ALL >> Travel >> View Article
Aruba
Aruba
Geography
Aruba is an island in the West Indies, in the Caribbean Sea, near the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. An integral part of the Netherlands, Aruba was a member of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. Aruba is about 30 km (about 19 mi) long and about 8 km (about 5 mi) wide, and has an area of 193 sq km (about 75 sq mi). The population of Aruba at the 1991 census was 66,687, giving the island an overall population density of about 342 persons per sq km (about 889 per sq mi). Oranjestad (population, 1991 estimate, 20,000) is the capital and main town. Sint Nicolaas, the site of an oil refinery, has a population of about 17,000.
Economy
Until the mid-1980s, the refining of Venezuelan oil was the main source of employment in Aruba. In 1984, the petroleum refining industry accounted for 25 percent of the island's gross national product. When the refinery closed in 1985, many Arubans lost their jobs and experienced a drastic reduction in their standard of living. Rehabilitation of the refining industry began in 1989 and in 1993; the refinery's daily output was 140,000 barrels. ...
... The island now depends mostly on tourism and the service industries related to tourism, cooperating with the Netherlands Antilles to attract visitors. Some light industry produces tobacco, beverages, and consumer goods. Aruba's principal port is Oranjestad and the island's international airport is located nearby. The island's unit of currency is the Aruban guilder or gulden.
Political Information
In 1986, Aruba became an autonomous and self-governing entity. The official head of government is the Dutch monarch, represented by an appointed governor. The governor is responsible for all external affairs. The prime minister nominates a council of ministers and together they are responsible for the island's internal executive functions. Popularly elected officials fill the 21 seats of the legislature, called the Staten. The Court of First Instance and a court of appeal comprise Aruba's judiciary. Defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands. The University of Aruba (1970) is located in Oranjestad.
About the Author
For more information visit www.ArubaInfoCenter.com
Add Comment
Travel Articles
1. Explore New York City: Things To Do With A Double Decker Bus TourAuthor: alex
2. Experience The Wild With Alaska Bear Viewing Tours
Author: Alaska Photo Adventures
3. Best Hotel In Ramnagar Uttarakhand: Hr Hotels And Resorts
Author: Hr Hotels and Resort
4. Discover Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, And The Amalfi Coast: Perfect Day Trips
Author: alex
5. How To Make Budget-friendly Group Reservations On Spirit Airlines?
Author: Spirit Airhub
6. How A Chauffeur Can Make Your Trip To Melbourne Stress-free
Author: Ravi Cabs Melbourne
7. Exploring The Vibrant Charms Of New York City
Author: alex
8. Document Shredding Services- An Eco-friendly Way To Get Rid Of Documents
Author: The Mail Center
9. How To Book Amtrak Quickly And Easily?
Author: E Ticket Amtrak
10. Tales From My Life Kayaking Memories Recollection In Naples
Author: michal foruman
11. Family-friendly Activities On An Abu Dhabi City Tour
Author: Ellen Farry
12. Best Shirdi Tour Package From Chennai
Author: bharathi
13. Discover The Statue Of Unity: A Journey To National Pride
Author: SOU Tent City
14. Conquer The Peaks: Scaling Nepal's Iconic Island And Lobuche Mountains
Author: recreationholidays
15. Exhilarating Experiences: Exploring Nepal's Adventure Wonders
Author: recreationholidays