This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2007) Aruba Flag Coat of arms Anthem: "Aruba Dushi Tera" Capital (and largest city) Oranjestad 1231N 701W / 12.517N 70.017W / 12.517; -70.017 Official language(s) Dutch Papiamento1 Demonym Aruban Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Monarch Queen Beatrix  -  Governor Fredis Refunjol  -  Prime Minister Mike Eman Legislature Estates of Aruba Autonomy from Netherlands Antilles   -  Date 1 January 1986  Area  -  Total 180 km2  69 sq mi   -  Water (%) negligible Population  -  July 2009 estimate 1030652 (186th)  -  Density 534/km2 (18th) 1383/sq mi GDP (PPP) 2007 estimate  -  Total $2.400 billion (182nd)  -  Per capita $23831 (32nd) Currency Aruban florin (AWG) Time zone AST (UTC-04) Drives on the right ISO 3166 code AW Internet TLD .aw Calling code 297

Aruba ( /rub/ -roo-b) is a 33 km-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea located 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela. Together with Bonaire and Curaao it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands of the Leeward Antilles the southern island chain of the Lesser Antilles.

Aruba which has no administrative subdivisions is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands together with the Netherlands Curaao and Sint Maarten whose citizens share a single nationality: Dutch citizen. Unlike much of the Caribbean region Aruba has a dry climate and an arid cactus-strewn landscape. This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm sunny weather. It has a land area of 180 square kilometres (69 sq mi) and is densely populated with its estimated 103000 people. It lies outside the hurricane belt. Contents 1 History 2 Politics 2.1 Moves towards independence 3 Law 4 Education 5 Geography 5.1 Climate 6 Economy 7 Demographics 7.1 Jewish community 7.2 Cities and towns 8 Culture 9 Language 10 Infrastructure 11 Utilities on the island 12 Places of interest 13 Notable Arubans 14 See also 15 References 16 External links History Main article: History of Aruba

Aruba's first inhabitants are thought to have been Caquetos Amerinds from the Arawak tribe who migrated there from Venezuela to escape attacks by the Caribs. Fragments of the earliest known Indian settlements date back to 1000 AD. Sea currents made canoe travel to other Caribbean islands difficult thus Caquetio culture remained closer to that of mainland South America. The capital Oranjestad

Europeans first learned of Aruba following the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in the summer of 1499. Though Vespucci boasted of discovering the island he and Ojeda were likely guided there by natives of nearby islands. Both described Aruba as an "island of giants" remarking on the comparatively large stature of the native Caquetos compared to Europeans. Ojeda also referred to the island as "Oro Hubo" Spanish for "It Had Gold." Gold was not discovered on Aruba however for another 300 years. Vespucci returned to Spain with stocks of cotton and brazilwood from the island and described houses built into the ocean. Vespucci and Ojeda's tales spurred interest in Aruba and Spaniards soon colonized the island.34

Aruba was colonized by Spain for over a century. The Cacique or Indian Chief in Aruba Simas welcomed the first priests in Aruba and received from them a wooden cross as a gift. In 1508 Alonso de Ojeda was appointed as Spain's first Governor of Aruba as part of "Nueva Andaluca."

Another governor appointed by Spain was Juan Martinez de Ampes. A "cdula real" decreed in November 1525 gave Ampes factor of Espaola the right to repopulate the depopulated islands of Aruba Curaao and Bonaire.

In 1528 Ampes was replaced by a representative of the "House of Welser". Aruba has been under Dutch administration since 1636 initially under Peter Stuyvesant. Stuyvesant was on a special mission in Aruba in November and December 1642. Under the Dutch W.I.C. administration as "New Netherland and Curaao" from 1648 to 1664 and the Dutch government regulations of 1629 also applied in Aruba. The Dutch administration appointed an Irishman as "Commandeur" in Aruba in 1667.

In August 1806 General Francisco de Miranda and a group of 200 freedom fighters on their voyage to liberate Venezuela from Spain stayed in Aruba for several weeks.

