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Last Minute Tips Before you Travel to Aruba
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
- Electricity: 127V, 60 Hz (bring an adapter/transformer for your hair drier, laptop, cellullar phone etc.)
- Currency: Aruban Guilder, Florin (Af.)
- Country Dialing Code: 297
Aruba
Location
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
Capital
Oranjestad
Population
71,566 (July 2005 est.)
Regions
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Climate
tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
Ethnic groups
mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%
Religions
Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish
Languages
Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish
Government type
parliamentary democracy
Background
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.
Visitor's Impressions
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Disclaimer: Although we have tried to make the information on this website as accurate as possible, some of the facts may not be accurate, or may have recently changed. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience suffered by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify important information with the relevant authorities before traveling.
