Curaçao, in the Western Caribbean, is one of the six Dutch countries of the Caribbean.  Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao 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.  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.

Curaçao is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, being 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and only 2.5 hours by air from Miami.  There are no direct flights from the UK.  Curaçao, being outside the hurricane belt, is a sure holiday destination for good weather.  It is, of course, renowned for the blue coloured liqueur of the same name, ideal for making a range of colourful cocktails.  The capital is Willemstad, which has fine Dutch colonial architecture, lively restaurants and bars, and an attractive floating market.  Diving has recently become popular there since the establishment of an underwater park, and the all-inclusive Super Clubs Breezes is also now in Curaçao.  There are also many casinos in the larger hotels.

Climate: Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C ( mid 80s F). Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked by short, occasional showers, usually at night, and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches). Occasionally a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the Caribbean can cause uncharacteristically cloudy weather for a day or two.

Population: The population of 150,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad, the island's capital is the only city.

Government: Curaçao, along with neighbouring Bonaire, Aruba and three islands in the north eastern Caribbean (St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba), form the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçaoans are Dutch nationals and carry European Union passports

Religions: Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own houses of worship and practise their religions freely. Over 80% of the population is Catholic, largely people of African descent. Curaçao has a well earned reputation for religious and ethnic harmony. Adventists, Anglican/Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Methodists are all represented and practice their religions freely.

What Time Is It? Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time.

What to Wear: Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes and long trousers to protect your legs from the cacti.

Tipping: It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5% Government sales tax.

What to Bring: Film and video cassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable nappies, sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Curaçao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent as this is often in short supply, especially during the rainy season.

Health: Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good, and is safe to drink.
Although Curaçao is less humid than many Caribbean islands, mosquitoes can occasionally be a problem in the rainy season and at night. Repellent can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Curaçao has no malaria or similar tropical diseases, and no vaccinations are needed to visit. Due to the high level of overall hygiene and cleanliness, gastro-intestinal complaints ("travellers' tummy") are very uncommon. For minor ailments, standard US and European over-the-counter medicines are available at the local pharmacies, called "Botica's".  There are a number of medical centres on the island. The St. Elisabeth Hospital is the most modern and well equipped in the region. In can be reached within 20 minutes from almost anywhere on the island.