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ARUBADiscovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Aruba is from mid-December to mid-April. Budget travelers will find rates that are far more reasonable (but still pricey) during the off season when discounts of 30% or more are available. FACTS ABOUT ARUBA - Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
- Geographic coordinates: 12 30 N, 69 58 W
- Area: 193 sq km
- Coastline: 68.5 km
- Max elevation: Mount Jamanota 188 m
- Population: 101,541
- Capital: Oranjestad
- Government: Parliamentary democracy
- Currency: Aruban guilder/florin (AWG)
- Internet Country Code: .aw
- Calling Code: 297
- Ethnic groups: mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%, other 20%
- Languages: Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3%
- Religions: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, other (includes Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) 10%
- Major Industries: Tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining
- Natural resources: White sandy beaches
- Environmental issues: Impact of tourism development on coastal reefs
- Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
- Average sea surface temp: 27 °C
- Average annual rainfall: 508 mm
- Annual tourist arrivals: 1.6 million
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