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General Information

Aruba lies deep in the Southern Caribbean, less than 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The island is part of the Lesser Antilles, is 20 miles long at it widest point, 6 miles across, and covers approximately 70 square miles. Located 12 degrees north of the equator, Aruba enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Trade winds help keep the median temperature at a very pleasant 82 degrees. The island receives about 18 inches of rainfall each year, and is located outside of the ‘hurricane belt’ region.

Aruba boasts miles of white, sandy beaches, widely regarded as some of the best in the Caribbean. The landscape differs drastically across the island. The beaches of the south and west coasts give way to the rocky, rugged terrain of the north, and the almost desert conditions of parts of the interior. Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba, and is located on the island’s south coast. This historical, picturesque city houses all the government buildings and features colorful architecture that helps to create the island’s unique charm.

The population of Aruba is a mixture of the original Arawak Indians, Africans, Europeans and South Americans. There are approximately 100,000 Arubans on the island, known for their warmth and hospitality. Aruba boasts one of the lowest illiteracy rates and one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and Latin America.

History

Like many islands in the Caribbean, the early inhabitants of Aruba were the Arawak Indians. These were a peaceful people who were farmers and experts in agriculture. At various times during their history, the Arawaks were uprooted by the fierce Carib Indians, who also made their habitation in the West Indies.

Europeans made their first recorded landing in Aruba in the late 1500’s. The Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda settled in Aruba in 1499. The Indians were easily subdued and enslaved by the technologically superior setters. On finding no gold on the islands, the Spaniards exported many of the Indians to Santo Domingo, where they were forced to work in the mines.

The Dutch took control of the island in the mid 1600’s, near the end of the Eighty Years’ War between Spain and Holland. The Dutch retained control of Aruba for nearly 200 years until 1805, when the British seized control of the island during the Napoleonic Wars. The island was returned to Dutch control in 1816, and since then, has continued to be part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Although part of the Kingdom, Aruba is governed independently.

	Featured Accommodations in Aruba
	Aruba Surfside Marina
	http://www.arubasurfsidemarina.com/
	Email: info@arubasurfsidemarina.com
	The Aruba Surfside Marina is tucked away on the peaceful Surfside beach, just a 3-minute drive from the heart of Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, and a short drive from the International Airport. more...

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