Aruba#Politics

{{Main|Name of Aruba}}

The name Aruba most likely came from the Caquetío Oruba which means "well situated island", seeing as it was the Caquetío who were present on the island when Alonso de Ojeda arrived in the 16th century. Between 1529 and the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia, the name "Isla de Oruba" was used for the island by the Spanish. The island was ceded to the Dutch, and gradually its name was changed to Aruba.

There were many different names for Aruba used by other Amerindian groups, all of which could have contributed to the present-day name Aruba. Another Caquetío name for the island was Oibubia which means "Guided island". The Taino name for the island was Arubeira.{{cite web |last1=Dick |first1=Kenneth |title=Aboriginal and early Spanish names for some Caribbean, Circum-Caribbean islands and cays |url=http://stcroixarchaeology.org/files/Aboriginal_Early_Spanish_Names_-_Dick.pdf#page=8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://stcroixarchaeology.org/files/Aboriginal_Early_Spanish_Names_-_Dick.pdf#page=8 |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |website=stcroixarchaeology |publisher=The St, Croix Archeological Society}} The Kalinago also had two names for the island Ora Oubao which means "Shell island"{{cite book|last1=Brushaber|first1=Susan|last2=Greenberg|first2=Arnold|title=Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao Alive!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uCigiQGl1fwC&pg=PA38|year=2001|publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc|isbn=978-1-58843-259-9|page=38}} and Oirubae which means "Companion of Curaçao".

A common misconception is that the name "Aruba" came from Oro hubo, (Spanish for "There was gold once"). However, the Spanish declared these islands islas inútiles, meaning "useless islands", due to their apparent lack of mineral wealth.{{Cite book |last=Hartog |first=Johan |title=Aruba: Past and Present: from the time of the indians until today |publisher=D.J. De Wit |year=1961 |location=Oranjestad, Aruba |language=en |translator-last=Verleun |translator-first=J.A.}} It was not until 1824 that gold was discovered on Aruba by a 12-year-old herder named Willem Rasmijn, leading to the Aruban Gold Rush.Teenstra, M. (1837). De Nederlandsche West-Indische eilanden in derzelver tegenwoordigen toestand, Aflevering 2. In L. U. (KIT), www.colonial.library.leiden.edu (p. 381). AMSTERDAM: C.G.Sulpke.

In Aruba's prehistoric era, there were distinct periods: the Archaic or Pre-Ceramic and the Neo-Indian or Ceramic (Dabajuroïd)  period.{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=L. |title=Koloniale mythen en Benedenwindse feiten : Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire in inheems Atlantisch perspectief, ca. 1499–1636 |year=2018 |pages=19–27 |trans-title=Colonial Myths and Leeward Realities: Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire from an Indigenous Atlantic Perspective, ca. 1499–1636 |chapter=Inheemse eilanden: een korte kennismaking |publisher=Sidestone Press |isbn=978-90-8890-602-2 |trans-chapter=Indigenous islands: a brief introduction |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-9789088906022/page/19/mode/2up}} The Archaic occupation of Aruba continued well into the first millennium AD, which is relatively late in compared to other parts of the insular Caribbean. The archaic lifestyle revolved around a food economy based on fishing, hunting, and gathering, with a strong emphasis on marine resources. Ceramics were absent, as was horticulture and agriculture.{{Cite book |last1=Mickleburgh |first1=Hayley L. |url= |title=The Archaeology of Caribbean and Circum-Caribbean Farmers (6000 BC – AD 1500) |last2=Laffoon |first2=Jason E. |publisher=Routledge |year=2018 |isbn=9781351169202 |location=London |chapter=Assessing dietary and subsistence transitions on prehistoric Aruba: Preliminary bioarchaeological evidence |doi=10.4324/9781351169202 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q-5aDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT330}} Weapons and tools were predominantly crafted from stone. Sharp-edged ax blades, chisels, and knives were commonly used, with the knives distinguishable by their elongated shape and flat blades.{{Cite journal |last=De Josselin De Jong |first=J. P. B. |year=1919 |title=De Beteekenis Van Het Archaeologisch Onderzoek Op Aruba, Curaçao En Bonaire |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41847531 |journal=De West-Indische Gids |volume=1 |pages=317–334 |jstor=41847531 |issn=0372-7289}}

One notable site, Sero Muskita, yielded a tool that is older than other archaic age sites on the island. The finishing techniques and shape of this tool resembles one found at Arikok, suggesting a date before approximately 2000 BC. The presence of these tools on the island may be from occasional visits from the mainland. In total, 33 archaic age sites have been identified on Aruba.{{Cite book |last1=Kelly |first1=H.J. |title=Early Settlers of the Insular Caribbean: Dearchaizing the Archaic |last2=Hofman |first2=C.L. |publisher=Sidestone Press |year=2019 |publication-place=Leiden |pages=147–162 |chapter=The Archaic Age of Aruba: New evidence on the first migrations to the island |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333561268}}

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During this period, the Leeward Islands maintained connections and engaged in trade with mainland South America, particularly with partners in the present-day Falcón-Zulia state in Venezuela and possibly the La Guajira Peninsula (Venezuela/Colombia). The specific language group to which they belonged remains uncertain. This theory is supported by the discovery of 60 to 70 Amerindian cemetery burial grounds in MalmokVersteeg, A. H. (1991). [https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/06/19/61/00405/13-9.pdf A preceramic burial site at Malmok (Aruba)]. In Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology. Ayubi EN, Haviser JB (eds). Reports of the Archaeological–Anthropological Institute of the Netherlands Antilles (No. 9, pp. 105–126). and Canashito. Burial sites at Canashito are dated between 100 BC to 100 AD. isotopic research revealed that one of the individuals buried there was not from Aruba and had a different diet compared to the other four individuals of Aruban origin. This finding suggests that early human migration and cultural exchange were already part of the cultural pattern of these archaic Indians at an early stage.

