Aruba Travellers Guide
Total Area:193 sq km Land Borders: islands
Population: 71,891
Life Expectancy: 79 years HIV % Total Poulation:n/a
Ethnic Groups:mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%
Languages:Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish
Prime Minister:Nelson O. ODUBER GDP - Per Capita: $21,800
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.