Location: 

Aruba is located 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela and 42 miles west of Curacao - the westernmost Caribbean Island. The island is 19.6 miles long at it's longest point and 6 miles at its widest point, covering an area of 70 square miles.  The southern coast of the island is notable for its expansive, powdery white sandy beaches, while the northern side boasts a ruggedly scenic landscape and hidden coves.

Population:

Approximately 81,000 people live on the island full-time and over 540,000 people visit each year. Aruba's population is of mixed descent -- its ancestry can be traced to over 40 ethnic backgrounds around the world.  Aruba's native language is Papiamento -- a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, French, English, several African languages, Arawak Indian and Portuguese.  The official language of Aruba is Dutch; however nearly all Arubans are able to speak English and Spanish.

A Brief History

The Arawak Indians were the first people to inhabit Aruba, migrating from South America and settling into Aruba close to 2000 years ago.   Artifacts from the earliest settlers can still be seen at different places on the island, from the pottery and earthenware at Oranjestad's Archeological Museum, to cave drawings at Arikok National Park.

In 1499, the Spanish explorer, Alonso de Ojeda laid claim to the territory for Spain's Queen Isabella.  Legend has it that de Ojeda named Aruba Oro Hubo, meaning there is gold there.  However, the Spanish did not find the gold they sought, and because they found the climate too arid for cultivating crops, they made little use of the island.  For the next 150 years, Aruba became a retreat for pirates and buccaneers who preyed on the ships carrying Indian treasures back to the Old World.  The ruins of an old pirate castle still remains at Bushiribana, on the northeast coast of the island.

In 1636, the Dutch captured Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire after having been expelled from St. Martin by Spain.  During this period, construction of the fortress Fort Zoutman and William III Tower took place. But for the brief period from 1805 to 1815 when Aruba was claimed by the British during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba has been under Dutch control ever since 1636.

Gold was discovered near Bushiribana in 1824.  The remains of a nineteenth century smelting plan still rest in Balashi near the island's center.  The gold-rush continued for 92 years until gold mining became unprofitable and the mines were retired in 1916.  In 1924, oil replaced gold as one of Aruba's most valuable commodities.  San Nicholas boasted one of the world's largest oil refineries, creating an economic boom that made Stan Nicholas a major commercial center.  In 1985, the oil refinery was closed creating a severe economic crisis.  The refinery was reopened in 1991, and to this day Aruba's main industries remain oil refining and tourism.

Until the end of 1985, Aruba was a member of the Antilles Netherlands, which consists of the six Dutch Caribbean islands.  On January 1, 1986, Aruba became a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which now consists of the Netherlands, the Antilles Netherlands and Aruba.  The government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is still responsible for defense and foreign affairs of the entire kingdom, but other governmental tasks are carried out by the individual countries.

Industry and Trade

The lack of water  severely limits agricultural production in Aruba, although aloe is cultivated for pharmaceutical products.  Tourism is Aruba's main industry. Since 1985, Aruba has aggressively promoting the expansion of tourism, including the building of luxurious resorts and casinos that capitalize on the island's ideal climate and tropical setting.