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'{{short description|Island country in the Caribbean, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands}} {{About|the island country}} {{pp-move-indef}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}} {{Infobox country | conventional_long_name = laba donchi | common_name = Aruba | image_flag = Flag of Aruba.svg | image_coat = Coat of arms of Aruba.svg | national_motto = <!--citation?: One big pussy"--> | national_anthem = ''[[Aruba Dushi Tera]]''<br/>{{small|''Aruba, Sweet Land''}}<br/>[[File:Aruba Dushi Tera instrumental.ogg|center]] | image_map = Aruba in its region.svg | map_caption = {{map caption |location_color=circled in red |region=the [[Caribbean]] |region_color=none}} | official_languages = {{vunblist |[[Dutch language|Dutch]] |[[Papiamento]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Migge |first1=Bettina |last2=Léglise |first2=Isabelle |last3=Bartens |first3=Angela |year=2010 |title=Creoles in Education: An Appraisal of Current Programs and Projects |publisher=John Benjamins Publishing Company |location=Amsterdam |page=268 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4SMLb6hKv4YC&lpg=PT276 |isbn=978-90-272-5258-6 |access-date=7 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503143354/https://books.google.com/books?id=4SMLb6hKv4YC&lpg=PT276 |archive-date=3 May 2016 |dead-url=no }}</ref>}} | ethnic_groups = {{vunblist |66% [[Aruban people|Aruban]] |9.1% [[Colombians|Colombian]] |4.3% [[Dutch people|Dutch]] |4.1% [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]] |3.2% [[Venezuelans|Venezuelan]] |2.2% [[Curaçaoans|Curaçaoan]] |1.5% [[Haitians|Haitian]] |1.1% [[Peruvians|Peruvian]] |1.1% [[Chinese people|Chinese]] |6.2% Other<ref name="cia.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html|title=The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency|website=cia.gov|accessdate=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234830/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html|archive-date=4 June 2011|dead-url=no}}</ref> }} | demonym = [[Culture of Aruba|Aruban]] | capital = [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]] | coordinates = {{Coord|12|31|07|N|70|02|09|W}} | largest_city = capital | membership_type = Sovereign state | membership = {{flag|Kingdom of the Netherlands}} | government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy]] under [[constitutional monarchy]] | leader_title1 = [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|Monarch]] | leader_name1 = [[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands|Willem-Alexander]] | leader_title2 = [[Governor of Aruba|Governor]] | leader_name2 = [[Alfonso Boekhoudt]] | leader_title3 = [[Prime Minister of Aruba|Prime Minister]] | leader_name3 = [[Evelyn Wever-Croes]] | legislature = [[Estates of Aruba]] | sovereignty_type = [[Autonomy]] {{nobold|within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]]}} | established_event1 = Date | established_date1 = 1 January 1986 | area_km2 = 178.91 | area_sq_mi = 69.08 | percent_water = negligible | population_census = | population_census_year = | population_estimate = {{UN_Population|Aruba}}{{UN_Population|ref}} | population_estimate_rank = 197th | population_estimate_year = {{UN_Population|Year}} | population_density_km2 = 612 | population_density_sq_mi = 1489.79 | population_density_rank = 22nd | religion = | GDP_PPP = $4.483 billion | GDP_PPP_year = 2019 | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $40,160<ref name="autogenerated1">https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=69&pr.y=9&sy=2017&ey=2024&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=314&s=NGDPD%2CPPPGDP%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=</ref> | GDP_nominal = $2.875 billion | GDP_nominal_year = 2019 | GDP_nominal_per_capita = $25,750<ref name="autogenerated1"/> | HDI_year = 2013 | HDI_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady--> | HDI = 0.908<!--number only-->| currency = [[Aruban florin]] | currency_code = AWG | time_zone = [[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]] | utc_offset = −4 | drives_on = right | cctld = [[.aw]] | calling_code = [[+297]] }} '''Aruba''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|r|uː|b|ə}} {{respell|ə|ROO|bə}}, {{IPA-nl|aːˈrubaː, -ryb-|lang|nl-Aruba.ogg}}, {{IPA-pap|aˈruba|lang}}) is an island and a [[Countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands|constituent country]] of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]] in the southern [[Caribbean Sea]], located about {{convert|1600|km}} west of the main part of the [[Lesser Antilles]] and {{convert|29|km|0}}<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/37333/Aruba|title=Aruba|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|accessdate=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515014514/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/37333/Aruba|archive-date=15 May 2015|dead-url=no}}</ref> north of the coast of [[Venezuela]]. It measures {{convert|32|km|0}} long from its northwestern to its southeastern end and {{convert|10|km|0}} across at its widest point.<ref name="Britannica"/> Together with [[Bonaire]] and [[Curaçao]], Aruba forms a group referred to as the [[ABC islands (Lesser Antilles)|ABC islands]]. Collectively, Aruba and the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the [[Dutch Caribbean]]. Aruba is one of the four countries that form the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], along with the [[Netherlands]], [[Curaçao]], and [[Sint Maarten]]; the citizens of these countries are all Dutch nationals.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html |title=CIA World Factbook - Aruba |accessdate=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234830/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html |archive-date=4 June 2011 |dead-url=no }}</ref> Aruba has no administrative subdivisions, but, for census purposes, is divided into eight regions. Its capital is [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]].<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="Britannica"/> Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, [[cactus]]-strewn landscape.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm, sunny weather. It has a land area of {{cvt|179|km2|1}} and is densely populated, with a total of 102,484 inhabitants at the 2010 Census. Current estimates of the population place it at 116,600 (July 2018 est.)<ref name="autogenerated2"/> It lies outside [[Hurricane Alley]].<ref name="autogenerated2"/> ==Etymology== There are different theories as to the origin of the name Aruba:<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="historiadiaruba1">{{cite web |url=http://www.historiadiaruba.aw/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |title=Historia di Aruba |accessdate=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6FlEEjxJe?url=http://www.historiadiaruba.aw/index.php?option=com_frontpage |archive-date=9 April 2013 |dead-url=no }}</ref> * From the Spanish ''Oro hubo'' which means "there was gold"<ref name="autogenerated2"/> * From the native{{Clarify|date=April 2018}} word ''Oruba'' which means "well-placed"<ref name="autogenerated2"/> * From the native{{Clarify|date=April 2018}} words ''Ora'' ("shell") and ''Oubao'' ("island"){{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ==History== {{main|History of Aruba|Dutch Caribbean}} ===Pre-colonial era=== [[File:ARAWAK INDIAN PAINTINGS IN THE AYO ROCKS ON ARUBA.