The burial site in Malmok dates to between 450 and 1000 AD. The Arubans of that time had a short and stocky physique, with adult men averaging {{Convert|1.57|m|ft}} in height and women averaging {{Convert|1.49|m|ft}}. The burial customs offer insight into the social dynamics of the archaic island inhabitants. Based on the burial patterns,{{cite web |title=Distributions of graves and gifts |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268741493 |access-date=11 November 2023}} it was deduced that they travelled in clans of 15 to 30 people. These groups were led by an adult man who was buried at the center of the cluster. His elevated status was emphasised by the presence of several stones marking his grave. The rest of the family group was buried around him.

File:NL-HaNA 4.JBF 206.jpg

{{See also|A.J. van Koolwijk}}

The archaic population disappeared from Aruba from the archaeological record around 950 AD, shortly after the arrival of the neo-Indian—Caquetío. It is clear that the Caquetíos had a superior culture in socio-economic and technological terms. It is possible that the Caquetío lived alongside the archaic Indians for a time and that they were ultimately displaced or assimilated.

The Caquetío belonged to the Arawak people. The origin of Arawak civilisation (a name based on a linguistic classification) is located in the central Amazon region. Between 1500 and 500 BC, the influence of the Arawaks had expanded to the Caribbean Basin and the Guianas. Between 850 and 1000 AD, Caquetío Indians migrated from western Venezuela, probably from the Paraguaná and Guajire peninsulas, to the Leeward Antilles. They belonged to the Arawak-Maipure language family.{{Cite thesis |last=Oliver |first=J.R. |year=1989 |title=The Archaeological, Linguistic and Ethnohistorical Evidence for the Expansion of Arawakan into Northwestern Venezuela and Northeastern Colombia |url=https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10157455/ |journal=Doctoral Thesis (PhD) |publisher=University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC) |access-date=2023-09-15 |type=Doctoral |via=UCL Discovery}}Haviser, J.B. (1991). The first Bonaireans. Archaeological-Anthropological Institute of the Netherlands Antilles.{{Cite book |last=Rouse |first=Irving |url=https://archive.org/details/tainosrisedeclin00rous |title=The Tainos : rise & decline of the people who greeted Columbus |publisher=Yale University Press |year=1992 |location=New Haven |access-date=2023-09-15 |url-access=registration}}{{Cite book |last=Dijkhoff |first=Raymundo A. C. F. |url=http://archive.org/details/MANA-DIG-TESIS-DIJKHOFF-1997 |title=Tanki Flip / Henriquez: an early Urumaco site in Aruba |date=1997 |publisher=Leiden : [s.n.]}} The name Caquetío refers to how this group referred to themselves during their first contact with Europeans. They had longer and narrower skulls than the archaic population, and their height was up to {{Convert|1.60|m|ft}}. The newcomers brought pottery and agriculture to the islands and are therefore classified as part of the neo-Indian period.

The area over which the legendary cacique Manaure exercised his authority was the coastal region of the current state Falcón-Zulia at Venezuela, including the Paraguaná Peninsula, as well as Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. The Caquetío people had a highly developed process of state formation. They had a chiefdom, which in human evolution is often a precursor to a kingdom, where central leaders—paramount chiefs—controlled multiple subordinate political-administrative units.Sahlins, M.D. (1968). Tribesmen (Foundations of Modern Anthropology) (1st ed.). Prentice Hall. {{ISBN|978-0-13-930933-5}} The emphasis was more on the political and religious alliances between indigenous communities than on the military control or subjugate vast territories.

At the head of the Caquetío chiefdom was a spiritual leader called diao who had both secular and religious authority in modern terms. He was endowed with powers that could influence nature: a shaman. The diao position was hereditary. By being allowed to marry multiple wives, the diao was able to establish and maintain political alliances with other groups, tribes, or villages. The chiefdom was centralised in its design, but not based on authoritarian or violence-based subjugation.{{Cite book |last=Thornton |first=John K. |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cultural-history-of-the-atlantic-world-12501820/6AB63A6E5C61FE23397BDE51A45DA0BB |title=A Cultural History of the Atlantic World, 1250–1820 |date=2012 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-89875-1 |location=Cambridge |doi=10.1017/cbo9781139021722}} The Spanish conquistadors interrupted this process of expansion at the time of the European contact (AD 1499–1535).

The Caquetío territory consisted of several small political units that were under the authority of lower "second-tier chiefs" who were subordinate to the highest authority. How the central authority was exercised over the units is not clear. However, there are reports from the contact period that suggest the diao did not exert his power over the lower units in arbitrary manner. Likely there was a form of consultation between the diao and lower leaders. In the 16th century, two sub-units, the Guaranos and Amuayes, lived on the Paraguaná Peninsula. Aruba, which is less than 30 kilometres away from Paraguaná, was previously connected to one of these units.Oliver, J.R. (1997). "Dabajuroïd Archaeological, Settlements and House structures: an overview from mainland Western Venezuela". The Archaeology of Aruba: the Tanki Flip Site (A.H. Versteeg & Rostain ed.). Aruba: Archeological museum, no. 8. {{ISBN|978-99904-85-20-2}}

File:Aruban-pot-AKw-541.jpg]]

After the diao and the regional sub-units, such as the mentioned Guaranaos an Amuayes in Paraguaná, the village formed the third level of governance in the hierarchy of the chiefdom. Aruba had (not simultaneously) five villages: three larger ones Ceri Noca (Santa Cruz), Tanki Flip (Noord), and Savaneta, and two smaller ones near Tanki Leendert and Parkietenbos, which have not yet been systematically studied. The location of Aruban villages varied. They were situated in places where beneficial agriculture land was available and where the most favourable hydrological conditions prevailed, such as where several rooi (gullies) came together and where relatively much water was available.Versteeg, A.H. (1991a). Toen woonden indianen op Aruba. Aruba: Publications of the Archaeological Museum, no. 3.

