- Overview
- Symbols
- Geography
- Leaders
- Health
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» OVERVIEW
| Country Name: |
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Aruba |
| Capital: |
name: Oranjestad
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| 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. |
| Nationality: |
noun: Aruban(s)
adjective: Aruban; Dutch |
| Population: |
101,541
note: estimate based on a revision of the base population, fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-1999 migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent with the 2000 census (July 2008 est.) |
| Ethnic groups: |
mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20% |
| Religions: |
Roman Catholic 80.8%, Protestant 9%, other (includes Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) 5.6%, none or unspecified 4.6% |
| Languages: |
Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3% (2000 census) |
» NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Flag
|
The Aruba Flag was officially adopted on March 18, 1976, along with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera." (It was chosen on March 18 because it was on this day in 1948 that Holland accepted Aruba's right to choose for an autonomous status in the Kingdom of the Netherlands).
The Aruba flag has four colors: Bunting yellow, Larkspur (or U.N.) Blue, Union Jack Red and White. Each of these colors is significant: the blue represents the sea that surrounds Aruba; yellow is the color of abundance, representing the island's past and its industries of gold, aloe and oil; red is for the love each Aruban has for the country and the ancient industry of Brazilwood; and white symbolized the snow-white beaches as well as the purity of the hearts of Aruba's people who strive for justice, order and liberty.
The symbols on the flag consist of a red star and two yellow stripes. The red star represents the four points of the compass, with the island having drawn people from around the world. The star also represents the island itself, surrounded by the beautiful blue sea. The horizontal yellow stripes denote the free and separate position Aruba enjoys in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Aruba continues to celebrate all that the flag and anthem have come to signify with the national holiday of Flag and Anthem Day each March 18. |
Coat of Arms
|
Aruba's Coat of Arms has been in use since November 15, 1955. The design was created by "Atelier voor Heraldische Kunst," of Amsterdam, Holland, but it was later altered to reflect of the symbols of Aruba. The following are the components of the Coat of Arms:
- Aloe represents the first source of wealth for the island;
- The outline of “Hooiberg” hill symbolizes Aruba arising out of the sea;
- The handshaske represents the friendly ties Aruba maintains with other nations and peoples;
- The cog symbolizes industry as the island's main source of progress;
- The cross in the center is the symbol of devotion and faith;
- The lion atop of the Coat of Arms represents power and generousity;
- The laurel leaves are symbols of peace and friendship.
|
National Anthem
|
"Aruba Deshi Tera" (Aruba Precious Country)
Words by: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' Lampe
Music by: Rufo Inocencio Wever
Adopted: 1986 PAPIAMENTU LYRICS
Aruba patria aprecia
nos cuna venera
chikito y simpel bo por ta
pero si respeta.
Refrain:
O, Aruba, dushi tera
nos baranca tan stima
nos amor p’abo t’asina grandi
cu n’tin nada pa kibre (bis)
Bo playanan tan admira
cu palma tu dorna
bo escudo y bandera ta
orgullo di nos tur!
Refrain
Grandeza di bo pueblo ta
su gran cordialidad
cu Dios por guia y conserva
su amor pa libertad! Refrain
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Aruba beloved home
our venerated cradle
though small and simple
you may be you are indeed esteemed.
Refrain:
Aruba our dear country
our rock so well beloved
our love for you is so strong
that nothing can destroy it. (repeat)
Your beaches so much admired
with palm trees all adorned
your coat of arms and flag
the symbols of our pride.
