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National Flag
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Airport
Queen Beatrix (AUA) | Annual Rainfall
20 inches | Area
70 sq miles
| Area Code
297 | Banks
Monday - Friday, 8 am to noon/1:30 p.m. to 4 pm
| Capital City
Oranjestad
| Co-ordinates
12 30'N, 69 58'W | Currency
Aruban florin (Af)/US$
| Departure Tax
US bound passengers - US $36.75/international passengers - US $33.50
| Dimensions
19.6 miles x 6 miles
| Dress
Swim wear on the beach, summer wear during the day, more elegant at night.
| Driving
Driving on the right, foreign and international driving licenses accepted. Free
parking throughout the island, no right turns on red light.
| Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycle
| Exchange Rate
Af 1.77 - US$1.00
| Highest Point
Jamanota (620 feet)
| Language
Papiamento. English is widely spoken.
| Medical
Hotels have doctors on call 24hrs.
| Population
104 000 | Public Transport
Efficient bus system, easy to use and affordable. Buses run frequently between
the main bus station in downtown Oranjestad and the hotel strip
| Shopping
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 pm, some Sunday shopping
| Taxis
Taxis are not metered; rates are fixed and should be checked in advance. Most
taxi drivers have participated in the government's Tourism Awareness Program
| Telecommunications
Phone cards, internet access, cellular
| Temperature
82F (28C) | Time
Atlantic Standard | Tipping
10-15%, usually included
| Water
Tap water safe for drinking - desalination
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History
The first known inhabitants of Aruba were the Caquetios Amerindians from the Arawak tribe, who migrated from Venezuela to escape the warring Caribs. Fragments of the earliest known Amerindian settlements date back to 1000 AD. The Caquetios did not venture into the more eastern islands of the Caribbean mainly because sea currents were not condusive to travel in an easterly direction. The first Europeans to arrive in Aruba were the Spanish in August 1499, where they remained for more than 100 years. Aruba has been under Dutch administration since 1636. Britain briefly occupied Aruba from 1799 to 1802, and again from 1805 to 1816. In 1933 Aruba sent its first petition to the Queen to gain separate status and autonomy. During World War II, the oil refineries on the island were the main suppliers of refined products to the Allies. Aruba was a British protectorate from 1940 to 1942, and a US protectorate from 1942 to 1945. On February 16, 1942, the refinery was unsuccessfully attacked by a German submarine.
Geography
Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, 17mi (27km) north of Venezuela. Aruba is a generally flat, dry island, renowned for its white, sandy beaches on the western and southern coasts of the island, and windy conditions ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are a few hills in the interior of the island, namely Hooiberg and Mount Jamanota. Aruba is located to the west of Bonaire and Curacao. Aruba enjoys comfortable temperatures year round. Aruba enjoys a dry climate with scrub and cactus forming the natural landscape. The island lies outside the hurricane belt.
Economy
Aruba enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean, the lowest crime rate, low poverty and low unemployment. The main economy is tourism, with most of the tourists coming from Venezuela and the United States. Agriculture and manufacturing are negligible. The island's earlier economy was dominated by five main industries: gold mining, phosphate mining, aloe export, petroleum and tourism. Aruba has the second largest seawater desalinization plant in the world (Saudi Arabia has the largest). Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and has no administrative subdivisions. Aruba is widely regarded and marketed as the 'honeymoon capital' of the Caribbean. Elegant resorts line white sand beaches along the island's west coast. This is combined with a buzzing nightlife, casinos and nightclubs ensuring the best possible experience for visitors.
Religion
80 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic. Other religions practiced on the island are Protestant, Hindu, Islam, Confucian and Judaism.
Language
Aruba has two official languages - Dutch and Papiamento, but the predominantly spoken language is Papiamento. Papiamento is a combination of Dutch, English, various African languages, Portuguese and Spanish. Many people on the island are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German and French. Papiamento is taught in schools, and four newspapers are published in this native language.
Sport
Aruba is a very popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing as ideal conditions prevail year round. The island also boasts several good scuba diving reefs.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport valid for at least 3 months more than the return travel date is required plus a return or onward ticket. Proof of confirmed accommodation and appropriate financial resources may be requested on entry. Air service to Aruba is efficient and frequent from North America, Europe and neighbouring islands of the Caribbean. |
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The Travel Shop It's open 24/7. Get the best deals on flights, hotels and cruises. But that's not all. Buy brand name luggage, shoes, watches and sporting equipment and clothing, surfing gear and swimsuits. It's all available in The Travel Shop. Rum Punch Probably the best known rum cocktail in the world. An easy way to remember the recipe: one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak! Check out more rum recipes here! Caribbean Wedding? What could be more romantic than a tropical wedding on a white sand beach fringed with palm trees? Find Wedding Requirements and Wedding Planners for each of the islands.
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