Destination Aruba

Background

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Area

• Total: 193 sq km
• Land: 193 sq km
• Water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

• Slightly larger than Washington, DC

Coastline

• 68.5 km

Climate

• Tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain

• Flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Population

• 71,891 (July 2006 est.)

Capital

• Oranjestad

Nationality

• noun: Aruban(s)
• adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Languages

• Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

Local Weather

Quick Metric Conversions

Search Home4Swap for Home Exchanges in Aruba!

Return to Home Exchange Destinations Index