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.
COUNTRY FACTS
Area:
total: 193 sq km
land: 193 sq km
water: 0 sq km Climate:
tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain:
flat with a few hills; scant vegetation Population:
71,218 Languages:
Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish Capital:
Oranjestad
Countries
