Aruba

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – In North of South Caribbean Sea
• Currency symbol of Aruba –Aruban florin(ƒ)
• Capital City – Oranjestad
• Official languages – Papiamento and Dutch
• Population – 105,845 (2018) World Bank
• Country dialling code  –  (+ 297)
• Official website – Aruba
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Tourism, financial, hospitality, business, and petroleum bunkering are among the major service industries.
• Google Maps link –Aruba
• Where is it? –Aruba is an island and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands lying in the southern Caribbean Sea

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Aruba In Pictures

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Aruba History

• How did the country get its current name? -Here are different theories as to the origin of the name Aruba: From the Spanish Oro hubo which means “there was gold” From the Island Carib word Oruba which means “well-placed” From the Island Carib words Ora (“shell”) and Oubao (“island”)
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The island was occupied by Arawak tribes between 2500 BC – 1000 AD. The first European to set foot on Aruba was Alonso de Ojeda in 1499.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – Caiquetio Indians, the first known inhabitants of the island of Aruba were the Caiquetio Indians of the Arawak tribe from Venezuela.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – Aruba is a special municipality of The Netherlands. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -Henny Eman (1986-1989)

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Five Significant Events 

1. Aruba’s first settler 1,000’s: The Arawak Indians, arrived from Venezuela. Remnants of their culture can still be found s around the island. (https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php) 
2. Colonized by the Dutch 1636: Looking for another place to establish a colonial presence the Dutch captured the island of Aruba. The construction of the historic fortress Fort Zoutman and William III Tower occur. (https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php)
3. The Napoleonic Wars 1815: From a short period of time 1805-1815 the island fell to the British, and in the end came back to Dutch control. (https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php)
4. Autonomous Federation 1954: After the World War II Aruba had an increase in political end economic autonomy and became completely self-governing within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Emphasis on tourism. (https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php)
5. 1985: Tourism became especially important. Although the first cruise ship arrived in Aruba in 1957, the tourism industry began to develop in earnest at the end of the 20th century and is now the island’s primary economy. (https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php)

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Five Places to Visit in Aruba

1. Palm Beach: Palm Beach is where you can find the majority of Aruba’s high-rise resorts. This area also boasts many restaurants, casinos, bars and shops. So if you won’t be renting a car, Palm Beach would be the best place to visit in Aruba as it is very walkable. (https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/)

2. Oranjestad : Oranjestad is the biggest city in Aruba and also its capital. It is also a popular cruise ship port. So don’t be surprised if the streets are occasionally crowded with cruise ship passengers checking out the town’s shops and restaurants. Strolling through Oranjestad, you’ll find a mixture of colorful colonial buildings and high-rise resorts, restaurants, bars and shops. (https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/)
3. Arikok National Park: If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out Arikok National Park, which covers approximately 20 percent of the island. Some of the creatures you might run into at this hilly park include the Aruban whiptail lizard, Aruban cat eye snake, the Aruban parakeet and the Aruban burrowing owl. (https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/)
4. Baby Beach: Baby Beach is one of Aruba’s best-known beaches. It is a beautiful, shallow, man-made lagoon with very calm waters, making it perfect for children. Baby Beach is also popular with kite boarders and windsurfers. https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/
5. Antilla Wreck: The SS Antilla, which is the second largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean, met its demise in quite the dramatic fashion. In 1940, less than one year after the ship made its maiden voyage, its own German crew set it ablaze rather than have it captured. (https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/)

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References: 

• https://www.visitaruba.com/about-aruba/general-aruba-facts/history/#:~:text=As%20far%20as%20can%20be,on%20the%20Island%20in%201499.
• https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/history-timeline-of-aruba.php
• https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-aruba/
• https://www.aruba.com/uk/our-island/history-and-culture/history