The Caquetío people probably used a shifting cultivation farming method, also known as slash-and-burn.Versteeg, A.; Ruiz, A.C. (1995). Reconstructing Brasil Wood Island: the archaeology and landscape of Indian Aruba. Aruba: Publications of the Archaeological Museum, no. 6. The yields from agriculture and fishing were supplemented by engaging in trade of raw materials and artefacts that were not locally available or producible. Sixteenth century sources indicate that the Caquetíos traded in, among other things, salt, canoes, tobacco, and beads.Boerstra, E. (1982). De precolumbiaanse bewoners van Aruba, Curaçao en Bonaire. Zutphen: De Walberg Pers.{{Cite book |last=Versteeg |first=A.H. |url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-HARTOG-ARUBAANSAKKOORD/mode/1up |title=Arubaans Akkoord : Opstellen over Aruba van voor de komst van de olieindustrie |publisher=Stichting Libri Antiyani |year=1997 |edition=L. Alofs, W. Rutgers en H.E. Coomans |location=Bloemendaal |pages=89–102 |trans-title=Aruban Accord: Writings about Aruba from before the arrival of the oil industry |chapter=Pre-Columbian houses at Santa Cruz site |access-date=2023-04-29 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-HARTOG-ARUBAANSAKKOORD/page/88/mode/1up |url-access=registration}} The Leeward Caquetíos certainly did not live in isolation but formed outlying regions of a dynamic chiefdom with regional trading networks.

In 1882 French explorer Alphonse L. Pinart documented an account provided by an old Aruba Indian. According to the Indian's account, witnessed at the former Indian encampment at Saboneta (Savaneta), a native female was inhumed in one of the large conical ollas. Her body was doubled up inside the vase, with the head protruding through the orifice. Subsequently, a smaller urn was placed upside down on the head, and the entire burial was covered with earth.{{Cite journal |last=Gatschet |first=Alb. S. |year=1885 |title=The Aruba Language and the Papiamento Jargon |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/982990 |journal=Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society |volume=22 |issue=120 |pages=299–305 |jstor=982990 |issn=0003-049X}}

The Caquetío people were buried in clusters, both within and potentially outside village boundaries. At times, there was a secondary burial, possibly reserved for exceptional individuals. In the primary burial, the deceased were buried in a large pot, covered with a smaller pot placed on top. In a secondary burial, the body was initially buried without a pot, and after a few months or years, the bones were exhumed and reburied in smaller pots for a second time. Some pots contained grave offerings such as axes, shells, and pottery. The secondary burial method was practised until recently in South America. The striking similarity between the Neo-Indian burial practices in Aruba and the post-Columbian variant in Guajira justifies the assumption that the similar beliefs about life after death existed in both societies.

Nicolaas Pyclas was regarded as the last known indigenous Aruban. Pyclas spoke and understood the extinct language of the original inhabitants of Aruba, adhering to their way of life and customs. He resided in a hut in Savaneta. His diet included sea snails, such as cocolishi (Cerun uva) and carco (Aliger gigas), as well as wild herbs. Pyclas rejected any involvement in religious practices. Around 1840, he was found dead hanging from a tree branch not far from his hut. Estimated to be approximately 50 years old, he was buried in situ and was not properly buried due to the hard rocky surface, he was only covered with a layer of earth and stones.{{Cite web |last=DBNL |year=1946 |title=De Caraïben door M.D. Latour O.P., Lux. Jaargang 4 |url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_lux001194601_01/_lux001194601_01_0012.php |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=DBNL |language=nl}}{{Cite journal |last=Hummelinck |first=P. Wagenaar |year=1959 |title=Studies on the Physical Anthropology of the Netherlands Antilles: I: Indiaanse Skeletvondsten Op Aruba En Curaçao |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41969614 |journal=De West-Indische Gids |volume=39 |issue=2/4 |pages=77–94 |jstor=41969614 |issn=0372-7289}} Pyclas' skull was gifted to the former Rijks Ethnographisch Museum, presently National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, with the mediation of A.J. van Koolwijk.

It is known that Christopher Columbus was not searching for a new continent but for the shortest route to India. India had been the spearhead of European trade expansion and the foreign policy of the Spanish Crown since the travels of Marco Polo a century earlier. India, China, and Japan formed the focal point of medieval ideas about boundless riches, cities with houses covered in gold, and islands with inexhaustible amounts of spices, pearls, and silk. The suspicion arose that India could be reached via the relatively short route to the west, across the ocean of Atlantis.

During his third voyage to the New World, Columbus was searching for the southern route to India and explored the Paria Peninsula (eastern Venezuela) and the Orinoco region, where he discovered the fresh river water of the Orinoco Delta. The suspicion arose that he had not found islands off the coast of India but a much more extensive land mass; an extension of Asia. Columbus did not realise that this was an unknown continent. Characteristic of his Christian medieval perspective, Columbus solved the puzzle by assuming that he had discovered the earthly paradise. The earthly paradise was inaccessible to humans without God's permission. Columbus experienced the geographical discovery of the New World in Christian terms and assigned himself a special role assigned by a divine power. With the discovery of the Americas the myths of the Golden Age, Atlantis, and the earthly paradise moved from Asia to the New World. He died on 20 May 1506, believing that he had found new islands of the coast of or possibly a peninsula of India—pre-islands: Ant-ilha. These Ant-ilhas were inhabited by peoples whom he called "Indians".{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=Luc |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-9789088906022 |title=Koloniale mythen en Benedenwindse feiten : Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire in inheems Atlantisch perspectief, ca. 1499–1636 |date=2018 |publisher=Leiden : Sidestone Press |isbn=978-90-8890-602-2 |pages=29–50}}

In 1500, Juan de la Cosa drew the first map of the New World, which depicted the two Leeward Antilles known at the time. This was followed by the more accurate Cantino map, created anonymously in 1502, which also showed an extensive landmass and mentioned the Isla do gigante (Island of Giants) and Isla do brasil (Island of Brasil). The location of the Isla do gigante southwest of the Isla do brasil suggest that it refers to Bonaire and Curaçao since Aruba is located more to the northwest.{{Cite web |title=Khan Academy |url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/xa6688040:spain-portugal-15th-16th-century/xa6688040:16th-century-spain/a/the-cantino-planisphere |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=khanacademy.org |language=en}}File:Mapa-de-las-Antillas-(1500).jpg (1500)]]

In 1493, the year in which the West Indian islands became known in Europe, the division between the secular (civil) and religious authorities in the New World had to be arranged. The newly appointed Spanish Pope Alexander VI issued the Inter caetera bull, granting the Spanish Crown sovereignty over the newly discovered territories and the responsibility of the holy task: to send good, God-fearing men, who are earned and capable, to those islands and continents to teach the natives living there about the Catholic faith and instill in them good habits. In exchange for the papal approval of the treaty, Spain promised to vigorously carry out missionary work in the discovered territories. This gave Spain the right to evangelise the Americas and appoint and dismiss priests, blurring the separation between church and state in the region. In other words, the Spanish Crown was granted significant religious authority in the Americas, which was not strictly separate from the state and weakened the distinction between the religious and secular spheres—a key aspect of separation between church and state.

