Aruba

Aruban florin is the official currency of Aruba.

Caquetios Amerindians from the Arawak tribe were the first to inhabit the island.
They were migrants from Venezuela who had escaped the Carib attacks.
The earliest known Indian settlement is known to have existed around 1000 AD.
Residents of Aruba were more connected to South America than to other Caribbean islands due to proximity and easy accessibility.
Europeans learnt of Aruba only after Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda discovered it in August 1499.
The Spaniards ruled over Aruba for over a hundred years.
Aruba is controlled by Dutch administration since 1636.
Great Britain controlled Aruba between 1799 and 1802, and 1805 to 1816.
In 1933 Aruba sent its first petition for independent status and autonomy.
Aruba became a British protectorate from 1940 to 1942 and a US protectorate from 1942 to 1945, during World War II.
On February 16, 1942, the island survived a German attack on its oil processing refinery.

80% of Aruba’s population is Mestizo in origin.
The remaining 20% comprise of Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French and British.
Majority of the population seems to have descended from the Arawaks.
Pure-bred aborigines are no longer present on the island.
Aruba is becoming increasingly popular among immigrants who come there in search of job prospects.
The residency of foreign nationals has now been restricted to a maximum of 3 years.

Aruba is a member country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Since its separation form the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, it holds full autonomy in internal affairs.
The Dutch Government holds responsibility for defense and foreign affairs.
Aruba is run by a parliamentary democratic government.
Since Aruba is part of the Kingdom of Netherlands, it has no administrative divisions.
Flag Day (18 March, 1976) is observed as a national holiday.
The Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1986.
The Legal system is based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence.
Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands is the chief of state since 30 April 1980.
She is represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL since 11 May 2004.
The Prime Minister is the head of government. The Council of Ministers is elected by the Staten. The monarch is hereditary.
The governor general is appointed by the monarch for a six-year term.
The prime minister and deputy prime minister are elected by the State for four-year terms.
The Legislative branch is unicameral Legislature or Staten consisting of 21 seats.
Members of the legislature are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms.
The Judicial branch is represented by the Common Court of Justice of Aruba.
Judges are appointed by the monarch.

March 18 is celebrated as National Day commemorating the introduction of the National Anthem and Aruban flag.
Since Aruba has a mixed culture, Dutch festivals like "Sinterklaas" and the Queen's birthday or "Dia di La Reina" (Koninginnedag) are also celebrated.
Christmas and New Year are celebrated with traditional songs and music.
Betico's Croes birthday is celebrated on January 25.
An annual Carnival is held every year since 1950.
The Carnival is an important part of Aruban and Caribbean culture in general.
In June there is the celebration of the "Dia di San Juan", with the song of "Dera Gai".
Religious occasions like the days of Ascension and Good Friday are also observed as holidays.
Aruban population is believed to be a mix of ninety-two different nationalities.
Papiamento, a linguistically mixed language, is spoken by most Arubans.
Dutch and Papiamento are the two official languages of Aruba.
Papiamento has elements of Dutch, English, diverse African dialects, Portuguese and Spanish.
Spanish is also spoken by a large number of people.
Some communities speak Portuguese, Chinese, German and French.
French is usually taught in schools.
The script of Papiamento varies greatly from island to island.

Tourism industry forms the major part of the Aruban economy.
Offshore banking and oil-refining also generate substantial incomes.
Tourist activity has fuelled the growth of infrastructure including hotels and constructions.
The government has made cutting the budget and trade deficits a high priority.
The GDP (purchasing power parity) as calculated in 2005 was $2.258 billion.
6.9% of the Arubans are unemployed.
Agricultural produce includes aloes, livestock and fish.
The major industries are tourism, transshipment facilities and oil refining.
Exported commodities include live animals and animal products, machinery and electrical equipment and transport equipment, art and collectibles.
Imported commodities include machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and re-export chemicals and foodstuffs.

Aruba has a modern fully automatic telecommunications system.
Many privatized service providers have emerged in the recent years.
There are 18 radio broadcast stations in all.
There is only one television broadcast station.
Internet facilities are well established and readily available.
Aruba has one airport.
Roadways span across 800 km.
The main ports and terminals are located at Barcadera, Oranjestad and Saint Nicolas.

Aruba follows the Dutch system and pattern of education.
Education at all levels is sponsored by the government.
Private institutions arrange their own funds.
The Aruban government spends a large amount of money on education compared to other Caribbean and Latin American nations.
The quality of primary school education is very high in Aruba.
Secondary school education comprises of vocational training (VMBO), basic education (MAVO), college prep (HAVO) and advanced placement (VWO).
Higher education may be pursued at the Professional Education program (EPI), the teachers college (IPA) and the University of Aruba (UA).
Most students pursue higher education in the US, South America and Europe due to limited subject options in Aruban colleges.
Aruba has 68 schools for primary education, 12 schools for secondary education and 5 Universities.

Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by:

Aruba is still under the Kingdom of Netherlands.

Sidney Ponson (major league baseball player)

Aruba is gaining popularity as a tourist destination for its white, sandy beaches and pleasant climate.
The country also has some interesting natural rock formations and caves.

According to a 2008 census, the population of Aruba was estimated to be 101,541.
The annual population growth rate is 1.501% (2008 est.)
Birth rate: 12.81 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 7.65 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)