Size
21 miles long, 6 miles wide,
Inhabitants: 100,000
Capital is Oranjestad
Aruba
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Aruba, in the Western Caribbean, is one of the six Dutch countries of the Caribbean. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are all quite close together off the coast of Venezuela, and are commonly called the ABC islands. The official language of all three islands is Dutch, with English and Spanish also spoken, as well as the local dialect Papiamento. The interiors of all of the ABC islands are quite barren and fairly flat with scrubby growth of giant cacti and the wind-contorted Divi Divi trees. The islands were first Spanish and were then taken by the Dutch in the 1600's. Rainfall is low, and the islands are outside the hurricane path. Aruba has been described as "Caribbean with a dash of salsa". It is known for its endless snow white beaches surrounded by sparkling turquoise-blue sea, ideal for watersports. Windsurfers love the gusty Passat winds and divers treasure the mysterious world under her calm sea. Aruba has a lot to offer: the unusual arid and rugged landscape; the various sports and leisure activities; the colourful and beautiful capital, Oranjestad; and the glitzy hotels and casinos. Though the island is tiny, it is also wealthy and the last few years have seen huge investment in its growing number of high-rise hotels and casinos on the Leeward coast. |
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Tourist office on the island |
Aruba Tourism Authority Schimmelpenninckenlaan 1 2517 IN Den Haag, The Netherlands Tel: 0031 - 70 - 3566220 Fax: 0031 - 70 - 3604877 |
Aruba Tourism Authority - England The Copperfields, 25 Copperfield Street London, SEI 0EN Tel: 020 7928 1600 Fax: 020 7928 1700 |