Conquistadors were fascinated by legends of inexhaustible gold reserves of El Dorado. The conquest was characterised by bloodshed, destruction, and forced assimilation of the native peoples into European society, such as the initiation of Indian slavery by Columbus in 1492. Europeans had an advantage because they had superior weapons, such as firearms, steel swords, armour, ships, horses, and targeted military strategies. While expedition leaders mostly came from the higher echelons of late medieval society, their foot soldiers were usually from the lower middle class of southern Europe. These soldiers formed the basis of the future group of encomenderos. The encomienda system granted Spanish colonizers right by the Spanish Crown to extract tribute and labour from indigenous peoples. For example, indigenous communities had to give up a portion of the yields from their agricultural or farm land, known as conucos in Taino,{{Efn|The Papiamento word for agricultural land or farm land, "kunuku" (Aruba: cunucu), may have a Taino origin.{{Cite web |last1=Sijs |first1=N. van der |last2=Joubert |first2=S. |year=2020 |title=Antilliaans-Nederlandse woorden en hun herkomst |url=https://repository.ubn.ru.nl/handle/2066/227327 }}}} as a form of taxation and to provide for the food supply of the colonists. The defeated were often kidnapped and forced to participate in expeditions elsewhere in the New World as slave labourers.

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The Caquetío population of the Leeward Antilles was incorporated into the Spanish colonial empire {{Circa|1500}}. On 8 and 10 June 1501, Alonso de Ojeda acquired the exclusive right to exploit the current Venezuelan coastal area, known as Coquivacoa, and the islands of the coast Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, and probably also the Mongues and Aves Islands. De Ojeda had to form an administration as far west as possible on the Tierra Firme to secure the Spanish presence. It is believed that de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci visited Bonaire and Curaçao, but neither Vespucci nor de Ojeda are thought to have set foot on Aruban soil. He was explicitly forbidden to enslave natives. However, de Ojeda lacked administrative skills and intentions, and he became a controversial figure. De Ojeda established a base named Santa Cruz at the tip of Guajira, from whence he conducted trade and, probably even more importantly, carried out his raids, including slave hunts. During his third voyage to the New World in 1502, de Ojeda visited Curaçao, but his attempt to exploit the region failed. Instead, Bartolomé de las Casas documented de Ojeda's raids, slave hunts, and atrocities in the rural areas of present-day Cartagena in his book, {{lang|es|Historia General de las Indias}}. These raids were disastrous, even for the Spaniards, and marked the end of the first attempt to control the region.{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=L. |title=Koloniale mythen en Benedenwindse feiten : Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire in inheems Atlantisch perspectief, ca. 1499–1636 |year=2018 |pages=51–79 |trans-title=Colonial Myths and Leeward Realities: Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire from an Indigenous Atlantic Perspective, ca. 1499–1636 |chapter=Inheemse eilanden: een korte kennismaking |publisher=Sidestone Press |isbn=978-90-8890-602-2 |trans-chapter=Indigenous islands: a brief introduction |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-9789088906022/page/19/mode/2up}}

Between 1513 and 1515, the Leeward Antilles, including Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, were depopulated. Captain Diego Salazar led this effort, which affected an estimated 2,000 indigenous inhabitants from these islands, and likely more from Tierra Firme. Most of the Caquetío were taken to Hispaniola as forced labourers. Many of them likely died on the way or later in the gold mines by the Spanish colonizers or during the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1518. Later on, new Indians migrated from the mainland to Aruba, while Indians were brought to Curaçao by Juan de Ampiés. The indigenous population was under encomienda, which ended the autonomy of Caquetío community in the islands. Their relatives on the mainland did not fare any better. After an unsuccessful attempt by Bartolomé de Las Casas to convert the local population to Christianity, the coastal region of the mainland was leased to the banking firm of the Welsers in 1528.{{Citation |last=Montenegro |first=Giovanna |title=Germans in the Habsburg Empire in South America (Colonial Venezuela) |date=23 March 2022 |encyclopedia=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History |url=https://oxfordre.com/latinamericanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199366439.001.0001/acrefore-9780199366439-e-1039?d=/10.1093/acrefore/9780199366439.001.0001/acrefore-9780199366439-e-1039&p=emailAsrcM7BiANrYE |access-date=2025-05-08 |language=en |doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780199366439.001.0001/acrefore-9780199366439-e-1039?d=/10.1093/acrefore/9780199366439.001.0001/acrefore-9780199366439-e-1039&p=emailasrcm7bianrye |doi-broken-date=2 June 2025 |isbn=978-0-19-936643-9}} This led to the violent conquest of the Caquetío kingdom. Before 1634, Curaçao, along with its neighbouring islands Bonaire and Aruba, were considered part of the province of Venezuela. They had been separated from Venezuela only during the period of the Welser grant.{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=Luc |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-9789088906022 |title=Koloniale mythen en Benedenwindse feiten : Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire in inheems Atlantisch perspectief, ca. 1499–1636 |date=2018 |publisher=Leiden : Sidestone Press |isbn=978-90-8890-602-2 |pages=81–110}}

The appropriation of the Caribbean region turned out to be a failure for the Spaniards. The exploitation of the West Indian islands proved unprofitable, and gold mining on Hispaniola and Puerto Rico declined. Spanish settlers moved elsewhere, and in 1569, the Spanish Crown banned settlement on the Caribbean islands by royal decree. This measure that did not apply to the leased islands of Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire. The colonisation of the large Caribbean islands, such as Cuba, was encouraged while the small islands were abandoned. Most of the islands remained largely uncontrolled and undefended, making them a potential opportunity for northwestern European countries that wanted to break Spain's monopoly on colonising the New World. England, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark explored the possibilities of piracy and trade on the Caribbean islands.

