Overview of Aruba

Quick Overview

This former island of the Dutch Antilles is located off the Venezuelan coast. It is characterized by flat terrain, sparse vegetation, and white sandy beaches.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: a few kilometers north of Venezuela.

• Latitude/longitude: 12.30' N, 69.58' W.

• Local time: Heure : 6825

• Capital: Oranjestad.

• Nature of the state: autonomous state.

• Official languages: Dutch and Papiamento.

• Currency: Aruban florin.

• Population: 116,576 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 179 km².

• Density: 651 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Jamanota (188 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 68.5 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

With over a million visitors each year (1.071 million in 2017), Aruba has found its audience, to the point that the tourism sector and its related industries now account for nearly 75% of the island's resources. This is significantly more than the oil industry, which long ensured Aruba's income.

As is often the case in the region, beach tourism is overwhelmingly dominant, with many US cruise ships docking in Oranjestad. While the capital has some beautiful colonial buildings, it mainly attracts visitors with its duty-free shops. Among all visitors, Americans, Dutch, and Colombians are the most numerous.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-Oranjestad

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring: US dollar.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Accommodation:

• Getting around:

• Risks: very low in terms of health and safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: mid-April to June and mid-August to October are ideal.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★.

Addresses in France

Tourist Office: online only (English).

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

• Quebec: Aruba Tourism Authority, 5875 Highway #7, Ste. 201, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1T9, Canada. Tel.: (905) 264-3434, 1-800-268-3042 (Ontario and Quebec). Email: ata.canada@aruba.com.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• Quality of life:

• GDP per capita: $37,500 (2017)

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: -0.5% (2017), i.e., deflation

• Official unemployment rate: 7.7% (2016)

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 77.1 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +8.7 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.24% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 97.5% (2015)

• Urban population: 43.4% (2018)

• Press freedom:

• Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook