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 Discovered
and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636.
The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th
century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in
1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom
in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in
1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's
request in 1990.
PEOPLE AND HISTORY
Aruba's first inhabitants were the Caquetios Indians from the Arawak
tribe. Fragments of the earliest known Indian settlements date back to
about 1,000 A.D. Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda is regarded as the
first European to arrive in about 1499.
ECONOMY
Through the 1990s and into the 21st century Aruba posted growth rates
around 5%. However, in 2001 a decrease in demand and the terrorist
attack on the United States led to the first economic contraction in 15
years. Deficit spending has been a staple in Aruba's history and
modestly high inflation has been present as well, although recent
efforts at tightening monetary policy may correct this.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Netherlands Antilles conducts foreign affairs primarily through the
Dutch government, however, Aruba has strong relations with other
Caribbean governments. Aruba is an observer in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM),
an associate member of the World Trade Organization through the
Netherlands and is a full member of the Association of Caribbean States.
Area: 75 sq km
Population: 68,675
Language: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish; Castilian
Religion: Roman Catholic (82%), Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim
Government: Autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Head of State: Governor Olindo Koolman
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nelson O. Oduber
GDP: US$1.5 billion
GDP per capita: US$22,000
Inflation: 3%
Major Industries: Tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining, offshore banking, phosphates.
Major Trading Partners: USA, EU, The Netherlands, Japan |