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Arawak petroglyphs in the Ayo Rocks]] There has been a human presence on Aruba from as early as circa 2000 BC.<ref name="aruba2">{{cite web |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/history |title=Aruba History |accessdate=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728181637/https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/history |archive-date=28 July 2019 |dead-url=no }}</ref> The first identifiable group are the [[Arawak]] [[Caquetios Indian|Caquetío Amerindians]] who migrated from [[South America]] about 1000 AD.<ref name="aruba2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aruba.com/ThingstoDo/Attractions/Rock_Formations.aspx|title=Rock Formations|accessdate=1 January 2011|publisher=Aruba.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110062917/http://www.aruba.com/ThingstoDo/attractions/Rock_Formations.aspx|archivedate=10 January 2011|deadurl=yes}}</ref> Archaeological evidence suggests continuing links between these native Arubans and Amerindian peoples of mainland South America.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> ===Arrival of Europeans and Spanish period=== The first Europeans to visit Aruba were [[Amerigo Vespucci]] and [[Alonso de Ojeda]] in 1499, who claimed the island for [[Spain]].<ref name="aruba2"/> Both men described Aruba as an "island of giants", remarking on the comparatively large stature of the native Caquetíos.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> Vespucci returned to Spain with stocks of cotton and [[Caesalpinia echinata|brazilwood]] from the island and described houses built into the ocean.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Vespucci and Ojeda's tales spurred interest in Aruba, and the Spanish began colonising the island.<ref name=advent>{{cite book| last=Sullivan| first=Lynne M.| year=2006| title=Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao| publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc.| location=Edison, NJ| pages=57–58| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M8SyFOyvjkQC&lpg=PA58| access-date=23 October 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514165106/https://books.google.com/books?id=M8SyFOyvjkQC&lpg=PA58| archive-date=14 May 2016| dead-url=no}}</ref><ref name=early>{{cite book| last=Sauer| first=Carl Ortwin| year=1966| title=The Early Spanish Main| publisher=Cambridge University Press| location=Cambridge| page=112| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=plzS7SL_-f0C&lpg=PA112| access-date=23 October 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503195247/https://books.google.com/books?id=plzS7SL_-f0C&lpg=PA112| archive-date=3 May 2016| dead-url=no}}</ref> Alonso de Ojeda was appointed the island's first governor in 1508. From 1513 the Spanish began enslaving the Caquetíos, sending many to a life of forced labour in the mines of [[Hispaniola]].<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/><ref name="aruba2"/> The island's low rainfall and arid landscape meant that it was not considered profitable for a slave-based plantation system and the type of large-scale slavery so common on other Caribbean islands never became established on Aruba.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacult.unesco.org/sitios_memoria/Aruba.php?lan=en|title=Sitios de Memoria de la Ruta del Esclavo en el Caribe Latino|website=www.lacult.unesco.org|access-date=2019-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331140459/http://www.lacult.unesco.org/sitios_memoria/Aruba.php?lan=en|archive-date=31 March 2019|dead-url=no}}</ref> ===Early Dutch period=== [[File:Bushiribana gold mine.jpg|thumb|right|Remains of a gold mine at Bushiribana]] The Netherlands seized Aruba from Spain in 1636 in the course of the [[Thirty Years' War]].<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="aruba2"/> [[Peter Stuyvesant]], later appointed to [[New Amsterdam]] (New York), was the first Dutch governor. Those Arawak who had survived the depredations of the Spanish were allowed to farm and graze livestock, with the Dutch using the island as a source of meat for their other possessions in the Caribbean.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/><ref name="aruba2"/> Aruba's proximity to [[South America]] resulted in interactions with the cultures of the coastal areas; for example, architectural similarities can be seen between the 19th-century parts of Oranjestad and the nearby Venezuelan city of [[Santa Ana de Coro|Coro]] in [[Falcón State]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island outside of colonial administration; 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 late 18th century.<ref>Van Putte 1999.</ref> During the [[Napoleonic Wars]] the [[British Empire]] took control of the island, occupying it between 1806 and 1816, before handing it back to the Dutch as per the terms of the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814]].<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/><ref name="Britannica"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/aruba.htm|title=British Empire: Caribbean: Aruba|publisher=|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6FlEDeLGO?url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/aruba.htm|archive-date=9 April 2013|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref name="aruba2"/> Aruba subsequently became part of the [[Colony of Curaçao and Dependencies]] along with [[Bonaire]]. During the 19th century an economy based on [[gold mining]], [[phosphate]] production and [[aloe vera]] plantations developed, however the island remained a relatively poor backwater.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> ===20th-21st centuries=== An oil refinery was built in the 1920 at [[Sint Nicolaas]] to process crude oil from the vast Venezuelan oil fields, bringing greater prosperity to the island.<ref>Albert Gastmann, "Suriname and the Dutch in the Caribbean" in ''Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture'', vol. 5, p. 189. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons 1996.</ref> The refinery on Aruba grew to become one of the largest in the world.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> During World War II the Netherlands was [[German occupation of the Netherlands|occupied by Nazi Germany]]. In 1940 the oil facilities in Aruba came under the administration of the [[Dutch government-in-exile]] in London, causing them to be [[Attack on Aruba|attacked]] by the German navy in 1942.