Aruba

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 29 kilometers north of the coast of Venezuela. The island covers an area of 180 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 108,000 people as of 2024. The capital and largest city is Oranjestad. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a creole language that blends elements from several languages. English and Spanish are also widely spoken. Aruba's economy is dominated by four main industries: tourism, aloe export, petroleum refining, and offshore banking. The island has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region. Aruba's flat, riverless terrain is renowned for its white-sand beaches and tropical climate, making it a popular tourist destination. As a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba has its own parliament and operates with a high degree of autonomy, while defense and foreign affairs are managed by the Dutch government.