On the continent, the great empires declined, but indigenous societies continued to exist and were exposed to a long process of miscegenation. In the Falcón-Zulia province, among other places, Caquetío societies survived on Tierra Firme, although their cultures and social structures were largely destroyed by the Spaniards. On the (former) Caquetío coastal islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad, indigenous people lived well into the colonial period. The indigenous history of the Guajira peninsula extends to the present day. The Wayú are increasingly being recognised on the Leeward Antilles as possible contemporary ancestors or lost relatives from prehistoric times.

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The conquistadors brought European cattle to Aruba. Over time, they also introduced goats, sheep, dogs, donkeys, cows, pigs, and possibly even cats. It is believed that rabbits, brought by the Dutch, later became wild on the island. Aruba essentially became a Spanish ranch, with cattle roaming freely in search of food. Despite more trees in the past, the overall vegetation was similar to today. The horses introduced were lighter than Dutch ones, and their hooves became so hard from roaming freely that they did not need horseshoes. To avoid stallions injuring each other during mating battles, horseshoes were impractical. After three weeks of service, particularly in the dry season, the horses were released to recover. Occasionally, a small group of Spaniards would disembark on the island, but typically Aruba was left to fend for itself. According to Dutch geographer Joannes de Laet, by 1630 there were few Indians and some Spaniards on Aruba.

{{See also|Cas di torto|3=}}

{{Blockquote|text={{lang|nl|Al is de Sallem schoon, De Haering spant de Kroon.}}

The salmon may be beautiful, the herring surpasses all.|multiline=yes|source=E. Az. van Dooregeest & C.A. Posjager (1699){{Cite web |last=DBNL |title=Een korte Historie Aengaende Hollandt, Den Ryper zee-postil, bestaende in XXII. Predicatien toegepast op den zeevaert, E. Az. van Dooregeest, C.A. Posjager |page=350 |url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/door040rype01_01/door040rype01_01_0025.php |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=DBNL |language=nl}}}}

The Dutch were compelled to venture into forbidden waters of the Caribbean, known as Spain's mare clausum, because of their need for salt, in open defiance of Phillip II. Since the mid-15th century, the prosperous Dutch herring industry had been steadily expanding.{{Cite journal |last=Goslinga |first=Cornelis Ch. |year=1979 |title=A Short History of the Netherlands Antilles and Surinam |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9289-4 |journal=SpringerLink |language=en |pages=20–25 |doi=10.1007/978-94-009-9289-4|isbn=978-90-247-2118-4 |url-access=subscription }} The towns of Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Medemblik were particularly active in the salt trade, thanks to their thriving fishing industries. Herring was a crucial commodity for Dutch commerce, requiring salt for preservation. Salt also played a vital role in the butter and cheese industry, as well as in preserving food during long voyages.{{Cite book |last=Goslinga |first=Cornelis Christiaan |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-CARI-944_4-GOSL |title=The Dutch in the Caribbean and on the Wild Coast, 1580–1680 |date=1971 |publisher=Assen : Van Gorcum [etc.] |isbn=978-90-232-0141-0 |pages=116–140 |chapter=The Battle for Salt |url-access=registration}} The curing or pickling process for herring was well established during the Middle Ages. After catching the herring, the packers would remove the internal organs, mix them with salt to create a brine, and pack them in barrels along with additional salt.{{Cite journal |last=Unger |first=Richard W. |year=1980 |title=Dutch Herring, Technology, and International Trade in the Seventeenth Century |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2120179 |journal=The Journal of Economic History |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=253–280 |doi=10.1017/S0022050700108204 |jstor=2120179 |s2cid=154052293 |issn=0022-0507|url-access=subscription }} While Zeeland was not heavily involved in fishing, they were renowned for their salt whitening process, which was highly sought after throughout Europe.

Salt importation began in the 15th century when the Dutch discovered high-quality salt in Setúbal the Iberian coast. This sea salt was good for preserving herring because of its magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride content. However, the Eighty Years' War prompted Phillip II to halt this trade. With the salt supply cut off, the Dutch were forced to seek new trade routes. Their quest for salt led them to the West Indies. Seeking alternative sources, they turned their attention to Punta de Araya in Tierra Firme by the 17th century. The salt reserves in Punta de Araya were abundant and of high quality, surpassing that of the Iberian peninsula. Rather than being a rock salt deposit, it was a gem salt derived from the clay of the surrounding hills. However, following the Truce of twelve years, the Dutch discovered that the Spaniards had fortified the saltpans, forcing them to give up their stake in Araya salt.

After hostilities resumed, the Dutch established the West India Company (WIC) with the main objective of engaging in strategic military actions and privateering organisation against Spain. This was the {{lang|fr|raison d'être|italic=yes}} or reason for the existence of the WIC. Their secondary objective was focused on commerce and colonisation, a choice that ultimately led to the downfall of the WIC in 1674. The WIC also gathered information on Spanish treasure fleets. In 1623, the first official fleet of the new WIC, a small squadron of only three ships commanded by Pieter Schouten, set sail for the Caribbean to engage in looting and plundering in the Lesser Antilles and the Yucátan peninsula. It was during this voyage that the Dutch first encountered Aruba.

Around 1628 or 1629, the Dutch started obtaining salt regularly on Tortuga. Governor Francisco Núñez Melián of Venezuela destroyed the saltpans and took some Dutch prisoners, forced them to cut Brazilwood in Curaçao. One of these Dutchmen, Jan Janszoon Otzen, carefully assessed the island's excellent harbour and profitable saltpans, which he later communicated to the WIC. Recognizing their struggle for salt, the Dutch realised the need to establish a base in these waters to secure Curaçao. WIC agent Johannes van Walbeeck was appointed as the expedition's commander and future Governor of Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba. Curaçao was captured and acquired by the WIC in June 1634, primarily by their desire to obtain salt. In Van Walbeeck's report of 1634, Aruba is mentioned only in relation to Curaçao, where he refers to Bonaire and Aruba collectively as the "islands of Curaçao".