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/><ref>''Central American and Caribbean Air Forces'', Daniel Hagedorn, Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., Tonbridge, 1993, p.135, {{ISBN|0 85130 210 6}}</ref> In August 1947 Aruba presented its first ''Staatsreglement'' (constitution) for Aruba's ''[[Independence|status aparte]]'' as an autonomous state within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], prompted by the efforts of [[Henny Eman (AVP founder)|Henny Eman]], a noted Aruban politician. By 1954 the [[Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands]] was established, providing a framework for relations between Aruba and the rest of the Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Robbers|first=Gerhard|title=Encyclopedia of World Constitutions|publisher=Facts on File, Inc.|volume=1|year=2007|location=New York City|page=649|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M3A-xgf1yM4C&lpg=PA649|isbn=0-8160-6078-9|access-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423233225/https://books.google.com/books?id=M3A-xgf1yM4C&lpg=PA649|archive-date=23 April 2016|dead-url=no}}</ref> This created the [[Netherlands Antilles]] which united all of the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean into one administrative structure.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |title=Status change means Dutch Antilles no longer exists |date=10 October 2010 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |accessdate=11 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011042955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |archive-date=11 October 2010 |dead-url=no }}</ref> Many Arubans were unhappy at the arrangement however, as the new polity was perceived as being dominated by Curaçao.<ref name="Britannica"/> [[File:Betico Croes 1982cr.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Bettico Croes, a pivotal figure in Aruba's drive for greater autonomy in the 1970s-80s]] In 1972 at a conference in [[Suriname|Dutch Guiana]], [[Betico Croes]], a politician from Aruba, proposed the creation of a Dutch Commonwealth of four states: Aruba, the Netherlands, Suriname and the [[Netherlands Antilles]], each to have its own nationality. Backed by his newly-created party (the [[People's Electoral Movement (Aruba)|Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo]]), Croes sought greater autonomy for Aruba, with the long-term goal of independence, adopting the trappings of an independent state in 1976 with the creation of a flag and national anthem.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> In March 1977 a [[1977 Aruban independence referendum|referendum]] was held with the support of the United Nations; 82% of the participants voted for complete independence from the Netherlands.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/><ref name="BBC Aruba Profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20211986 |title=BBC News&nbsp;— Aruba profile&nbsp;— Timeline |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=5 November 2013 |accessdate=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830102036/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20211986 |archive-date=30 August 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref> Tensions mounted as Croes stepped up the pressure on the Dutch government by organising a general strike in 1977.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> Croes later met with Dutch Prime Minister [[Joop den Uyl]], with the two sides agreeing to assign the Institute of Social Studies in [[The Hague]] to prepare a study for independence, entitled ''Aruba en Onafhankelijkheid, achtergronden, modaliteiten en mogelijkheden; een rapport in eerste aanleg'' (Aruba and independence, backgrounds, modalities and opportunities; a preliminary report) (1978).<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> In March 1983, Aruba reached an official agreement within the Kingdom for its independence, to be developed in a series of steps as the Crown granted increasing autonomy. In August 1985 Aruba drafted a constitution that was unanimously approved. On 1 January 1986, after elections were held for its first parliament, Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles, officially becoming a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full independence planned for 1996.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> However Croes was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 1985, slipping into a coma; he died in 1986, never seeing the enaction of ''status aparte'' for Aruba for which he had worked over many years.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> After his death in 1986, Croes was proclaimed ''Libertador di Aruba''.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> Thus [[Henny Eman]] of the [[Aruban People's Party]] (AVP) became the first [[Prime Minister of Aruba]]. Meanwhile Aruba's oil refinery shut, negatively impacting the economy. As a result Aruba pushed for a dramatic increase in tourism, with this sector growing to become the island's largest industry.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> At a convention in The Hague in 1990, at the request of Aruba's Prime Minister [[Nelson Oduber]], the governments of Aruba, the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Antilles postponed indefinitely Aruba's transition to full independence.<ref name="historiadiaruba1"/> The article scheduling Aruba's complete independence was rescinded in 1995, although the process could be revived after another referendum. ==Geography== {{main|Geography of Aruba|Geology of Aruba}} [[File:Aruba map.png|thumb|A map of Aruba]] [[File:Aruba - Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië-Antilles part 1, right.gif|thumb|Map of Aruba from the Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië 1914-1917]] Aruba is a generally flat, riverless island in the [[Leeward Antilles]] island arc of the [[Lesser Antilles]] in the southern part of the Caribbean. It lies circa 48 miles east of [[Curaçao]] and 18 miles north of [[Venezuela]]'s [[Paraguaná Peninsula]].<ref name="Britannica"/> Aruba has white sandy beaches on the western and southern coasts of the island, relatively sheltered from fierce ocean currents.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="Aruba: the happy island">{{cite web |author=Canoe inc. |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Travel/Activities/SunSand/2011/06/22/18320936.html |title=Aruba: the happy island |publisher=Slam.canoe.ca |date=22 June 2011 |accessdate=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706134636/http://slam.canoe.ca/Travel/Activities/SunSand/2011/06/22/18320936.html |archive-date=6 July 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref> This is where the bulk of the population live and where most tourist development has occurred.<ref name="Aruba: the happy island" /><ref name="autogenerated2"/> The northern and eastern coasts, lacking this protection, are considerably more battered by the sea and have been left largely untouched. The hinterland of the island features some rolling hills, such as [[Hooiberg]] at {{convert|165|m|ft|0|sp=us}} and [[Mount Jamanota]], the highest on the island at {{convert|188|m|ft|0|sp=us}} above sea level.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> Oranjestad, the capital, is located at {{Coord|12|31|01|N|70|02|04|W|}}. The [[Aruba Natural Bridge|Natural Bridge]] was a large, naturally formed limestone bridge on the island's north shore. It was a popular tourist destination until its collapse in 2005. ===Cities and towns=== {{main|List of cities in Aruba}} The island, with a population of about 116,600 people (July 2018 est.)