Just 16 miles off the coast of Venezuela is a group of three little islands, often referred to as the ABC Islands. The 'A' of that group is of course Aruba. The 'B' is Bonaire and the 'C' is Curacao. Aruba is just 69 square kilometers and home to 103,000 residents. The region in which the ABC Islands lie is unique in that it is sheltered by the Venezuelan peninsula, and therefore does not experience the harsh weather associated with the Caribbean. Additionally, Aruba is located just outside of the hurricane belt.
Aruba was first inhabited by the Arawak Indians around 1000 AD, who are thought to have migrated their as a means of escaping attack by the Caribs. The first European explorers to find the island were Italians Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. There was a small amount of colonization at the time, but not on the scale the Spanish took part in later on. Homes were built in the Venetian style and the Italians were there largely to observe and learn. The Spanish did eventually take hold of Aruba and colonized it for over a century. Priests were welcomed to the land, a governor was appointed and the slow depopulation of the ABC Islands began around 1525. After a short skirmish in 1635, the Dutch gained possession of Aruba and Curacao, deeming the new acquisitions as "New Netherlands."
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is therefore ruled by a 21-member parliament and an 8-member Cabinet. A local governor oversees the parliament, who is in turn appointed by the reigning monarch. The prime minister and deputy prime minister are elected for four year terms. The current monarch and head of state of Aruba is Queen Beatrix. March 18 is Aruba's National Day, an occasion to party and celebrate the history of a unique country.
The culture of Aruba is very mixed. There is of course a strong Dutch influence, but important Caribbean and Latin traditions are present as well. Carnival is celebrated; Mardi Gras goes on for weeks at a time. Dutch is the predominant language spoken in Aruba, however Papiamento is also common. Papiamento is a creole language that uses Portuguese, Spanish, English, Arawak and even some African influences.
Aruba is unique in its attraction to vacationers. The island is home to the white sandy beaches and foamy green waters that make the Caribbean so attractive. However, just the fact that the little collection of ABC Islands lies outside of the hurricane belt is enough to attract anyone with a yen for a tropical vacation. Add in the incredible ornate architecture of the colonial villages and you truly have a beautiful destination.
Aruba was first inhabited by the Arawak Indians around 1000 AD, who are thought to have migrated their as a means of escaping attack by the Caribs. The first European explorers to find the island were Italians Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. There was a small amount of colonization at the time, but not on the scale the Spanish took part in later on. Homes were built in the Venetian style and the Italians were there largely to observe and learn. The Spanish did eventually take hold of Aruba and colonized it for over a century. Priests were welcomed to the land, a governor was appointed and the slow depopulation of the ABC Islands began around 1525. After a short skirmish in 1635, the Dutch gained possession of Aruba and Curacao, deeming the new acquisitions as "New Netherlands."
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is therefore ruled by a 21-member parliament and an 8-member Cabinet. A local governor oversees the parliament, who is in turn appointed by the reigning monarch. The prime minister and deputy prime minister are elected for four year terms. The current monarch and head of state of Aruba is Queen Beatrix. March 18 is Aruba's National Day, an occasion to party and celebrate the history of a unique country.
The culture of Aruba is very mixed. There is of course a strong Dutch influence, but important Caribbean and Latin traditions are present as well. Carnival is celebrated; Mardi Gras goes on for weeks at a time. Dutch is the predominant language spoken in Aruba, however Papiamento is also common. Papiamento is a creole language that uses Portuguese, Spanish, English, Arawak and even some African influences.
Aruba is unique in its attraction to vacationers. The island is home to the white sandy beaches and foamy green waters that make the Caribbean so attractive. However, just the fact that the little collection of ABC Islands lies outside of the hurricane belt is enough to attract anyone with a yen for a tropical vacation. Add in the incredible ornate architecture of the colonial villages and you truly have a beautiful destination.
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