In 1933 Aruba sent its first petition for Aruba's separate status and autonomy to the Queen. During World War II together with Curaao the then world-class exporting oil refineries were the main suppliers of refined products to the Allies. Aruba became a British protectorate from 1940 to 1942 and a US protectorate from 1942 to 1945. On February 16 1942 its oil processing refinery was attacked by a German submarine (U-156) under the command of Werner Hartenstein but the mission failed. U-156 was later (8 March 1943) destroyed by a US plane as the crew was sunbathing. In March 1944 Eleanor Roosevelt briefly visited American troops stationed in Aruba. In attendance were: His Excellency Dr. P. Kasteel the Governor of Curaao and his aide Lieutenant Ivan Lansberg; Rear Admiral T. E. Chandler and his Aide Lieutenant W. L. Edgington; Captain Jhr. W. Boreel and his aide Lieutenant E. O. Holmberg; and the Netherlands aide to Mrs. Roosevelt Lieutenant Commander v.d. Schatte Olivier. The island's economy has been dominated by five main industries: gold mining phosphate mining (The Aruba Phosphaat Maatschappij) aloe export petroleum refineries (The Lago Oil & Transport Company and the Arend Petroleum Maatschappij Shell Co.) and tourism. Politics Main article: Politics of Aruba Queen Beatrix is the head of state of Aruba Parliament of Aruba in Oranjestad. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Aruba's politics take place within a framework of a 21-member Parliament and an eight-member Cabinet. The governor of Aruba is appointed for a six-year term by the monarch and the prime minister and deputy prime minister are elected by the Staten (or "Parlamento") for four-year terms. The Staten is made up of 21 members elected by direct popular vote to serve a four-year term.5 Together with the Netherlands the countries of Aruba Curaao and Sint Maarten form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As they share the same Dutch citizenship these four countries still also share the Dutch passport as the Kingdom of the Netherlands passport. As Aruba Curaao and Sint Maarten have small populations the three countries had to limit immigration. To protect their population they have the right to control the admission of people from the Netherlands. There is the supervision of the admission and expulsion of people from the Netherlands and the setting of general conditions for the admission and expulsion of aliens. Aruba is designated as a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and is thus officially not a part of the European Union though Aruba can and does receive support from the European Development Fund.67 Moves towards independence In August 1947 Aruba presented its first "Staatsreglement" (constitution) for Aruba's "status aparte" as the status of an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By 1954 the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established providing a framework for relations between Aruba and the rest of the Kingdom.8 In 1972 at a conference in Suriname Betico Croes (MEP) proposed a "sui-generis" Dutch Commonwealth of four states: Aruba the Netherlands Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles each with its own nationality. Mr. C. Yarzagaray a parliamentary member representing the AVP political party proposed a referendum for the people of Aruba to determine Aruba's separate status or "Status Aparte" as a full autonomous state under the crown. He proclaimed: "Aruba shall never accept a federation and a second class nationality."citation needed Betico Croes worked in Aruba to inform and prepare the people of Aruba for independence. In 1976 a committee appointed by Croes introduced the national flag and anthem as the symbols of Aruba's sovereignty and independence and he also set 1981 as a target for Aruba's independence. In March 1977 the first Referendum for Self Determination was held with the support of the United Nations and 82% of the participants voted for independence.citation needed The Island Government of Aruba assigned the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague to prepare a study of Aruba's independence which was published in 1978 titled "Aruba en Onafhankelijkheid achtergronden modaliteiten en mogelijkheden; een rapport in eerste aanleg". At the conference in The Hague in 1981 Aruba's independence was set for the year 1991. In March 1983 Aruba finally reached an official agreement within the Kingdom for Aruba's Independence which would occur in a series of steps granting increasing autonomy. in August 1985 Aruba drafted a constitution that was unanimously approved. On 1 January 1986 after elections were held for Aruba's first parliament Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles and officially became a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Full independence was set for 1996. This achievement is largely due to Betico Croes and the political support of other nations like the USA Panama Venezuela and various European countries.citation needed Croes was later proclaimed "Libertador di Aruba" after his death in 1986. In 1990 movement toward independence was postponed upon the request of Aruba's Prime Minister Nelson O. Oduber. The article scheduling Aruba's complete independence was rescinded in 1995 although the process can begin again after a referendum. Law The Aruban legal system is based on the Dutch model. Instead of juries or grand juries in Aruba legal jurisdiction lies with a Gerecht in Eerste Aanleg (Court of First Instance) on Aruba a Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie voor de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba (Common Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba) and the Hoge Raad der Nederlanden (Supreme Court of Justice of the Netherlands).9 The Korps Politie Aruba (Aruba Police Force) is the island's law enforcement agency and operates district precincts in Oranjestad Noord San Nicolaas and Santa Cruz where it is headquartered.10 Education Aruba's educational system patterned after the Dutch system provides for education at all levels. The Government finances the national education system except for private schools such as the International School of Aruba (ISA) which finance their own activities. The percentage of money earmarked for education is higher than the average for the Caribbean/Latin American region. Arubans benefit from a strong primary school education. A segmented secondary school program includes vocational training (VMBO) basic education (MAVO) college prep (HAVO) and advanced placement (VWO). Higher education goals can be pursued through the Professional Education program (EPI) the teachers college (IPA) as well as through the University of Aruba (UA) which offers bachelors and masters programs in law finance and economics and hospitality and tourism management. Since the choice for higher education on the island itself is limited many students choose study in the Netherlands or abroad in countries in North America South America as well as the rest of Europe. There are 68 schools for primary education 12 schools for secondary education and 5 universities. In 2007 there were 22930 fulltime students registered. There are two private medical schools in Aruba: All Saints University of Medicine Aruba and Xavier University School of Medicine Aruba. All courses are presented in English. School's curriculum is based on the United States medical school model and will lead to a Doctor of Medicine degree that is recognized in North America.11 Geography Main article: Geography of Aruba Map of Aruba Baby natural bridge in Aruba Natural bridge in Aruba Aruba is a generally flat riverless island in the Leeward Antilles island arc of the Lesser Antilles. Aruba is renowned for its white sandy beaches on the western and southern coasts of the island relatively sheltered from fierce ocean currents and this is where most tourist development has taken place. The northern and eastern coasts lacking this protection are considerably more battered by the sea and have been left largely untouched by humans. The hinterland of the island features some rolling hills the best known of which are called Hooiberg at 165 meters (541 ft) and Mount Jamanota the highest on the island at 188 meters (617 ft) above sea level. Oranjestad the capital is located at 1219N 701W / 12.317N 70.017W / 12.317; -70.017. To the east of Aruba are Bonaire and Curaao two island territories which once formed the southwest part of the Netherlands Antilles; this group of islands is sometimes called the ABC islands. Climate Main article: Climate of Aruba The isothermal temperature of Aruba's pleasantly tropical marine climate attracts tourists to the island all year round. Temperature varies little from 28 C (82.4 F) moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Yearly precipitation barely reaches 500 mm (19.7 in) most of it falling in late autumn. Climate data for Oranjestad Aruba Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high C (F) 32.2 (90) 32.8 (91) 33.9 (93) 34.4 (94) 34.4 (94) 35 (95) 34.4 (94) 35.6 (96) 35.6 (96) 35 (95) 33.3 (92) 33.3 (92) 35.6 (96) Average high C (F) 30 (86) 30.6 (87) 31.1 (88) 31.1 (88) 31.7 (89) 32.2 (90) 31.7 (89) 32.2 (90) 32.8 (91) 32.2 (90) 32.2 (90) 30.6 (87) 31.7 (89) Daily mean C (F) 26.7 (80) 26.7 (80) 26.7 (80) 27.2 (81) 28.3 (83) 28.3 (83) 28.3 (83) 28.9 (84) 28.9 (84) 28.3 (83) 27.8 (82) 26.7 (80) 27.8 (82) Average low C (F) 24.4 (76) 24.4 (76) 24.4 (76) 25.6 (78) 26.1 (79) 26.7 (80) 26.1 (79) 26.7 (80) 26.7 (80) 26.1 (79) 25.6 (78) 24.4 (76) 25.6 (78) Record low C (F) 18.9 (66) 20.6 (69) 21.1 (70) 21.7 (71) 21.7 (71) 22.8 (73) 21.1 (70) 21.1 (70) 22.2 (72) 21.7 (71) 22.2 (72) 20.6 (69) 18.9 (66) Precipitation mm (inches) 38.1 (1.50) 19 (0.75) 7.6 (0.30) 13.2 (0.52) 13.7 (0.54) 17.8 (0.70) 30.5 (1.20) 25.4 (1.00) 35.3 (1.39) 65 (2.56) 78.7 (3.10) 65.8 (2.59) 408.9 (16.10) Source: http://www.arubabound.com/weather/average.htm 12 Economy Main article: Economy of Aruba Aruba enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region including a low unemployment rate. About three quarters of the Aruban gross national product is earned through tourism or related activities. Most tourists are from Venezuela and the United States (predominantly from eastern and southern states). Before the "Status Aparte" (a separate completely autonomous country/state within the Kingdom) oil processing was the dominant industry in Aruba despite expansion of the tourism sector. Today the influence of the oil processing business is minimal. The size of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors also remains minimal. The GDP per capita for Aruba was estimated to be $21800 in 2004; among the highest in the Caribbean and the Americas.2 Its main trading partners are Venezuela the United States and the Netherlands. Deficit spending has been a staple in Aruba's history and modestly high inflation has been present as well. As of 2006 the government's debt had grown to 1.883 billion Aruban florins.13 Aruba received some development aid from the Dutch government each year through 2009 as part of a deal (signed as "Aruba's Financial Independence") in which the Netherlands gradually reduced its financial help to the island each successive year. The exchange rate of the Aruban florin has remained steady in recent years at 1.79 florins to 1 U.S. dollar.2 In 2006 the Aruban government has also changed several tax laws to further reduce the deficit. Direct taxes have been converted to indirect taxes as proposed by the IMF. A 3% tax has been introduced on sales and services while income taxes have been lowered and revenue taxes for business reduced by 20%. The government compensated workers with 3.1% for the effect that the B.B.O. would have on the inflation for 2007. The inflation on Aruba in 2007 was 8.7%. Iguanas on a rooftop in Aruba. Demographics Population of Aruba according to the FAO in 2005; number of inhabitants given in thousands. Main article: Demographics of Aruba Aruba is situated in the deep southern part of the Caribbean. Because it has almost no rainfall Aruba was saved from the plantation system and the economics of the slave trade. Aruba's population is estimated to be 80% mestizo and 20% other ethnicities. Arawaks spoke the "broken Spanish" which their ancestors had learned on Hispaniola. The Dutch took control 135 years after the Spanish left the Arawaks to farm and graze livestock and used the island as a source of meat for other Dutch possessions in the Caribbean. The Arawak heritage is stronger on Aruba than on most Caribbean islands. Although no full-blooded Aboriginals remain the features of the islanders clearly indicate their genetic Arawak heritage. Most of the population is descended mostly from Arawak and to a lesser extent Spanish Italian Dutch and a few French Portuguese British and African ancestors. Recently there has been substantial immigration to the island from neighboring American and Caribbean nations possibly attracted by the higher paid jobs. In 2007 new immigration laws were introduced to help control the growth of the population by restricting foreign workers to a maximum of 3 years residency on the island. Demographically Aruba has felt the impact of its proximity to Venezuela far more so than neighboring Curaao and Bonaire. Much of Aruba's families are present by way of Venezuela and there is a seasonal increase of Venezuelans living in second homes. Jewish community Today the Jewish community of Aruba numbers about 35 Jews.14 The community officially dates back to 1754 when Moses Solomon Halevi Maduro his wife and six children received special permission to reside on the island by the Dutch royalty. Maduro founded the main shipping company Maduro & Sons. The Jewish cemetery which began to be used regularly for burials by the Jewish community beginning in 1837 contains eight tombstones dating back to 1563 the only indication of a Jewish presence on the island before the 18th century.15 The current prime minister of the island nation Mike Eman is of Jewish descent.15 Cities and towns Main article: List of cities in Aruba The island with a population of just over 100000 inhabitants does not have major cities. Oranjestad (33000 in 2006) Paradera San Nicolas Noord Santa Cruz Savaneta Culture Main article: Culture of Aruba See also: Music of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles Ornate buildings in Oranjestad Aruba. On March 18 Aruba celebrates its National Day. In 1976 Aruba presented its National Anthem (Aruba Dushi Tera) and Flag. The origins of the population and location of the island give Aruba a mixed culture. Dutch influence can still be seen as in the celebration of "Sinterklaas" on December 5 and 6 and other national holidays like April 30 when in Aruba and the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands the Queen's birthday or "Dia di La Reina" (Koninginnedag) is celebrated. Christmas and New Year are celebrated with the typical music and songs of gaitas for Christmas and the Dande for New Year and the "ayaca" the "ponche crema" and "ham" and other typical foods and drinks. Millions of dollars worth of fireworks are burnt at midnight on New Year's. On January 25 Betico Croes' birthday is celebrated. The holiday of Carnival is also an important one in Aruba as it is in many Caribbean and Latin American countries and like Mardi Gras that goes on for weeks. Its celebration in Aruba started around the 1950s influenced by the inhabitants from the nearby islands (Venezuela St Vincent Trinidad Barbados St. Maarten and Anguilla) who came to work for the Oil refinery. Over the years the Carnival Celebration has changed and now starts from the beginning of January till the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with a large parade on the last Sunday of the festivities (Sunday before Ash Wednesday). In June there is the celebration of the "Dia di San Juan" with the song of "Dera Gai". Tourism from the United States has recently increased the visibility of American culture on the island with such celebrations as Halloween and Thanksgiving Day in November. Religion also has its influences; the days of Ascension and Good Friday are also two holidays on the island. According to the Bureau Burgelijke Stand en Bevolkingsregister (BBSB) as of 2005 there are ninety-two different nationalities living on the island. Language Main article: Languages of Aruba Language can be seen as an important part of island culture in Aruba. The official languages are Dutch and since 2003 Papiamento. Papiamento is the predominant language on Aruba. A creole language spoken on Aruba Bonaire and Curaao it incorporates words from other languages including Portuguese West African languages Dutch and Spanish. Like many islands in the region Spanish is also often spoken. English has historical connections (with the British Empire) and is known by many; English usage has also grown due to tourism. Other common languages spoken based on the size of their community are Portuguese Chinese German and French. The latter is offered in high school and college since a high percentage of Aruban students continue their studies in Europe. In recent years the government of Aruba has shown an increased interest in acknowledging the cultural and historical importance of its native language. Although spoken Papiamento is fairly similar among the several Papiamento-speaking islands there is a big difference in written Papiamento. The orthography differs per island and even per group of people. Some are more oriented towards the Portuguese roots and use the equivalent spelling (e.g. "y" instead of "j") where others are more oriented towards the Dutch roots. In a book The Buccaneers of America first published in 1678 it is stated by eyewitness account that the Indians on Aruba spoke "Spanish". The oldest government official statement written in Papiamento dates from 1803. Aruba has four newspapers published in Papiamento: Diario Bon Dia Solo di Pueblo and Awe Mainta and two in English : Aruba Today and The News. Amigoe is the newspaper published in Dutch. Aruba also has 18 radio stations (2 AM and 16 FM) and three local television stations (Tele-Aruba Aruba Broadcast Company and Channel 22). Infrastructure Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport is located near Oranjestad. This airport has daily flights to various cities across the United States to San Juan Puerto Rico; Miami Florida; Chicago Illinois; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania; Houston Texas; Atlanta Georgia; Charlotte North Carolina; Washington DC; New York City; and Boston Massachusetts. It also connects Aruba with Toronto Ontario and South America with daily flights to the international airports of Venezuela Colombia Peru Brazil Germany France Spain U.K and most of Europe through the Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. Direct flights from Italy started in November 2008. According to the Aruba Airport Authority almost 1.7 million travelers used the airport in 2005 of which 61% were Americans. In cooperation with the United States government and for the facilitation for the passengers that arrive into the United States the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) full pre-clearance facility in Aruba has been in effect since February 1 2001 with the expansion in the Queen Beatrix Airport United States and Aruba have the agreement since 1986 that begins as a USDA and Customs post and since 2008 the only island to have this service for private flights. In 1999 the U.S. Department of Defense established a Forward Operating Location (FOL) at the airport. Aruba has two ports Barcadera and Playa which are located in Oranjestad. The Port of Playa welcomes all the cruise-ship lines including Royal Caribbean Carnival Cruise Lines NCL Holland America Line Disney Cruise Line and many more; an estimated almost one million tourists enter in this port per year Aruba Ports Authority owned and operated by the Aruban government is the authority in these seaports. Aruba's public buses transportation services is in charge of Arubus a government based company which operates from 3:30am until 12:30am 365 days a year. Small private vans also provide the transportation services in certain areas such Hotel Area San Nicolaas Santa Cruz and Noord. Aruba also counts two telecommunications providers Setar the government based company and Digicel Irish ownership company based in Kingston Jamaica. Setar is the provider of services such as Internet video conference GSM wireless tech and land lines and offer the latest in telecom services Digicel is the Setar competitor in wireless technology using the GSM platform. Utilities on the island W.E.B. Aruba NV produces potable industrial water at the world's third largest desalination plant.16 Average daily consumption in is about 37000 metric tons.17 Places of interest Palm Beach Alto Vista Chapel Arikok National Park Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations Bushiribana and Balashi California Lighthouse Frenchman's Pass Mount Jamanota Hooiberg Lourdes Grotto Natural Bridge Aruba* Natural Pool Palm Beach Aruba Quadiriki Caves Tierra Del Sol Golf Course Eagle Beach Arashi Aruba Caves of Aruba Baby Beach Aruba Aruba Aloe Factory Palm Island Aruba Sint Nicolaas Aruba   * Collapsed September 2 2005 18 Notable Arubans Dave Benton musician who won the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest representing Estonia Juan Chabaya Lampe Composer of Aruba's national anthem Betico Croes politician Bobby Farrell musician (group Boney M.) Percy Irausquin fashion designer Jim Jones American hip-hop artist Joran van der Sloot criminal Gene Kingsale former MLB player Calvin Maduro former MLB player Pete Philly Dutch hip-hop artist Sidney Ponson former MLB player currently a free agent See also Caribbean portal Netherlands Antilles portal Netherlands portal Main article: Outline of Aruba Bibliography of Aruba Index of Aruba-related articles SS Pedernales References Migge Bettina; Lglise Isabelle; Bartens Angela (2010). Creoles in Education: An Appraisal of Current Programs and Projects. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company. p. 268. ISBN 9789027252586. http://books.google.com/booksid4SMLb6hKv4YC&lpgPT276&dqaruba%20official%20language%20Papiamento&pgPT276#vonepage&qaruba%20official%20language%20Papiamento&ffalse.  a b c Central Intelligence Agency (2009). "Aruba". The World Factbook. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aa.html. Retrieved 2011-06-06.  Sullivan Lynne M. (2006). Adventure Guide to Aruba Bonaire & Curacao. Edison NJ: Hunter Publishing Inc.. pp. 57-58. http://books.google.com/booksidM8SyFOyvjkQC&lpgPA58&dqvespucci%20aruba&pgPA58#vonepage&qvespucci%20aruba&ffalse.  Sauer Carl Ortwin (1966). The Early Spanish Main. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 112. http://books.google.com/booksidplzS7SL-f0C&lpgPA112&dqvespucci%20aruba&pgPR4#vonepage&qvespucci%20aruba&ffalse.  "Political Stability". Aruba Department of Foreign Affairs. http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/readBlob.doid694. Retrieved 2011-06-07.  "EU Relations with Aruba". European Union. http://www.eeas.europa.eu/aruba/indexen.htm. Retrieved 2011-06-06.  "Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)". European Union. http://europa.eu/legislationsummaries/development/overseascountriesterritories/indexen.htm. Retrieved 2011-06-06.  Robbers Gerhard (2007). Encyclopedia of World Constitutions. 1. New York City: Facts on File Inc.. p. 649. ISBN 0-8160-6078-9. http://books.google.com/booksidM3A-xgf1yM4C&lpgPA649&dqaruba%20constitution&pgPR4#vonepage&qaruba%20constitution&ffalse.  Aruba.com "Korps Politie Aruba: district precincts". Aruba Police Force. http://www.kparuba.com/districts.html. Retrieved 2010-09-11.  IMED - FAIMER International Medical Education Directory - Search IMED Aruba Bound!. "Aruba Weather". Aruba Bound!. http://www.arubabound.com/weather/average.htm. Retrieved 2011-02-08.  Central Bureau of Statistics. "Key Indicators General Government 1997-2006". http://www.cbs.aw/cbs/manageDocument.dodispatchview&id927. Retrieved 2011-06-07.  Chabad.org The Prime Minister Wants Tefillin a b Marks Yehudah. Jewish Prime Minister of Aruba Orders Pair of Tefillin. Hamodia World News 2 September 2010 p. B42. Aruba Hosts International Desalination Conference 2007 Official Travel News from Aruba "History". W.E.B. Aruba NV. http://www.webaruba.com/index.phpoptioncomcontent&taskview&id33&Itemid123. Retrieved 2011-06-07.  "Coral bridge natural Aruba tourist spot collapses". Associated Press. 2005. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-09-02-aruba-bridgex.htmcsp36. Retrieved 2010-09-11.  External links Government of Aruba Aruba.com - Official Tourism site of Aruba Aruba at the Open Directory Project Wikimedia Atlas of Aruba Aruba travel guide from Wikitravel v d eAruba topics Politics and government Coast guard  Coat of arms  Constitution  Elections  Estates (parliament)  Flag  Foreign relations  Governor  Military  Monarch  Police  Political parties  Prime Minister  Visa policy Culture and history Demographics  Festivals  Films  Languages  LGBT rights  Music  People  Society Economy and infrastructure Airports  Buildings  Companies  Currency  Media  Telecommunications  Transport Geography and environment Capital  Cities  Climate  Islands  Mammals  Rivers  Scouting Sports Association Football  Olympics  Pan American Games  Sportspeople See also: Index of Aruba-related articles Outline of Aruba Kingdom of the Netherlands Netherlands Antilles  Geographic locale v d eIslands of the former Netherlands Antilles1 Aruba2  Bonaire (Klein Bonaire)  Curaao (Klein Curaao)  Saba  Saint Eustatius  Sint Maarten 1The Netherlands Antilles was dissolved on 10 October 2010 2Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles on 1 January 1986 v d eCountries and territories of the Caribbean  Sovereign states Commonwealth Realms Antigua and Barbuda  Bahamas  Barbados  Grenada  Jamaica  St. Kitts and Nevis  St. Lucia  St. Vincent and the Grenadines Commonwealth republics Dominica  Trinidad and Tobago Other republics Cuba  Dominican Republic  Haiti  Dependencies and other areas by parent state United Kingdom Anguilla  British Virgin Islands  Cayman Islands  Montserrat  Turks and Caicos Islands Netherlands Aruba  Bonaire  Curaao  Saba  Saint Eustatius  Sint Maarten France Guadeloupe  Martinique  St. Barthlemy  St. Martin United States Bajo Nuevo Bank  Navassa Island  Puerto Rico  Serranilla Bank  U.S. Virgin Islands v d eCountries and dependencies of North America Sovereign states Antigua and Barbuda  Bahamas  Barbados  Belize  Canada  Costa Rica  Cuba  Dominica  Dominican Republic  El Salvador  France (Guadeloupe  Martinique)  Grenada  Guatemala  Haiti  Honduras  Jamaica  Mexico  Nicaragua  Netherlands (Bonaire  Saba  Saint Eustatius)  Panama  St. Kitts and Nevis  St. Lucia  St. Vincent and the Grenadines  Trinidad and Tobago  United States Dependencies Denmark Greenland France Clipperton Island  St. Barthlemy  St. Martin  St. Pierre and Miquelon Netherlands Aruba  Curaao  Sint Maarten United Kingdom Anguilla  Bermuda  British Virgin Islands  Cayman Islands  Montserrat  Turks and Caicos Islands United States Bajo Nuevo Bank  Navassa Island  Puerto Rico  Serranilla Bank  U.S. Virgin Islands  International membership and history v d eCaribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat (Secretary-General) Nations Members Antigua and Barbuda  Bahamas1  Barbados  Belize  Dominica  Grenada  Guyana  Haiti1  Jamaica  Montserrat2  St. Kitts and Nevis  St. Lucia  St. Vincent and the Grenadines  Suriname  Trinidad and Tobago Associate members Anguilla  Bermuda  Cayman Islands  British Virgin Islands  Turks and Caicos Islands Observers Aruba  Colombia  Curaao  Dominican Republic  Mexico  Puerto Rico  Sint Maarten  Venezuela Institutions CSME  CDEMA  CMO  CMO  CXC  CCJ  CFC  CEHI  CARDI  REPAHA  ACCP  CARICAD  CFNI  CCC  CRITI  Related organizations Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States 1 Member of the Community but not of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).   2 British overseas territory awaiting entrustment to join the CSME. v d eOutlying territories of European countries Territories under European sovereignty but closer to or on continents other than Europe (see inclusion criteria for further information) Denmark Greenland France Clipperton Island  French Guiana  French Polynesia  Guadeloupe  Martinique  Mayotte  New Caledonia  Runion  Saint Barthlemy  Saint Martin  Saint Pierre and Miquelon  Wallis and Futuna French Southern and Antarctic Lands Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean (Banc du Geyser  Bassas da India  Europa Island  Glorioso Islands  Juan de Nova Island  Tromelin Island)  le Amsterdam  le Saint-Paul  Crozet Islands  Kerguelen Islands  Adlie Land Netherlands Aruba  Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire  Saba  Saint Eustatius)  Curaao  Sint Maarten Norway Bouvet Island  Peter I Island  Queen Maud Land Portugal Azores  Madeira Spain Canary Islands  Ceuta  Melilla  Plazas de soberana (Islas Chafarinas  Pen de Alhucemas  Pen de Vlez de la Gomera) United Kingdom Anguilla  Bermuda  British Virgin Islands  Cayman Islands  Falkland Islands  Montserrat  Saint Helena Ascension and Tristan da Cunha  Turks and Caicos Islands  British Antarctic Territory  British Indian Ocean Territory  Pitcairn Islands  South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands v d eDutch Empire  Colonies and trading posts of the Dutch East India Company (1602-1798) Governorates Ambon  Banda  Batavia  Cape Colony  Ceylon  Coromandel  Formosa  Northeast coast of Java  Makassar  Malacca  Moluccas Directorates Bengal  Persia  Suratte Commandments Bantam  Malabar  West coast of Sumatra Residencies Banjarmasin  Cheribon  Palembang  Pontianak Settlements with an opperhoofd Canton  Dejima  Mauritius  Myanmar  Siam  Timor  Tonkin  Colonies and trading posts of the Dutch West India Company (1621-1792) Colonies in the Americas Acadia  Berbice  Cayenne  Curaao and Dependencies  Demerara  Essequibo  Brazil  New Netherland  Pomeroon  Saint Eustatius and Dependencies  Suriname  Tobago  Virgin Islands Trading posts in Africa Angola  Arguin  Gold Coast  Senegambia  Slave Coast Governed by the Society of Berbice  Governed by the Society of Suriname  Settlements of the Noordsche Compagnie (1614-1642) Settlements Smeerenburg  Jan Mayen  Colonies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815-1962) Until 1825 Bengal  Coromandel  Malacca Until 1853 Dejima Until 1872 Gold Coast Until 1945 Dutch East Indies Until 1954 Curaao and Dependencies  Suriname Until 1962 New Guinea Became constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Suriname gained full independence in 1975 the Netherlands Antilles dissolved in 2010.  Kingdom of the Netherlands (1954-Present) Constituent countries Aruba  Curaao  Netherlands  Sint Maarten Public bodies of the Netherlands Bonaire  Saba  Saint Eustatius v d eDependencies of European Union states Denmark Faroe Islands  Greenland France Clipperton Island  French Polynesia  French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Adlie Land le Amsterdam Crozet Islands les parses Kerguelen Islands le Saint-Paul)  New Caledonia  Saint Barthlemy  Saint Martin  Saint Pierre and Miquelon  Wallis and Futuna United Kingdom Crown dependencies Guernsey  Isle of Man  Jersey  Sovereign Base Areas Akrotiri and Dhekelia Overseas territories Anguilla  Bermuda  British Antarctic Territory  British Indian Ocean Territory  British Virgin Islands  Cayman Islands  Falkland Islands  Gibraltar  Montserrat  Pitcairn Islands  Saint Helena Ascension and Tristan da Cunha  South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands  Turks and Caicos Islands