Aruba
Aruba (Netherlands)
Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean, to the west of the
Lesser Antilles. An area of 193 square kilometers is home to a
population of 96,000, most of whom are Indians and mixed-blooded
descendants of white Europeans. Residents are Catholic and the
official language is Dutch, although Pa Biman, Spanish, and English
are also spoken. The currency is the Aruba and the capital is
Oranjestad.
History
The earliest residents of Aruba were the Arawak Indians. In 1499,
the Spanish occupied the island, with it later changed hands in
1645, when the Dutch took over. In 1807 it was seized by the
British, only to later return to the jurisdiction of the Netherlands
in 1814, becoming part of the Netherlands Antilles. On January 1,
1986, the country announced its official separation from the
Netherlands Antilles and the Dutch, becoming a separate political
entity. However, the Netherlands retains responsibility for the
island's defense and foreign affairs.
Economy and Cultural Customs
Aruba’s economy is dependent on oil refining (including oil
transport and petroleum products) and tourism. Year-round sunshine,
tropical scenery, the famous palm beaches, and early Indian cave art
attracts many visitors. Government doctors to provide free trip to
the residents of non-compulsory education, education system, like
the Netherlands.
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