By 1816, Aruba possessed seven salt pans, all of which yielded salt of subpar quality. The salt production was just sufficient to meet the local demand. Aruban labourers, often assisted by donkeys, were tasked with gathering the salt, which was subsequently distributed among the island's inhabitants.{{Cite journal |last=De Hullu |first=J. |year=1923 |title=Aruba in 1816 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41845847 |journal=De West-Indische Gids |volume=5 |pages=371–382 |jstor=41845847 |issn=0372-7289}} Around 1924, salt extraction at Rancho had limited benefits, primarily being used in the preservation of fish during shipping.{{Citation |last=Fraters van Tilburg |title=Ranchoe. Zoutwinning. Er is weinig aan verdiend. Het zout wordt gebruikt bij de verzending van vis |year=1924 |url=http://archive.org/details/STADSMUSEUMTILBURG-FRATERS-404472 |access-date=2023-10-06 |language=Dutch}} Paardenbaai (Horses' Bay) contained salt pans up until 1949 when it was dredged and disappeared beneath the sand.

Between the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 and the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678, there were 30 years of crisis in the Dutch Antilles and the entire Caribbean region. By 1648, Curaçao had lost its importance as a military outpost. Governor Peter Stuyvesant had a plan to strengthen the connections between the islands and New Netherland. He believed that the two colonies could support each other: New Netherland would provide food in exchange for slaves from Curaçao, horses from Aruba, and salt from Bonaire.{{Cite journal |last=Goslinga |first=Cornelis Ch. |year=1979 |title=A Short History of the Netherlands Antilles and Surinam |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9289-4 |journal=SpringerLink |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-94-009-9289-4|isbn=978-90-247-2118-4 |url-access=subscription }} But Stuyvesant did not anticipate the rivalry between the two colonies, which prevented them from working together effectively. The Dutch in Curaçao preferred to sell their goods to other Caribbean islands where they could get a better price, rather than trading with their fellow countrymen in New Netherland. Additionally, the islands were involved in illegal trade with the Spanish mainland and did not want to switch to legal trade with New Netherland. Stuyvesant needed slaves to strengthen New Amsterdam's defences, but he mostly received old or sick slaves, called mancarrons, in response to his requests. The better slaves were sold elsewhere to the highest bidder. However, the people in New Netherland were not motivated by unselfish reasons or a strong sense of patriotism. They continued to trade with their French, English, and Swedish neighbours across the border. Only in extreme situations did their shared heritage become more important than making money. For example, when the islands faced famine due to a series of dry seasons, Stuyvesant came to the rescue by sending a ship with food just in time.

The troubled relationship between the Curaçao islands and New Netherland came to a sudden end in 1664. At that time, even though a war between England and the United Provinces had not been officially declared, an English fleet led by Richard Nicolls demanded that New Amsterdam surrender. While the Dutch briefly regained control of the colony in 1673, it was once again used as leverage in 1674 to show the English the dangers of their alliance with France. During the 17th century, the Dutch considered England their main adversary, as evidenced by the three wars they fought against the English. The Second Anglo-Dutch War and the subsequent peace treaty in 1667 marked a pivotal moment in Caribbean colonial possessions. Dutch supremacy waned, and the enforcement of English Navigation Acts left a lasting impact on regional trade. Nevertheless, the Caribbean islands eventually regained stability and prosperity, experiencing fewer changes in colonial holdings for centuries to come.

{{See also|Virginia Demetricia}}

In the 16th century, Spaniards engaged in coercive labour practices, deporting Arawak Indians to Hispaniola in 1515. Colonists exerted control over Indians on the "useless islands", mirroring the hardships of these faced by subsequent African slaves, marked by a denial of freedom and forced labour.{{Sfn|Alofs|1995|p=1}} After 1775 the names of African slaves began appearing in records, with examples such as "Cecilia" and "Apolinar" tied to families like Silvester and Alvarez from Alto Vista near the coast.{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=34-35}}

The Dutch coloniser recognized red slavery, particularly of Indians captured in wars. In the Guyanas, Indians taken as prisoners in conflicts were traded, even following peace treaties. Though Indians on Aruba were not officially classified as slaves during the West India Company's rule, oral tradition in Aruba mentioned Amerindian slaves in the early 20th century.{{Sfn|Alofs|1995|p=2}} Father {{Interlanguage link|Paul Brenneker|lt=Paul Brenneker|nl|Paul Brenneker}} noted their presence in Curaçao as pseudo-slaves.{{Sfn|Brenneker|1986|p=87}} In 1827, Commander Simon Plats found 51 Amerindians treated as pseudo-slaves by Aruban families. Some were brought by shipowners involved in the slave trade. Plats had masters sign a declaration recognising the freedom of the Amerindians, ensuring proper upbringing, education, and accommodation.{{Sfn|Alofs|1995|p=3}}

Contrary to common belief, Aruba had a history of slavery, challenging the notion that conditions were considerably better than in other Caribbean regions. Records are limited, with mentions primarily concerning Curaçao in 1750 and 1795. Aruba's circumstances surrounding slavery were comparatively less severe, leading to misconceptions that indigenous people were not enslaved. However, by 1862, 15 per cent of Aruba's population were slaves, with 27 per cent in Bonaire.{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=34-35}} A Population Report from 1820 indicates 331 slaves in Aruba—157 indigenous people and 174 of African descent. In 1840, the number increased to 497 slaves, with 269 being indigenous people and 228 of African descent. Approximately, half of Aruba's slaves were of indigenous origin, and the other half were of African descent. Although Dutch law generally prohibited the enslavement of indigenous people, the actual practice varied.{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=34-35}}

File:BNA-DIG-HARTOG-CAHA-001-014-014.jpg

The British Empire took control of the island during the Napoleonic Wars holding it from 1806 to 1816, after which it was returned to Dutch authority in accordance with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814.{{cite web |title=Historia di Aruba |url=http://www.historiadiaruba.aw/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621105425/http://www.historiadiaruba.aw/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |archive-date=21 June 2013 |access-date=28 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/aruba.htm|title=British Empire: Caribbean: Aruba|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508162117/http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/aruba.htm|archive-date=8 May 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Aruba History |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728181637/https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/history |archive-date=28 July 2019 |access-date=28 July 2019}} Aruba was then integrated into the Colony of Curaçao and Dependencies, along with Bonaire. Throughout the 19th century, the island's economy evolved, centered around gold, phosphate (Aruba Phosphate Company), and the aloe vera industry (Royal Aruba Aloe), However, despite these economic activities, Aruba continued to be a relatively underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged region during this period.

File:Prinses Beatrix op bezoek op Aruba Aankomst bij bestuurskantoor voor aubade, Bestanddeelnr 909-3484.jpg in Aruba, 1958]]

The first oil refinery, Lago Oil and Transport Company, in San Nicolas was built in 1924 and a subsidiary of Standard Oil. The refinery on Aruba grew to become one of the largest in the world. In 1927, the Arend Petroleum Company was established to the west of Oranjestad. The refineries processed crude oil from the vast Venezuelan oil fields, bringing greater prosperity to the island.Albert Gastmann, "Suriname and the Dutch in the Caribbean" in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture, vol. 5, p. 189. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons 1996.

During World War II, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany. In 1940, the oil facilities in Aruba came under the administration of the Dutch government-in-exile in London, causing them to be attacked by the German navy in 1942.Central American and Caribbean Air Forces, Daniel Hagedorn, Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., Tonbridge, 1993, p.135, {{ISBN|0 85130 210 6}}

In August 1947, Aruba formulated its first staatsreglement (constitution) for Aruba's status aparte as an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, prompted by the efforts of Henny Eman, a noted Aruban politician. 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.{{Cite book|last=Robbers|first=Gerhard|title=Encyclopedia of World Constitutions|publisher=Facts on File, Inc.|volume=1|year=2007|location=New York City|page=649|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M3A-xgf1yM4C&pg=PA649|isbn=978-0-8160-6078-8|access-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423233225/https://books.google.com/books?id=M3A-xgf1yM4C&lpg=PA649|archive-date=23 April 2016|url-status=live}} That created the Netherlands Antilles, which united all of the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean into one administrative structure.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |title=Status change means Dutch Antilles no longer exists |date=10 October 2010 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011042955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |archive-date=11 October 2010 |url-status=live }} Many Arubans were unhappy with the arrangement, however, as the policy was perceived as being dominated by Curaçao.

File:Betico Croes 1982cr.jpg, a pivotal figure in Aruba's drive for greater autonomy in the 1970s–80s]]

In 1972, at a conference in Suriname, Aruban politician Betico Croes proposed the creation of a Dutch Commonwealth of four states: Aruba, the Netherlands, Suriname, and the Netherlands Antilles, each to have its own nationality. Backed by his newly created party, the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo, Croes sought greater autonomy for Aruba, with the long-term goal of independence, adopting the trappings of an independent state in 1976 with the creation of a flag and national anthem. In March 1977, a referendum was held with the support of the United Nations. 82% of the participants voted for complete independence from the Netherlands.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20211986 |title=BBC News — Aruba profile — Timeline |publisher=BBC |date=5 November 2013 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830102036/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20211986 |archive-date=30 August 2014 |url-status=live }} Tensions mounted as Croes stepped up the pressure on the Dutch government by organising a general strike in 1977. Croes later met with Dutch Prime Minister Joop den Uyl, with the two sides agreeing to assign the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague to prepare a study for independence, entitled Aruba en Onafhankelijkheid, achtergronden, modaliteiten, en mogelijkheden; een rapport in eerste aanleg (Aruba and independence, backgrounds, modalities, and opportunities; a preliminary report) (1978).

In March 1983 Aruba reached an official agreement within the kingdom for its independence, to be developed in a series of steps as the Crown granted increasing autonomy. In August 1985, Aruba drafted a constitution that was unanimously approved. On 1 January 1986, after the 1985 general election was held for its first parliament, Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles, officially becoming a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full independence planned for 1996. Croes was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 1985, slipping into a coma. He died in 1986, never seeing the enacting of status aparte for Aruba for which he had worked over many years. After his death, Croes was proclaimed Libertador di Aruba. Croes' successor, Henny Eman of the Aruban People's Party became the first Prime Minister of Aruba.

Meanwhile, in 1985, Aruba's oil refinery closed. It had provided Aruba with 30 per cent of its real income and 50 per cent of government revenue.{{cite news |last1=de Cordoba |first1=Jose |title=Aruba Braces for Loss of Refinery |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1984/12/23/aruba-braces-for-loss-of-refinery/e311cca4-3330-4c01-b4d0-65f35524cdf9/ |access-date=2021-08-16 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 December 1984}} The significant blow to the economy led to a push for a dramatic increase in tourism, and that sector has expanded to become the island's largest industry. At a convention in The Hague in 1990, at the request of Prime Minister Nelson Oduber, the governments of Aruba, the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Antilles postponed indefinitely Aruba's transition to full independence. The article scheduling Aruba's complete independence was rescinded in 1995, although it was decided that the process could be revived after another referendum.

{{main|Geography of Aruba|Geology of Aruba}}{{Multiple image

| image1 = Erfgoed kaart.jpg

| image2 = North coast limestone plateaus Aruba 2015.jpg

| caption2 = High limestone terraces on the north coast

| caption1 = Geography of the geological formations of Aruba (c. 1820)

| total_width =

| direction = vertical

| image3 = Hooiberg aloe aanplanten.jpg

| caption3 = Aloe agriculture with Hooiberg on the horizon

| image4 = Natural Pool in Aruba-July 4, 2018.jpg

| caption4 = Geological pillow lava formation near Conchi or Natural pool area (Santa Cruz)

}}

Aruba is located 77 km (48 mi) west of Curaçao and 29 km (18 mi) north of Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. Aruba showcases three distinct landscapes. The northwestern region is primarily characterised by flat batholith landscapes. Notable landmarks include the conical Hooiberg hill and rock formations like Ayo and Casibari. Moreover, the northeastern part of the island features the oldest formations known as the Aruba Lava Formation.{{Cite journal |last1=White |first1=R. V |last2=Tarney |first2=J |last3=Kerr |first3=A. C |last4=Saunders |first4=A. D |last5=Kempton |first5=P. D |last6=Pringle |first6=M. S |last7=Klaver |first7=G. T |date=1 January 1999 |title=Modification of an oceanic plateau, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean: Implications for the generation of continental crust |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024493798000619 |journal=Lithos |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=43–68 |doi=10.1016/S0024-4937(98)00061-9 |bibcode=1999Litho..46...43W |issn=0024-4937|url-access=subscription }} This region is marked by rolling hills, including Jamanota, and is home to Arikok National Park, and limestone terraces surround these two landscapes. The low-lying limestone terrace regions are defined by their white sandy beaches and the high plateaus on the north side of the island, in contrast, are constantly battered by the rough waters of the ocean, featuring caves and small natural bridge formations.

