A territory of the Netherlands in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea, on the island of the same name, part of the Lesser Antilles, located between North and South America, 40 km from the coast of Venezuela. Area - 193 km². The administrative center is Oranjestad (30,000); another major city is San Nicolas (20,000). Population - 11.6 thousand (2005), mainly blacks and mulattos. The official language is Dutch, with a local creole language - Papiamento (based on Spanish and Portuguese), as well as Spanish and English being widely spoken. The dominant religion is Catholicism. The currency is the Aruban guilder (florin).
National holiday - March 18 - Aruba Flag Day.
The island has the status of an integral part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with internal self-governance. Matters of defense and foreign policy are the responsibility of the Dutch government. The Queen of the Netherlands is represented on the island by a governor (F. Refunjol - since May 2004), who is responsible for foreign policy and defense. Legislative power within the framework of self-governance belongs to a unicameral parliament - the States (21 members, elected for a term of 4 years by universal suffrage). Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister (since October 2001 - N. O. Oduber, leader of the People's Electoral Movement party).
Main political parties: People's Electoral Movement (PEM) - founded in 1971 (has 12 seats in parliament, leader - N. Oduber), Aruba People's Party - founded in 1942 (6 seats, leader - J. Eman), Aruba Patriotic Party - founded in 1949 (2 seats, leader - B. Nismet), Aruba Liberal Organization - founded in 1991 (1 seat, leader - G. F. Cruz), Aruba Democratic Party - founded in 1983, National Democratic Action - founded in 1985.
The main trade union association is the Federation of Trade Unions of Aruba ("Festino").
The Spanish first appeared on the island in 1499. In 1527, it was declared a property of Spain. Captured by the Dutch in 1634. Until the beginning of the 19th century, control of the island was alternately held by several European countries, and from 1816 - by the Netherlands. Until the abolition of slavery in 1863, the island was a major center for the slave trade in the West Indies. Since 1951, it has gained autonomy within the Netherlands Antilles, of which it was a part until 1986. Since January 1, 1986, it has been part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands alongside them. There are close economic and political ties between Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.
The island's GDP is $1.94 billion (2002), with real growth of 1.5% in 2002. There are enterprises in the manufacturing industry, producing tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Ship repair facilities are located in Oranjestad and Barcadera. Infrastructure for servicing foreign tourists is developing (up to 1 million person-days excluding cruise ship passengers).
The development of agriculture is hindered by a shortage of fresh water. Aloe is cultivated for pharmaceutical purposes. The main part of food is imported.
The total length of roads is 513 km. The main port is Oranjestad. The international airport "Queen Beatrix" is located 2.5 km from Oranjestad.
Main trading partners: the Netherlands, the USA, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela. Aruba's economy largely depends on financial assistance from the Netherlands.
Literacy rate is over 97% (1991 census). In 1988, a university was opened on the island. Two daily newspapers are published, including one in Papiamento. There are 6 commercial radio stations and a television channel operating.
