Aruba snapshots, introduction, tourist attractions, map and photographs

Aruba is a Caribbean island situated 15 miles north of Venezuela. It has total land area about 193 square kilometers, slightly larger than Washington, DC.

Aruba has 71,218 (2004 estimate) population, including 80% mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian. Dutch is the official language but Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English, and Spanish are widely spoken in Aruba.

Aruba Island was formerly one of the Netherlands Antilles. It became an autonomous part of the Netherlands in 1986. Today, tourism is the mainstay of the Aruban economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Aruba has a small labor force and less than 1% unemployment rate.

With tropical marine climate with little seasonal temperature variation and lied outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, Aruba is a tropical paradise with Dutch charm and miles of magnificent white sand beaches along its about 68 kilometers coastline.

Aruba enjoys an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius due to the cooling tradewinds. With tropical sunshine, pleasant weather, clear blue waters, and miles of world's most beautiful beaches, Aruba offers visitors many sports and year-round activities. Steady tradewinds make Aruba a windsurfing paradise. Due to calm and clear waters, southern coast is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and waterskiing.

Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, is a city with Dutch charming buildings and duty-free shops.

There are many beachfront resorts with swimming pools and water sports, tennis courts, fitness centers, spa, restaurants and bars, live entertainment, shops and casinos, and other modern facilities.

Aruba is a perfect tropical paradise for vacationers enjoying water sports and entertainment.