Aruba

Listen to Aruba

Aruba is an island in the Caribbean Sea.  It lies close to the South American mainland, Venezuela being its closest neighbor.  100,500 people call the island home.  It is slightly smaller than Washington D.C.  Over 80% of the islands population are mixed race.  There are many languages spoken in Aruba.  Dutch is the official language.   Papiamento a combination of Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-and English is widely spoken.

Aruba is a territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  It was claimed in 1499 by Spain, and acquired by the Dutch in 1636.  In 1986 the island was granted the ability to govern its internal affairs.  Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands serves as Chief of State, represented by a Governor General.  The Head of Government Prime Minister Nelson O. Oduber is responsible for the internal affairs of Aruba.  Voting rights are universal for those 18 and older.  Arubans elect twenty one legislatures to represent them every four years. 

Tourism is the foundation of Aruba’s economy.  Over 1.5 million tourists visit the island yearly.  It is famous for its white sandy beaches, hotels, and casinos.  These things aside Aruba is flat and river less. The average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  Off shore banking, oil refining, and storage play an important role in the economy.   

Aruba’s economy is growing at a rate of 2.4%.  The countries annual budget is $507.9 million, and their expenditures 577.9 million, leaving a 70 million dollar deficit.  The country exports 80 million in goods, including oil re exports.  Their main export partners are the Netherlands, Panama, Columbia, the U.S., Venezuela, and the Netherlands. 

Aruba imports 875 million dollars worth of goods a year.  These are mostly machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining, and reexports, chemicals; and foodstuffs.  The U.S. is Aruba’s main import partner followed by the Netherlands, and the UK.