<ref name="autogenerated2"/> does not have major cities. It is divided into six districts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/regions|title=Cities in Aruba - Guide to Aruba's Biggest Cities|access-date=2018-06-03|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223030115/https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/regions|archive-date=23 December 2018|dead-url=no}}</ref> Most of the island's population resides in or around the two major city-like districts of [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]] (the capital) and [[San Nicolaas]]. Oranjestad and San Nicolaas are both divided into two districts for census purposes only.<ref name="census2010">{{cite report|url=http://cbs.aw/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Fifth-Population-and-Housing-Census-Aruba.pdf|title=Fifth Population and Housing Census, 2010: Selected Tables|author=Aruba Central Bureau of Statistics|date=September 29, 2010|pages=75–76|access-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113150931/http://cbs.aw/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Fifth-Population-and-Housing-Census-Aruba.pdf|archivedate=13 November 2017|dead-url=no}}</ref> The districts are as follows: * [[Noord]] * [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]] * [[Paradera]] * [[San Nicolaas]] * [[Santa Cruz, Aruba|Santa Cruz]] * [[Savaneta]] ===Fauna=== The isolation of Aruba from the mainland of South America has fostered the [[evolution]] of multiple endemic animals. The island provides a habitat for the endemic [[Cnemidophorus arubensis|Aruban Whiptail]] and [[Crotalus durissus unicolor|Aruba Rattlesnake]], as well as an endemic subspecies of [[Athene cunicularia|Burrowing Owl]] and [[Eupsittula pertinax|Brown-throated Parakeet]]. [[File:Natural Pool in Aruba-July 4, 2018.jpg|thumb|Natural Pool in Santa Cruz]] ===Flora=== [[File:Arikok NP.jpg|thumb|Cacti in [[Arikok National Park]]]] The flora of Aruba differs from the typical tropical island vegetation. [[Xeric scrublands]] are common, with various forms of [[cacti]], thorny shrubs, and evergreens.<ref name="Britannica"/> [[Aloe vera]] is also present, its economic importance earning it a place on the [[Coat of Arms of Aruba]]. ===Climate=== {{main|Climate of Aruba}} By the [[Köppen climate classification]], Aruba has a [[Hot semi-arid climate|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh'').<ref name=extremes /> Mean monthly temperature in Oranjestad varies little from {{convert|26.7|°C|1}} to {{convert|29.2|C}}, moderated by constant [[trade winds]] from the Atlantic Ocean, which come from the north-east. Yearly rainfall barely exceeds {{convert|470|mm|in|1|disp=or}} in Oranjestad, although it is extremely variable<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> and can range from as little as {{convert |150|mm|in|2|disp=or}} during strong [[El Niño]] years (e.g. 1911/1912, 1930/1931, 1982/1983, 1997/1998) to over {{convert|1,000|mm|in|2|disp=or}} in [[La Niña]] years like 1933/1934, 1970/1971 or 1988/1989. <div style="width:100%"> {{Weather box | location = Oranjestad, Aruba (1981–2010, extremes 1951–2010) | metric first=Yes | single line = yes |Jan record high C = 32.5 |Feb record high C = 33.0 |Mar record high C = 33.9 |Apr record high C = 34.4 |May record high C = 34.9 |Jun record high C = 35.2 |Jul record high C = 35.3 |Aug record high C = 36.1 |Sep record high C = 36.5 |Oct record high C = 35.4 |Nov record high C = 35.0 |Dec record high C = 34.8 |year record high C = |Jan high C = 30.0 |Feb high C = 30.4 |Mar high C = 30.9 |Apr high C = 31.5 |May high C = 32.0 |Jun high C = 32.2 |Jul high C = 32.0 |Aug high C = 32.6 |Sep high C = 32.7 |Oct high C = 32.1 |Nov high C = 31.3 |Dec high C = 30.4 |year high C = 31.5 |Jan mean C = 26.7 |Feb mean C = 26.8 |Mar mean C = 27.2 |Apr mean C = 27.9 |May mean C = 28.5 |Jun mean C = 28.7 |Jul mean C = 28.6 |Aug mean C = 29.1 |Sep mean C = 29.2 |Oct mean C = 28.7 |Nov mean C = 28.1 |Dec mean C = 27.2 |year mean C = 28.1 |Jan low C = 24.5 |Feb low C = 24.7 |Mar low C = 25.0 |Apr low C = 25.8 |May low C = 26.5 |Jun low C = 26.7 |Jul low C = 26.4 |Aug low C = 26.8 |Sep low C = 26.9 |Oct low C = 26.4 |Nov low C = 25.8 |Dec low C = 25.0 |year low C = 25.9 |Jan record low C = 21.3 |Feb record low C = 20.6 |Mar record low C = 21.4 |Apr record low C = 21.5 |May record low C = 21.8 |Jun record low C = 22.7 |Jul record low C = 21.2 |Aug record low C = 21.3 |Sep record low C = 22.1 |Oct record low C = 21.9 |Nov record low C = 22.0 |Dec record low C = 20.5 |year record low C = |rain colour = green |Jan rain mm = 39.3 |Feb rain mm = 20.6 |Mar rain mm = 8.7 |Apr rain mm = 11.6 |May rain mm = 16.3 |Jun rain mm = 18.7 |Jul rain mm = 31.7 |Aug rain mm = 25.8 |Sep rain mm = 45.5 |Oct rain mm = 77.8 |Nov rain mm = 94.0 |Dec rain mm = 81.8 |Jan humidity = 77.5 |Feb humidity = 76.1 |Mar humidity = 75.7 |Apr humidity = 77.1 |May humidity = 77.9 |Jun humidity = 77.4 |Jul humidity = 77.8 |Aug humidity = 76.2 |Sep humidity = 76.8 |Oct humidity = 78.6 |Nov humidity = 79.1 |Dec humidity = 78.4 |year humidity = 77.4 |Jan rain days = 8.4 |Feb rain days = 5.0 |Mar rain days = 1.8 |Apr rain days = 1.9 |May rain days = 2.2 |Jun rain days = 2.8 |Jul rain days = 4.9 |Aug rain days = 4.3 |Sep rain days = 3.9 |Oct rain days = 7.4 |Nov rain days = 10.6 |Dec rain days = 11.4 |unit rain days = 1.0 mm |source 1 = DEPARTAMENTO METEOROLOGICO ARUBA,<ref name=climate>{{cite web |url= http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19812010.pdf |publisher= Departamento Meteorologico Aruba |title= Summary Climatological Normals 1981–2010 |accessdate= 15 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130117012156/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19812010.pdf |archive-date= 17 January 2013 |dead-url= no }}</ref> (extremes)<ref name=extremes>{{cite web |url= http://www.meteo.aw/climate.php |publisher= Departamento Meteorologico Aruba |title= Climate Data Aruba |accessdate= 15 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014042548/http://www.meteo.aw/climate.php |archive-date= 14 October 2012 |dead-url= no }}</ref> | date=February 2011 }} </div> ==Demographics== {{Main|Demographics of Aruba}} [[File:Aruba-demography.png|thumb|upright=1.60|Population of Aruba 1961–2003, according to the [[Food and Agriculture Organization|FAO]] in 2005; number of inhabitants given in thousands]] {{bar box |title=Ethnic groups of Aruba<ref name="cia.gov"/> |titlebar=#ddd |left1=Ethnic groups |right1=percent |float=left |bars= {{bar percent|[[Aruban people|Aruban]]|Blue|66}} {{bar percent|[[Colombians|Colombian]]|Orange|9.1}} {{bar percent|Other|Grey|6.2}} {{bar percent|[[Dutch people|Dutch]]|black|4.3}} {{bar percent|[[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]]|Yellow|4.1}} {{bar percent|[[Venezuelans|Venezuelan]]|Green|3.2}} {{bar percent|[[Curaçaoans|Curaçaoan]]|Orange|2.2}} {{bar percent|[[Haitians|Haitian]]|Purple|1.5}} {{bar percent|[[Peruvians|Peruvian]]|Red|1.1}} {{bar percent|[[Chinese people|Chinese]]|White|1.1}} }} {{Clear-left}} [[File:Oranjestad.jpg|thumb|left|The capital [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]]]] In terms of country of birth, the population is estimated to be 66% [[Aruban people|Aruban]], 9.1% [[Colombians|Colombian]], 4.3% [[Dutch people|Dutch]], 4.1% [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]], 3.2% [[Venezuelans|Venezuelan]], 2.2% [[Curaçaoans|Curaçaoan]], 1.5% [[Haitians|Haitian]], 1.1% [[Peruvians|Peruvian]], 1.1% [[Chinese people|Chinese]], 6.2% other.