South Caribbean.

GMT - 4.

193 sq km (74.5 sq miles).

101,000 (UN official estimate 2000).

523.3 per sq km.

Oranjestad. Population: 20,046 (1991).

Aruba is the smallest island in the Leeward group of the Dutch Caribbean islands, which also include Bonaire and Curaçao. They are popularly known as the ABCs. As the westernmost island of the group, Aruba is the final link in the long Antillean chain, lying 20km (12.5 miles) off the Venezuelan coast. The island is 30km (19.6 miles) long and 9km (6 miles) across at its widest and has a flat landscape dominated by Jamanota Mountain (188m/617ft). The west and southwest coast, known as Palm Beach, boasts 11km (7 miles) of palm-fringed powder-white sands while, in complete contrast, the east coast has a desolate, windswept shoreline of jagged rocks carved into peculiar shapes by the pounding surf.

Aruba is a separate entity within the Kingdom of The Netherlands, with a Governor appointed by the Dutch monarch, a 21-member parliament (or Staten), directly elected for a four-year term, and a Council of Ministers.

Dependency of the Netherlands. In 1986 Aruba separated from the rest of the Netherlands Antilles. Head of State: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, represented locally by Governor-General Fredis Refunjol since 2004. Head of Government: Prime Minister Nelson Oduber since 2001. Recent history: Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) won at the most recent poll in September 2001. Nelson Oduber took over as Premier.
Aruba is a separate entity within the Kingdom of The Netherlands, with a Governor appointed by the Dutch monarch, a 21-member Parliament (or Staten), directly elected for a four-year term, and a Council of Ministers.

The official language is Dutch. English and Spanish are also spoken. The islanders also speak Papiemento, which is a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English and Indian languages.

80 per cent of the population are Roman Catholic. There are also Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian and Jewish communities present.

Much of the social activity takes place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal, often American in feel. The islanders do not wear shorts in town though it is acceptable for visitors to do so. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside. In the evenings people tend to dress up, especially when visiting the casinos. Jackets are not required for men, except for official government functions.

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