Geography
Aruba is an island in the West Indies, in the Caribbean Sea, near the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. As an integral part of the Netherlands, Aruba was a member of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. Aruba is about 30 km (about 19 miles) long and about 8 km (about 5 miles) wide, and has an area of 193 square kilometers . (about 75 square miles). Aruba’s population at the 1991 census was 66,687, giving the island an overall population density of about 342 people per square kilometer (about 889 per square mile). Oranjestad (population, 1991 estimate, 20,000) is the capital and principal city. Sint Nicolaas, the site of an oil refinery, has a population of around 17,000.
Economy
Until the mid-1980s, refining Venezuelan oil was the main source of employment in Aruba. In 1984, the oil 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 1993; the daily production of the refinery was 140,000 barrels. The island now relies primarily on tourism and tourism-related service industries, cooperating with the Netherlands Antilles to attract visitors. Some light industries produce tobacco, beverages, and consumer goods. Aruba’s main port is Oranjestad and the island’s international airport is located nearby. The monetary unit of the island is the florin or Aruban florin.
Political Information
In 1986, Aruba became a self-governing and autonomous 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 appoints a council of ministers and together they are responsible for the internal executive functions of the island. Popularly elected officials hold the 21 seats in the legislature, called Statens. The Court of First Instance and a court of appeal, including the judiciary of Aruba. Defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands. The University of Aruba (1970) is located in Oranjestad.