<ref name="cia.gov"/> In terms of ethnic composition, the population is estimated to be 75% mixed European/Amerindian/African, 15% Black and 10% other ethnicities.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Arawak heritage is stronger on Aruba than on most Caribbean islands; although no full-blooded [[Native American (Americas)|Aboriginals]] remain, the features of the islanders clearly indicate their genetic [[Arawak peoples|Arawak]] heritage.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Most of the population is descended from Caquetio Indians and Dutch settlers, and to a lesser extent the various other groups that have settled on the island over time, such as various African peoples, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Sephardic Jews. Recently, there has been substantial immigration to the island from neighbouring South American and Caribbean nations, attracted by the higher paid jobs. In 2007, new immigration laws were introduced to help control the growth of the population by restricting [[foreign worker]]s to a maximum of three years residency on the island.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Most notable are Venezuelans, which lies just 18 miles to the south. Many of Arubans have Venezuelan ancestry and there is a seasonal increase of Venezuelans living in second homes.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ===Language=== {{main|Languages of Aruba}} The official languages are [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and [[Papiamento]]. However, whilst 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 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620052254/http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |archive-date=20 June 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref> Papiamento is the predominant language used on Aruba. It is a [[creole language]], spoken on Aruba, [[Bonaire]], and [[Curaçao]], that incorporates words from Portuguese, various West African languages, Dutch and Spanish.<ref name="Britannica"/> [[English language|English]] is also spoken, its usage having grown due to tourism.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> Other common languages spoken, based on the size of their community, are Portuguese, Chinese, German, Spanish, and French. In recent years the government of Aruba has shown an increased interest in acknowledging the cultural and historical importance of Papiamento. Although spoken Papiamento is fairly similar among the several Papiamento-speaking islands, there is a big difference in written Papiamento.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The orthography differs per island, with Aruba using etymological Papiamento, and Curaçao and Bonaire a phonetic Papiamento. Some are more oriented towards Portuguese and use the equivalent spelling (e.g. "y" instead of "j"), where others are more oriented towards Dutch. The book ''[[History of the Buccaneers of America|Buccaneers of America]]'', first published in 1678, states through eyewitness account that the natives on Aruba spoke Spanish already.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Spanish became an important language in the 18th century due to the close economic ties with Spanish colonies in what are now Venezuela and Colombia.<ref>Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers</ref> [[Venezuela]]n TV networks are received on the island, and Aruba also has significant Venezuelan and Colombian communities.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Around 12.6% of the population today speaks Spanish.<ref name=cia>{{cite web |author=Central Intelligence Agency |authorlink=Central Intelligence Agency |publisher=[[The World Factbook]]|title=Aruba |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html |year=2009|accessdate=6 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234830/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html| archivedate= 4 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> Use of English dates to the early 19th century, when the British took Curaçao, Aruba and [[Bonaire]]. When Dutch rule resumed in 1815, officials already noted wide use of the language.<ref name=Putte /> Aruba has four newspapers published in Papiamento: ''Diario'', ''Bon Dia'', ''Solo di Pueblo'' and ''Awe Mainta''; and three in English: ''Aruba Daily'', ''Aruba Today'' and ''The News''.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ''Amigoe'' is a newspaper published in Dutch. Aruba also has 18 radio stations (two AM and 16 FM) and two local television stations ([[Telearuba]], and Channel 22).{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ===Religion=== {{bar box |title=Religions of Aruba <ref name="cia.gov"/> |titlebar=#ddd |left1=Religions |right1=percent |float=right |bars= {{bar percent|[[Roman Catholic]]|DodgerBlue|75.3}} {{bar percent|Other|Grey|12}} {{bar percent|None|Black|5.5}} {{bar percent|[[Protestant]]|SkyBlue|4.9}} {{bar percent| Other Christian|blue|3.4}} {{bar percent|[[Jehovah's Witness]]|teal|1.7}} {{bar percent|Unspecified|LightGrey|0.5}} }} [[Roman Catholicism]] is the dominant religion, practiced by about 75% of the population.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Various Protestant denominations are also present on the island.<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="Britannica"/> [[File:Chapel of Alto Vista.jpg|thumb|right|[[Alto Vista Chapel]] in north-western Aruba]] ===Regions=== For census purposes, Aruba is divided into eight regions, which have no administrative functions: {| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;" |- ! Name !! Area (km²) !! Population <br /> 1991 Census !! Population <br /> 2000 Census !! Population <br /> 2010 Census |- | Noord / Tanki Leendert || {{formatnum: 34.62}} || {{formatnum: 10056}} || {{formatnum: 16944}} || {{formatnum: 21495}} |- | Oranjestad West || {{formatnum: 9.29}} || {{formatnum: 8779}} || {{formatnum: 12131}} || {{formatnum: 13976}} |- | Oranjestad Oost || {{formatnum: 12.88}} || {{formatnum: 11266}} || {{formatnum: 14224}} || {{formatnum: 14318}} |- | Paradera || {{formatnum: 20.49}} || {{formatnum: 6189}} || {{formatnum: 9037}} || {{formatnum: 12024}} |- | San Nicolas Noord || {{formatnum: 23.19}} || {{formatnum: 8206}} || {{formatnum: 10118}} || {{formatnum: 10433}} |- | San Nicolas Zuid || {{formatnum: 9.64}} || {{formatnum: 5304}} || {{formatnum: 5730}} || {{formatnum: 4850}} |- | Santa Cruz || {{formatnum: 41.04}} || {{formatnum: 9587}} || {{formatnum: 12326}} || {{formatnum: 12870}} |- | Savaneta || {{formatnum: 27.76}} || {{formatnum: 7273}} || {{formatnum: 9996}} || {{formatnum: 11518}} |- | Total Aruba || {{formatnum: 178.91}} || {{formatnum: 66687}} || {{formatnum: 90506}} || {{formatnum: 101484}} |} ==Government== {{main|Politics of Aruba}} [[File:EU OCT and OMR map en.png|thumb|left|Map of the European Union in the world with [[Special member state territories and the European Union|overseas countries and territories and outermost regions]]]] [[File:Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands|King Willem-Alexander]] is the [[head of state]] of Aruba]] [[File:Parlamentodiaruba.jpg|thumb|Parliament of Aruba in [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]]]] Along with the [[Netherlands]], [[Curaçao]] and [[Sint Maarten]], Aruba is a [[Countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands|constituent country]] of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], with internal autonomy.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Matters such as foreign affairs and defence are handled by the Netherlands.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Aruba's politics take place within a framework of a 21-member Staten ([[parliamentary democracy|Parliament]]) and an eight-member Cabinet; the Staten's 21 members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve a four-year term.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/readBlob.do?id=694|title=Political Stability|accessdate=7 June 2011|work=|publisher=Aruba Department of Foreign Affairs|date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325025240/http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/readBlob.do?id=694|archive-date=25 March 2012|dead-url=no}}</ref> The [[governor of Aruba]] is appointed for a six-year term by the [[Monarch of the Netherlands|monarch]], and the [[Prime Minister of Aruba|prime minister]] and deputy prime minister are indirectly elected by the Staten for four-year terms.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> Aruba was formerly a part of the (now-defunct) [[Netherlands Antilles]], however it separated from that entity in 1986, gaining its own [[Constitution of Aruba|constitution]].<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="Britannica"/> Aruba is designated as a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and is thus officially not a part of the [[European Union]], though Aruba can and does receive support from the European Development Fund.<ref name=euprofile>{{cite web |url=http://www.eeas.europa.eu/aruba/index_en.htm |title=EU Relations with Aruba |accessdate=6 June 2011 |work= |publisher=European Union |date= | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609050531/http://eeas.europa.eu/aruba/index_en.htm| archivedate= 9 June 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/development/overseas_countries_territories/index_en.htm |title=Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) |accessdate=6 June 2011 |work= |publisher=European Union |date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813192112/http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/development/overseas_countries_territories/index_en.htm |archive-date=13 August 2011 |dead-url=no }}</ref> ===Politics=== The Aruban legal system is based on the [[Politics of the Netherlands|Dutch model]]. In Aruba, legal jurisdiction lies with the ''Gerecht in Eerste Aanleg'' ([[Court of First Instance]]) on Aruba, the ''Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie van Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten en van Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba'' ([[Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba]]) and the ''[[Hoge Raad der Nederlanden]]'' (Supreme Court of Justice of the Netherlands).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aruba.com/us/things-to-do|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215045034/http://www.aruba.com/ExploretheIsland/IslandFacts/law.aspx|deadurl=y|title=Best Things to do in Aruba - Aruba.com|archivedate=15 February 2013|website=www.aruba.com}}</ref> The ''Korps Politie Aruba'' ([[Aruba Police Force]]) is the island's law enforcement agency and operates district precincts in Oranjestad, Noord, San Nicolaas, and Santa Cruz, where it is headquartered.<ref name="KPA-districts">{{cite web|url=http://www.kparuba.com/districts.html|title=Korps Politie Aruba: district precincts|publisher=Aruba Police Force|accessdate=11 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226151741/http://www.kparuba.com/districts.html|archive-date=26 February 2010|dead-url=no}}</ref> [[Deficit spending]] has been a staple in Aruba's history, and modestly high inflation has been present as well. By 2006 the government's debt had grown to 1.883 billion Aruban florins.<ref>{{cite web|author=Central Bureau of Statistics |title=Key Indicators General Government, 1997–2006 |url=http://www.cbs.aw/cbs/manageDocument.do?dispatch=view&id=927 |accessdate=7 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722232628/http://www.cbs.aw/cbs/manageDocument.do?dispatch=view&id=927 |archivedate=22 July 2011 }}</ref> In 2006 the Aruban government changed several tax laws to reduce the deficit. [[Direct tax]]es have been converted to indirect taxes as proposed by the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ===Military=== {{See also|Military of Aruba}} Defence on Aruba is the responsibility of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]].<ref name="autogenerated2"/> The [[Military of the Netherlands|Netherlands Military]] forces that protect Aruba include the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]], the [[Netherlands Marine Corps]] and the [[Netherlands Coastguard]]. There is also a small "Arubaanse Militie" (ARUMIL) of about platoon strength. All forces are stationed at Marines Barracks Savaneta. Furthermore, in 1999 the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] established a [[Forward Operating Site|Forward Operating Location]] (FOL) at the airport.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aruba Foreign Affairs|url=http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/getPage.do?page=FOL|work=www.arubaforeignaffairs.com|access-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827194016/http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/getPage.do?page=FOL|archive-date=27 August 2016|dead-url=no}}</ref> ==Education== Aruba's educational system is patterned after the [[Education in the Netherlands|Dutch system of education]].<ref name="Bogaerts (Transitional times)">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/redsox/2013/09/03/usa-today-minor-league-player-of-the-year-xander-bogaerts-boston-red-sox/2760091/ |title=Bogaerts: USA TODAY Sports' Minor League Player of Year |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=3 September 2013 |accessdate=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402195016/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/redsox/2013/09/03/usa-today-minor-league-player-of-the-year-xander-bogaerts-boston-red-sox/2760091/ |archive-date=2 April 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref> The Government of Aruba finances the public national education system.