions a variety of kos dushi are served: kokada (coconut sweets), ko'i lechi (condensed milk and sugar sweet) and tentalaria (peanut sweets). The Curaçao liqueur was developed here, when a local experimented with the rinds of the local citrus fruit known as laraha. Surinamese, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Dutch culinary influences also abound. The island also has a number of Chinese restaurants that serve mainly Indonesian dishes such as satay, nasi goreng and lumpia (which are all Indonesian names for the dishes). Dutch specialties such as croquettes and oliebollen are widely served in homes and restaurants.[citation needed]

Sports

[edit]
Jurickson Profar

In 2004, the Little League Baseball team from Willemstad, Curaçao, won the world title in a game against the United States champion from Thousand Oaks, California. The Willemstad lineup included Jurickson Profar, the standout shortstop prospect who now plays for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball, and Jonathan Schoop.[128]

Curaçaoan players Andruw Jones,[129] Ozzie Albies, and Kenley Jansen have made multiple Major League Baseball All-Star Game appearances.[130]

The 2010 documentary film Boys of Summer[131] details Curaçao's Pabao Little League All-Stars winning their country's eighth straight championship at the 2008 Little League World Series, then going on to defeat other teams, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and earning a spot in Williamsport.[132]

The prevailing trade winds and warm water make Curaçao a location for windsurfing.[133][134]

There is warm, clear water around the island. Scuba divers and snorkelers may have visibility up to 30 metres (98 feet) at the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, which stretches along 20 kilometres (12 miles) of Curaçao's southern coastline.[135]

Curaçao participated in the 2013 CARIFTA Games. Kevin Philbert stood third in the under-20 male Long Jump with a distance of 7.36 metres (24.15 feet). Vanessa Philbert stood second the under-17 female 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) with a time of 4:47.97.[136][137][138][139]

The Curaçao national football team won the 2017 Caribbean Cup by defeating Jamaica in the final, qualifying for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[140] They then traveled to Thailand and participated in the 2019 King's Cup for the first time, eventually winning the tournament by beating Vietnam in the final.[141]

Infrastructure

[edit]

Airport

[edit]

Curaçao International Airport (also called Hato International Airport) is located on the northern coast of the island and offers connections to the Caribbean region, South America, North America and Europe. Curaçao Airport is a fairly large facility, with the third longest commercial runway in the Caribbean region after Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico and Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe. The airport served as a main base for Insel Air, and for Air ALM, the former national airlines of Curaçao.[citation needed]

Railways

[edit]

In 1887 a horse drawn street tramway opened in Punda, the part of the capital Willemstad on the eastern side of Sint Annabaai. It had a U-shaped route about 2 km in length. In 1896, a tramway opened in Otrabanda on the opposite side of the bay, but it ceased operations within a few months. The Punda line was rebuilt in 1911, regauged to metre gauge, and the horse-drawn trams replaced by petrol engined ones. The line closed in 1920.[142]

Bridges

[edit]
The Queen Emma (semi-open), and the Queen Juliana
Smith brug over the Waaigat
Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat

The Queen Emma Bridge, a 168 metres (551 ft) long pontoon bridge, allows pedestrians to walk between the Punda and Otrobanda districts.[143] This swings open to allow the passage of ships to and from the port.[144] The bridge was originally opened in 1888 and the current bridge was installed in 1939.[145] It is best known and, more often than not, referred to by the locals as "Our Swinging Old Lady".[146]

The Queen Juliana Bridge carries motor vehicle traffic between the same two districts and its 1974 opening allowed the Queen Emma Bridge to become a pedestrian-only bridge. At 185 feet (56 m) above the sea, the Queen Juliana Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the Caribbean.[144]

Utilities and sanitation

[edit]

Aqualectra, a government-owned company[147] and a full member of CARILEC, delivers potable water and electricity to the island. Rates are controlled by the government. Water is produced by reverse osmosis or desalinization.[148] It services 69,000 households and companies using 130,000 water and electric meters.[148] The power generation company NuCuraçao opened wind farms in Tera Kora and Playa Kanoa in 2012, and expanded in Tera Kora in 2015.[149] There is no natural gas distribution grid; gas is supplied to homes by pressurized containers.[150]

Curbside trash pickup is provided by the Selikor company. There is no recycling pickup, but there are drop-off centers for certain recycled materials at the Malpais landfill,[151] and various locations operated by Green Force;[152][153] private haulers recycle construction waste, paper, and cardboard.[154][155][156]

Notable residents

[edit]

People from Curaçao include:

Arts and culture

[edit]

Politics and government

[edit]

Sports

[edit]

Baseball

[edit]

Players in Major League Baseball:

Football

[edit]

Other Sports

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
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Sources

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  • Habitantenan di Kòrsou, sinku siglo di pena i gloria: 1499–1999. Römer-Kenepa, NC, Gibbes, FE, Skriwanek, MA., 1999. Curaçao: Fundashon Curaçao 500.
  • Social movements, violence, and change: the May Movement in Curaçao. WA Anderson, RR Dynes, 1975. Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
  • Stemmen uit het Verleden. Van Buurt, G., Joubert, S., 1994, Curaçao.
  • Het Patroon van de Oude Curaçaose Samenleving. Hoetink, H., 1987. Amsterdam: Emmering.
  • Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers

Further reading

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  • Corcos, Joseph. A Synopsis of the History of the Jews of Curaçao. Curazao: Imprenta de la Librería, 1897.
  • Emmanuel, Isaac S. and Suzanne A. History of the Jews of the Netherlands Antilles. 2 vols. Cincinnati: American Jewish Archives, 1970.
  • Rupert, Linda M. "Contraband Trade and the Shaping of Colonial Societies in Curaçao and Tierra Firme." Itinerario 30 (2006): 35–54.
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12°11′N 69°00′W / 12.183°N 69.000°W / 12.183; -69.000