Aruba

Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean Sea, located just north of the Venezuelan coast.

Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean Sea, located just north of the Venezuelan coast. Its capital is Oranjestad, and its economy is strongly driven by tourism. Aruba became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986.

Geography

Aruba is a small, low-lying island in the southern Caribbean, west of Curaçao and north of Venezuela. Its interior is arid and its coastline includes popular beaches as well as more rugged northeastern shores. The island lies geologically on the South American continental shelf.

History

The island was originally inhabited by Indigenous Arawak/Caquetio peoples. It came under Dutch control in the 17th century and became a separate constituent country in 1986 after leaving the Netherlands Antilles.

Government and status

Aruba is self-governing in internal affairs but remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The formal head of state is the Dutch monarch, represented locally by a governor, while executive power rests with a council of ministers and a unicameral legislature.

Economy and tourism

Tourism is Aruba’s most important economic sector, supported by beaches, warm weather, and resort infrastructure. Historically, petroleum refining was also important, but tourism later became the island’s main employer.