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Schools are a mixture of public and private, including the [[International School of Aruba]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://3dprint.com/107833/aruba-e-nable-3d-print-hands/|title=Hands for Ziti: Teacher & Students from International School of Aruba Team Up to 3D Print e-NABLE Prosthetics {{!}} 3DPrint.com {{!}} The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing|website=3dprint.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-15}}</ref> and Schakel College.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tilburgers.nl/tag/schakel-college-in-tilburg/|title=Schakel College in Tilburg • Tilburgers.nl - Nieuws uit Tilburg|website=Tilburgers.nl - Nieuws uit Tilburg|language=nl-NL|access-date=2018-09-15}}</ref> There are two [[medical schools]], [[Aureus University School of Medicine]] and [[Xavier University School of Medicine]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aureusuniversity.com/|title=Aureus University School of Medicine|website=Aureusuniversity.com|accessdate=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825231245/http://www.aureusuniversity.com/|archive-date=25 August 2017|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xusom.com/|title=Caribbean Medical School - Xavier University|website=Caribbean Medical School - Xavier University|accessdate=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825231102/https://www.xusom.com/|archive-date=25 August 2017|dead-url=no}}</ref> as well as its own national university, the [[University of Aruba]]. ==Economy== {{Main|Economy of Aruba}} [[File:Aruba export map.png|thumb|upright=1.10|A graphical breakdown of Aruba's economy by exports]] The island's economy is dominated by four main industries: tourism, [[aloe]] export, [[Oil refinery|petroleum refining]] and offshore banking.<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref name="Britannica"/> Aruba has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region. The GDP per capita for Aruba was estimated to be $28,924 in 2014.<ref name="cia" /> Its main trading partners are Colombia, the United States, Venezuela, and the Netherlands. The agriculture and manufacturing sectors are fairly minimal. [[Gold mining]] was formerly important in the 19th century.<ref name="Britannica"/> [[Aloe]] was introduce to Aruba in 1840 but did not become a big export until 1890. Cornelius Eman founded Aruba Aloe Balm and over time the industry became very important to the economy. At one point two thirds of the island was covered in Aloe Vera fields and Aruba become the largest exporter of aloe in the world. The industry continues today though on a smaller scale. The official exchange rate of the [[Aruban florin]] is pegged to the US dollar at 1.79 florins to US$1.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.currency.me.uk/convert/usd/awg |title=Convert Dollars to Aruba Florin &#124; USD to AWG Currency Converter |publisher=Currency.me.uk |date= |accessdate=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703032115/http://www.currency.me.uk/convert/usd/awg |archive-date=3 July 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/AWG.aspx |title=Convert United States Dollar to Aruban Florin &#124; USD to AWG Currency Converter |publisher=Themoneyconverter.com |date= |accessdate=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731235431/http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/AWG.aspx |archive-date=31 July 2014 |dead-url=no }}</ref><!---note that currency fluctuates slightly because of the necessity of forcing the florin to the dollar by buying or selling florins or dollars---> Because of this fact, and due to a large number of American tourists, many businesses operate using US dollars instead of florins, especially in the hotel and resort districts.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ===Tourism=== [[File:RIU Palace Antillas - Aruba.jpg|thumb|A tourist resort on the island]] About three quarters of the Aruban [[gross national product]] is earned through tourism and related activities.<ref name="CIA">{{cite web|title=The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html|website=Cia.gov|accessdate=12 October 2016}}</ref> Most tourists are from North-America, with a market-share of 73.3%, which is followed by Latin America with 15.2% and Europe with 8.3%.<ref name="ATA">{{cite news|url=https://antilliaansdagblad.com/aruba/19438-toerisme-aruba-naar-recordhoogte|title=Toerisme Aruba naar recordhoogte|publisher=Antilliaans Dagblad|date=5 May 2019|accessdate=24 May 2019|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506090901/https://antilliaansdagblad.com/aruba/19438-toerisme-aruba-naar-recordhoogte|archive-date=6 May 2019|dead-url=no}}</ref> For the facilitation of the passengers whose destination is the United States, the [[United States Department of Homeland Security]] (DHS), [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) have a full pre-clearance facility in Aruba which has been in effect since 1 February 2001 with the expansion of Queen Beatrix Airport.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Since 2008, Aruba has been the only island to have this service for private flights.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://highend-traveller.com/aruba/|title=Aruba|date=2016-05-31|work=HighEnd-traveller.com|access-date=2017-12-08|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174753/https://highend-traveller.com/aruba/|archive-date=8 December 2017|dead-url=no}}</ref> ==Culture== {{Main|Culture of Aruba}} {{See also|Music of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles}} [[File:Centrum Oranjestad.jpg|thumb|left|Ornate buildings in [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]]]] Aruba has a varied culture. According to the ''Bureau Burgelijke Stand en Bevolkingsregister'' (BBSB), in 2005 there were ninety-two different nationalities living on the island.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Dutch influence can still be seen, as in the celebration of "[[Sinterklaas]]" on 5 and 6 December and other national holidays like 27 April, when in Aruba and the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands the King's birthday or "Dia di Rey" ([[Koningsdag]]) is celebrated.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} On 18 March, Aruba celebrates its National Day. Christmas and [[New Year's Eve]] are celebrated with the typical music and songs for [[Gaita flutes|gaita]]s for Christmas and the Dande{{clarify|date=November 2012}} for New Year, and ''[[Hallaca|ayaca]]'', ''[[ponche crema]]'', ham, and other typical foods and drinks. On 25 January, [[Betico Croes]]' birthday is celebrated. [[St John's Eve|Dia di San Juan]] is celebrated on 24 June. Besides Christmas, the religious holy days of the [[Feast of the Ascension]] and [[Good Friday]] are also holidays on the island. The festival of [[Carnival|Carnaval]] is also an important one in Aruba, as it is in many Caribbean and Latin American countries. Its celebration in Aruba started in the 1950s, influenced by the inhabitants from Venezuela and the nearby islands (Curaçao, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Barbados, St. Maarten and Anguilla) who came to work for the oil refinery.