Refrain
The greatness of our people
is their great cordiality
and may God guide and preserve
its love for freedom. Refrain |
» GEOGRAPHY
| Geography Overview: |
A flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) |
|
| Location: |
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela |
| Geographic coordinates: |
12 30 N, 69 58 W |
| Area: |
total: 193 sq km
land: 193 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
| Area - comparative: |
slightly larger than Washington, DC |
| Land boundaries: |
0 km |
| Coastline: |
68.5 km |
| Maritime claims: |
territorial sea: 12 nm |
| Climate: |
tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation |
| Terrain: |
flat with a few hills; scant vegetation |
| Elevation extremes: |
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m |
| Natural resources: |
NEGL; white sandy beaches |
| Land use: |
arable land: 10.53%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 89.47% (2005) |
| Irrigated land: |
0.01 sq km (1998 est.) |
| Natural hazards: |
hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened |
| Environment - current issues: |
NA |
» LEADERS
| Governor |
Fredis REFENJOL |
| Prime Minister |
Nelson ODUBER |
| Minister of Education |
Fredis REFENJOL |
| Minister of Finance & Economic Affairs |
Nilo SWAEN |
| Minister of General Affairs & Utilities |
Nelson ODUBER |
| Minister of Justice |
Rudy CROES |
| Minister of Public Health |
Booshi WEVER |
| Minister of Public Works |
Marisol TROMP |
| Minister of Sports, Culture, & Labor |
Ramon LEE |
| Minister of Tourism & Transportation |
Eddy BRIESEN |
| Attorney General |
Ruud ROSINGH |
| President, Central Bank |
A.R. CARAM |
» HEALTH
| Population: |
101,541
note: estimate based on a revision of the base population, fertility, and mortality numbers, as well as a revision of 1985-1999 migration estimates from outmigration to inmigration, which is assumed to continue into the future; the new results are consistent with the 2000 census (July 2008 est.) |
| Age structure: |
0-14 years: 19.4% (male 9,933/female 9,747)
15-64 years: 70.3% (male 34,123/female 37,228)
65 years and over: 10.4% (male 4,189/female 6,321) (2008 est.) |
| Median age: |
total: 37.6 years
male: 35.8 years
female: 39.3 years (2008 est.) |
| Population growth rate: |
1.501% (2008 est.) |
| Birth rate: |
12.81 births/1,000 population (2008 est.) |
| Death rate: |
7.65 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.) |
| Net migration rate: |
9.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.) |
| Sex ratio: |
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.8775 male(s)/female (2008 est.) |
| Infant mortality rate: |
total: 14.26 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 18.92 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.) |
| Life expectancy at birth: |
total population: 75.06 years
male: 72.03 years
female: 78.14 years (2008 est.) |
| Total fertility rate: |
1.85 children born/woman (2008 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: |
NA |
| HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: |
NA |
| HIV/AIDS - deaths: |
NA |
» EDUCATION
| Literacy: |
definition: NA
total population: 97.3%
male: 97.5%
female: 97.1% (2000 census) |
| Additional Resources |
|
 |
|
| School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): |
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2006) |
| Education expenditures: |
4.8% (2005) |
» POLITICS
| Dependency status: |
member country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs |
| Government type: |
parliamentary democracy |
| Administrative divisions: |
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) |
| Independence: |
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) |
| National holiday: |
Flag Day, 18 March (1976) |
| Constitution: |
1 January 1986 |
| Legal system: |
based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence |
| Suffrage: |
18 years of age; universal |
| Executive branch: |
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since 11 May 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30 October 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held in 2005 (next to be held by 2009)
election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA |
| Legislative branch: |
unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 23 September 2005 (next to be held in 2009)
election results: percent of vote by party - MEP 43%, AVP 32%, MPA 7%, RED 7%, PDR 6%, OLA 4%, PPA 2%; seats by party - MEP 11, AVP 8, MPA 1, RED 1 |
| Judicial branch: |
Common Court of Justice of Aruba (judges are appointed by the monarch) |
| Political parties and leaders: |
Aliansa/Aruban Social Movement or MSA [Robert WEVER]; Aruban Liberal Organization or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Movement or MPA [Monica ARENDS-KOCK]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Mike EMAN]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; Real Democracy or PDR [Andin BIKKER]; RED [Rudy LAMPE]; Workers Political Platform or PTT [Gregorio WOLFF] |
| Political pressure groups and leaders: |
other: environmental groups |
| International organisation participation: |
Caricom (observer), ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC, UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCL, WMO |
| Diplomatic representation in the US: |
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - Mr. Henry BAARH, Minister Plenipotentiary for Aruba at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Diplomatic representation from the US: |
the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Netherlands Antilles is accredited to Aruba |
» ECONOMY
| Economy - overview: |
Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Over 1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba, with 75% of those from the US. Construction continues to boom, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition, the country's oil refinery reopened in 1993, providing a major source of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and growth. Tourist arrivals have rebounded strongly following a dip after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The island experiences only a brief low season, and hotel occupancy in 2004 averaged 80%, compared to 68% throughout the rest of the Caribbean. The government has made cutting the budget and trade deficits a high priority. |
| GDP (purchasing power parity): |
$2.258 billion (2005 est.) |
| GDP (official exchange rate): |
$2.258 billion (2005 est.) |
| GDP - real growth rate: |
2.4% (2005 est.) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP): |
$21,800 (2004 est.) |
| GDP - composition by sector: |
agriculture: 0.4%
industry: 33.3%
services: 66.3% (2002 est.) |
| Labor force: |
41,500 (2004 est.) |
| Labor force - by occupation: |
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining |
| Unemployment rate: |
6.9% (2005 est.) |
| Population below poverty line: |
NA% |
| Household income or consumption by percentage share: |
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA% |
| Inflation rate (consumer prices): |
3.4% (2005) |
| Budget: |
revenues: $507.9 million
expenditures: $577.9 million (2005 est.) |
| Public debt: |
46.3% of GDP (2005) |
| Agriculture - products: |
aloes; livestock; fish |
| Industries: |
tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining |
| Industrial production growth rate: |
NA% |
| Electricity - production: |
770 million kWh (2005) |
| Electricity - production by source: |
fossil fuel: 100%
hydro: 0%
nuclear: 0%
other: 0% (2001) |
| Electricity - consumption: |
716.1 million kWh (2005) |
| Electricity - exports: |
0 kWh (2005) |
| Electricity - imports: |
0 kWh (2005) |
| Oil - production: |
2,356 bbl/day (2005) |
| Oil - consumption: |
7,000 bbl/day (2005 est.) |
| Oil - exports: |
230,600 bbl/day (2004) |
| Oil - imports: |
235,000 bbl/day (2004) |
| Oil - proved reserves: |
0 bbl (1 January 2006 est.) |
| Natural gas - production: |
0 cu m (2005 est.) |
| Natural gas - consumption: |
0 cu m (2005 est.) |
| Natural gas - exports: |
0 cu m (2005 est.) |
| Natural gas - imports: |
0 cu m (2005) |
| Natural gas - proved reserves: |
0 cu m (1 January 2006) |
| Exports: |
$124 million f.o.b.; note - includes oil reexports (2006) |
| Exports - commodities: |
live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment |
| Exports - partners: |
Panama 29.7%, Colombia 17%, Netherlands Antilles 13.2%, US 11.3%, Venezuela 10.9%, Netherlands 9.2% (2006) |
| Imports: |
$1.054 billion f.o.b. (2006) |
| Imports - commodities: |
machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs |
| Imports - partners: |
US 54.6%, Netherlands 12%, UK 4.7% (2006) |
| Economic aid - recipient: |
$11.3 million (2004) |
| Debt - external: |
$478.6 million (2005 est.) |
| Currency (code): |
Aruban guilder/florin (AWG) |
| Currency code: |
AWG |
| Exchange rates: |
Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.79 (2006), 1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003) |
| Fiscal year: |
calendar year |
» INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
| Telephones - main lines in use: |
38,300 (2005) |
| Telephones - mobile cellular: |
105,700 (2006) |
| Telephone system: |
general assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications system
domestic: increased competition through privatization; 3 wireless service providers are now licensed
international: country code - 297; landing site for the PAN-AM submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from the US Virgin Islands through Aruba to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and the west coast of South America; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links (2007) |
| Radio broadcast stations: |
AM 2, FM 16, shortwave 0 (2004) |
| Radios: |
50,000 (1997) |
| Television broadcast stations: |
1 (1997) |
| Televisions: |
20,000 (1997) |
| Internet country code: |
.aw |
| Internet hosts: |
16,914 (2007) |
| Internet Service Providers (ISPs): |
NA |
| Internet users: |
24,000 (2005) |
» TRANSPORTATION
| Airports: |
1 (2007) |
| Airports - with paved runways: |
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2007) |
| Roadways: |
total: 800 km |
| Ports and terminals: |
Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas |
» DEFENCE AND SAFETY
| Military branches: |
no regular indigenous military forces; the Netherlands maintains a detachment of marines, a frigate, and an amphibious combat detachment in the neighboring Netherlands Antilles (2008) |
| Manpower available for military service: |
males age 16-49: 24,585
females age 16-49: 25,742 (2008 est.) |
| Manpower fit for military service: |
males age 16-49: 20,173
females age 16-49: 21,062 (2008 est.) |
| Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually: |
males age 16-49: 705
females age 16-49: 719 (2008 est.) |
| Military - note: |
defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Authorised Strength of Police: |
NA (OSAC, 2007) |
| Homicides (per 100,000 people), 2000-2004 |
NA |
| Prison population total, 2007 |
277 |
| Prison population (per 100,000 people), 2007 |
277 |
| Prison population (% female), 2007 |
9.0% |
| Juveniles / minors / young prisoners
incl. definition (percentage of prison population) |
1.8% (June 2007 - under 18)
|
| Foreign prisoners
(percentage of prison population) |
48.1% (2005)
|
| Number of establishments /
institutions |
1 (2007)
|
| Official capacity of prison system |
310 (June 2007 - another 80 places were out of use)
|
| Occupancy level (based on official
capacity) |
89.4% |
|
|
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