|
Aruba
map
| facts | weather
Aruba, the "A" in the ABC islands (B for Bonaire, C for Curacao)
is a small Caribbean Island measuring only 20 miles long by 6 miles
wide. Yet, do n't
let its small size fool you. It is a complete tourist destination featuring
breathtaking beaches, crystal clear and inviting waters, exotic restaurants
and nightclubs, and a host of other activities sure to make your stay
an unforgettable one.
Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became an independent
nation in 1986. It has a storied history in the 20th century largely
based on oil, for its refineries supplied oil to the Allied forces in
World War Two. These past decades, however, the livelihood of Aruba's
100,000 residents depends largely on tourism. Locals are friendly and
welcoming, as evidenced by a verse in their national anthem that speaks,
The greatness of our people is their great cordiality.
Aruba features a landscape that is rather unique from its Caribbean
counterparts. Here you will find a land of cacti jungles, inland deserts,
tropical birds, isolated bays and coves, all in a temperate setting;
a climate that averages 82 degrees year-round with very little humidity.
A moratorium on large-scale building has ensured that the number of
large resorts is kept to a minimum, ensuring that the pristine beaches
and attractions will remain that way for decades to come.
The city of Oranjestad is a thriving capital that is a welcome mix
of Caribbean, Spanish and Dutch influences. Here you will find lovely
restaurants, bargain shopping galore, ritzy casinos, and opportunities
to take part in many local adventures, such as horseback riding, kayaking
trips, parasailing excursions, and so much more.
When the sun sets over this Caribbean wonderland, you will delight
in knowing that the nightlife is ready every day of the year to satisfy
you reveling urges till the break of dawn. World-class bars and discos,
along with a different themed party every day of the week will ensure
that you will never tire of the vibrant city of Oranjestad and the surrounding
lands of Aruba.
Geography
Aruba is located about 20 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela.
It is approximately 19 miles long by four (4) miles wide. Its rugged
interior is said to resemble the Australian outback, its terrain dotted
with shrubs, hills and a jagged coastline. Its warm clear waters boast
an abundance of seal life and its beaches are lined with palm trees.
The northern part of the island is hilly. The climate is very tropical
with refreshing northeast trade winds and year-round temperature of
about 82 degrees F.
History
Aruba was first settled by the Amerindians who moved north from South
America. The Spanish discovered the island in 1499 and it was colonized
by the Dutch from 1636 but held by the British between 1805-1816. The
island was once part of the Netherlands Antilles but seceded from that
group on January 1, 1986 to become a separate entity within the Kingdom
of the Netherlands.
Economy
Tourism, which contributes nearly 38 per cent of GDP, 70 per cent of
total exports and 35 per cent of employment is the main economic activity
in Aruba. However there is ongoing economic diversification to include
financial services, telecommunications and a freezone. The island has
been registering economic growth of five per cent annually in recent
years.
People & Culture
The Aruban population comprises a mixture of Carib and Arawak Indian,
Africans and Europeans thus offering a rich and diverse culture.
|
