Aruba Island

The long stretch of 32 Km in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea makes the marvelous island of Aruba. The island is located around 27 km north of the Paraguaná Peninsula, Falcón State and Venezuela. It forma a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island enjoys a predominantly dry climate with patches of rain.

Aruba has been under the governance of many administration. Right from Spain in 1499 to Netherlands in 1636. presently Aruba is a separate, self-governing member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The chief economy of the island is dependent on gold mining, petroleum, and tourism. The standard of living of the island is considered to be of the highest order among all the Caribbean countries. The major contribution to the GNP of Aruba comes from tourism. The island is mostly visited by the tourists from Canada, the European Union and the United States. Because of the arid and dry climate the agricultural input remains minimal.

The topography of the island consists of flat land. The island is also characterized as a riverless island. The island is dotted with numerous beaches located mostly on the western and southern coasts of the island. The interior part of the island showcases the some of the rolling hills of the island. the two of which are Hooiberg at 165 metres (541 ft) and Mount Jamanota, highest on the island, at 188 metres (617 ft).

Dutch and the predominant national language Papiamento are the two most widely spoken language in the island. For the convenience of the tourists Spanish and English are slowly picking up the pace in the popularity chart.

The island of Aruba inherits a mixed culture owing to the fact of the origination of the civilization. Traces fo Dutch culture can still be felt along with the migrant American one.

Aruba comes alive during the Caribbean carnival which is held from the beginning of the month of January.