- Population:
- 185,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Curaçao was originally settled by indigenous Arawaks before becoming a Dutch colony in the 17th century. It became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. The economy is based on tourism, oil refining, and financial services, with strong European and Caribbean cultural influences.
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 65 kilometers north of the Venezuelan coast. It is the largest of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and covers an area of approximately 444 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated at around 155,826 people. The capital and largest city is Willemstad. The official languages are Papiamentu, Dutch, and English. Curaçao operates as a parliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy, with the Dutch monarch as head of state, represented locally by a Governor. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, international trade, shipping services, oil refining, and financial services. Curaçao is known for its vibrant culture, colorful architecture, and coral reefs, making it a popular tourist destination. The island maintains a high standard of living and has a well-developed infrastructure.