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Over the years the Carnival Celebration has changed and now starts from the beginning of January till the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, with a large parade on the last Sunday of the festivities (Sunday before Ash Wednesday).{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Tourism from the United States has recently increased the visibility of American culture on the island, with such celebrations as [[Halloween]] and Thanksgiving Day in November.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} ==Infrastructure== [[File:AUA Arrivals building.JPG|thumb|right|The Arrivals building at Queen Beatrix International Airport]] Aruba's [[Queen Beatrix International Airport]] is located near Oranjestad. Aruba has two ports, Barcadera and Playa, which are located in Oranjestad and Barcadera. The Port of Playa services all the cruise-ship lines, including [[Royal Caribbean International|Royal Caribbean]], [[Carnival Cruise Lines]], [[Norwegian Cruise Line|NCL]], [[Holland America Line]], [[Disney Cruise Line]] and others. Nearly one million tourists enter this port per year. Aruba Ports Authority, owned and operated by the Aruban government, runs these seaports. Arubus is a government-owned bus company. Its buses operate from 3:30&nbsp;a.m. until 12:30&nbsp;a.m., 365 days a year. Small private vans also provide transportation services in certain areas such Hotel Area, San Nicolaas, Santa Cruz and Noord. A street car service runs on rails on the Mainstreet.<ref>[http://news.visitaruba.com/news/street-car-is-up-and-running-on-arubas-mainstreet/ Street car is up and running] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705133015/http://news.visitaruba.com/news/street-car-is-up-and-running-on-arubas-mainstreet/ |date=5 July 2014 }} The Morning News, 27 February 2013</ref> ===Utilities=== Water-en Energiebedrijf Aruba, N.V. (W.E.B.) produces potable industrial water at the world's third largest desalination plant.<ref name="Aruba Hosts International Desalination Conference 2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.aruba.com/news/general-news/aruba-hosts-international-desalination-conference-2007/ |title=Aruba Hosts International Desalination Conference 2007 |publisher=Aruba Tourism Authority |date=18 July 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215045030/http://www.aruba.com/news/general-news/aruba-hosts-international-desalination-conference-2007/ |archivedate=15 February 2013 |accessdate=13 May 2015}}</ref> Average daily consumption in Aruba is about {{convert|37000|LT}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|publisher=W.E.B. Aruba NV|url=http://www.webaruba.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=123|accessdate=7 June 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110718013853/http://www.webaruba.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=123| archivedate= 18 July 2011 | deadurl= no}}</ref> [[N.V. Elmar]] is the sole provider of electricity on the island of Aruba. ===Communications=== There are two telecommunications providers: [[SetarNV|Setar]], a government-based company and [[Digicel]], both of which are privately owned. Setar is the provider of services such as internet, video conferencing, [[GSM]] wireless technology and land lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setar.aw/|title=Setar N.V.|work=|publisher=Setar N.V.|date=|access-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305202226/http://setar.aw/|archive-date=5 March 2016|dead-url=no}}</ref> [[Digicel]] is Setar's competitor in wireless technology using the GSM platform.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mio Wireless |url=http://www.mioaruba.com/products |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619110741/http://www.mioaruba.com/products |archivedate=19 June 2014 }}</ref> ==Places of interest== [[File:Aruba-Hooiberg-2013.JPG|thumb|right|Hooiberg mountain]] {{columns-list| * [[Alto Vista Chapel]] * [[Arikok National Park]] * [[Ayo Rock Formations|Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations]] * [[Bushiribana and Balashi]] * [[California Lighthouse]] * [[Frenchman's Pass]] * [[Hooiberg]] * [[Mount Jamanota]] * [[Natural Pool]] * [[Quadiriki Caves]] * [[Sint Nicolaas, Aruba]] * [[Tierra Del Sol Golf Course]] }} ;Beaches {{columns-list| * [[Arashi, Aruba|Arashi Beach]] * [[Baby Beach, Aruba]] * [[Caves of Aruba]] * [[Eagle Beach]] * [[Palm Beach, Aruba]] * [[Palm Island, Aruba]] * [[Rodgers Beach, Aruba]] * [[Flamingo Beach, Aruba]] <ref>{{cite web|title=Flamingo Beach|url=http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html|accessdate=5 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405230453/http://www.arubaprivateisland.com/renaissance-aruba-private-island-auabr/Flamingo-Beach-16.html|archive-date=5 April 2019|dead-url=no}}</ref> }} ==Notable people== * [[Dave Benton]], Aruban-Estonian musician * [[Alfonso Boekhoudt]], 4th [[Governor of Aruba]] * [[Xander Bogaerts]], [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] shortstop for the [[Boston Red Sox]] * [[Betico Croes]], political activist * [[Henny Eman]], 1st [[Prime Minister of Aruba]] * [[Mike Eman]], 3rd Prime Minister of Aruba * [[Bobby Farrell]], musician * [[:pap:Edjean Semeleer|Edjean Semeleer]], vocalist & philanthropist * [[Frans Figaroa]], Lieutenant Governor of Aruba 1979-1982 * [[Henry Habibe]], poet * [[Andrew Holleran]], novelist * [[Olindo Koolman]], 2nd Governor of Aruba * [[Jossy Mansur]], editor of the [[Papiamento]] language newspaper, ''[[Diario (Aruba)|Diario]]'' * [[Nelson Oduber]], 2nd Prime Minister of Aruba * [[Sidney Ponson]], [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] pitcher for the [[Baltimore Orioles]], [[San Francisco Giants]], [[St. Louis Cardinals]], [[New York Yankees]], [[Minnesota Twins]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[Kansas City Royals]] * [[Fredis Refunjol]], 3rd Governor of Aruba * [[Julia Renfro]], newspaper editor and photographer * [[Jeannette Richardson-Baars]], Director of the Police Academy of Aruba * [[Felipe Tromp]], 1st Governor of Aruba * [[Evelyn Wever-Croes]], 4th Prime Minister of Aruba * [[Diederick Charles Mathew]], politician ==See also== {{portal|Geography|North America|Caribbean|Netherlands}} * [[Bibliography of Aruba]] * [[Central Bank of Aruba]] * [[Index of Aruba-related articles]] * [[List of monuments of Aruba]] * [[Military of Aruba]] * [[Outline of Aruba]] * {{SS|Pedernales}} ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== {{commons category|Aruba}} {{Wikivoyage|Aruba}} * [http://www.aruba.com/ Aruba.com]&nbsp;– official tourism site of Aruba * {{dmoz|Regional/Caribbean/Aruba}} * {{Wikiatlas|Aruba}} *[http://dloc.com/CA03400001/ ''Aruba Esso News''] from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150422000624/http://www.bibliotecanacional.aw/pa/corant-digitalisa/27 National Library of Aruba], openly and freely available in the [[Digital Library of the Caribbean]] {{Aruba topics}} {{Navboxes | title = Geographic locale | list = {{Island territories of the Netherlands Antilles}} {{Countries of North America}} }} {{Navboxes | title = International membership and history | list = {{Caribbean Community 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