The arid landscape in Aruba is not solely a product of its climate but is also a consequence of extensive deforestation and exploitation during the Spanish colonisation of the island.{{Cite book |last1=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek Aruba |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-RAPPORT-CBS-LANDSCAPE-2016-LS-02 |title=The history of resource exploitation in Aruba : Landscape series 2 |last2=Derix |first2=Ruud |date=2016 |publisher=Oranjestad: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek}} Consequently, certain crops, such as aloe vera, thrive in this environment due to the high calcium-rich soil known as liming. As of 2022, Aruba only has 2.3% of forest-covered land area and only 0.5% of protected natural area.{{Cite journal |last1=Eppinga |first1=Maarten B. |last2=Mijts |first2=Eric N. |last3=Santos |first3=Maria J. |date=1 July 2022 |title=Ranking the sustainable development goals: perceived sustainability priorities in small island states |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-022-01100-7 |journal=Sustainability Science |language=en |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=1537–1556 |doi=10.1007/s11625-022-01100-7 |bibcode=2022SuSc...17.1537E |s2cid=246683341 |issn=1862-4057|hdl=1854/LU-8741920 |hdl-access=free }} The Aruba Conservation Foundation, established in 2003, oversees the management of the conservation of 16 established protected areas, which encompass a total of nearly 25% of the island's surface, as well as four Marine protected areas (MPAs)ACF, Aruba Conservation Foundation. est. 2003. vis. 2025. https://acf.aw/nature-conservation The Arikok National Park, established as formal conservation land in 2000, covers 20% of the island.This Rare Earth. vis. 2025 https://thisrareearth.com/arikok-national-park-aruba/ Forest cover is around 2% of the total land area, equivalent to 420 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which was unchanged from 1990. None of the forest was reported to be primary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity), and no forest area was found within protected areas.{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Aruba |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/ABW/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}

The geography includes naturally formed rooi or gullies that channel rainwater towards dams and ultimately the ocean. Other than Arikok National Park, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary is the only significant body of water on the island that holds the status of protected nature reserve and serves as a brackish water lagoon.

Aruba is divided into eight regions for census purposes, with no administrative function. Some correspond to parishes and include several community facilities.

The landscape is characterised by common xeric scrublands featuring various cacti, thorny shrubs, and evergreen plants. Notably, aloe vera is also found on the island, and its economic significance has led to its inclusion on the coat of arms of Aruba. Cacti include Melocactus and Opuntia, with Opuntia stricta being prominent. Drought-tolerant trees like Caesalpinia coriaria and Vachellia tortuosa are present. The isolation from the South America mainland contributed to the evolution of multiple endemic species. The island provides a habitat for unique wildlife, including the endemic Aruban whiptail, Aruba rattlesnake, as well as subspecies of Aruban burrowing owl and Brown-throated parakeet.

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Arikok NP.jpg

| image2 = Whiptail lizard Eidechse Aruba - Flickr - Ralf Hüsges.jpg

| caption1 = Cacti on the rolling hills of Arikok National Park

| caption2 = Aruba whiptail on a yellow opuntia flower.

| total_width = 800

| align = center

| image3 = Cocolishi di kalakuna 17 53 48 673000.jpeg

| caption3 = Cocoloshi di kalakuna or Cerion uva land snail

| image4 = Aruba-Blue-tailed-Emerald-Arikok-NP (cropped).JPG

| caption4 = Colibri or Aruba Blue-tailed emerald

| perrow =

| direction = horizontal

}}

{{main|Climate of Aruba}}

{{Climate chart|Aruba|24.8|30.3|44.0|24.8|30.6|19.5|25.3|31.1|10.0|26.0|31.9|8.6|26.7|32.0|14.1|26.9|32.5|17.4|26.7|32.4|19.6|27.2|33.2|31.4|27.3|33.2|42.9|26.7|32.4|76.5|26.0|31.5|87.1|25.3|30.7|80.1|units=metric|float=right|clear=both}}

According to the Köppen climate classification, Aruba is characterised by a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh),{{cite web |url= http://www.meteo.aw/climate.php|publisher= Departamento Meteorologico Aruba |title= Climate Data Aruba |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014042548/http://www.meteo.aw/climate.php |archive-date= 14 October 2012|url-status=live}} characterised by limited rainfall, totalling just {{convert|500|mm|in|0|disp=or}} annually. Notably, Aruba remains dry even during its supposed rainy season. Rainfall can be highly variable,Dewar, Robert E. and Wallis, James R; 'Geographical patterning in interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach'; in Journal of Climate, 12; pp. 3457–3466 ranging from as little as {{convert|150|mm|in|0|disp=or}} during strong El Niño years (e.g. 1911/1912, 1930/1931, 1982/1983, 1997/1998) to over {{convert|1000|mm|in|0|disp=or}} in La Niña years, such as 1933/1934, 1970/1971 or 1988/1989.

An exception to the general aridity is observed during the short rainy season from September to January. During this period, the southward retreat of the Intertropical Convergence Zone leads to more frequent moist northeasterly winds. Aruba is positioned south of the Main Development Region for tropical cyclones and generally avoids the direct impact of these storms. However, late in the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, the island was affected by two hurricanes in their early stages.

In Oranjestad, mean monthly temperatures remain consistently moderate, with little variation (low diurnal temperature variation) ranging from {{convert|27.0|°C|1}} to {{convert|29.6|C}}. This temperature stability is moderated by the constant trade winds originating from the northeast, sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean.

{{Weather box

| location = Oranjestad, Aruba (normals 1991–2020, extremes 1951–2020)

| metric first= yes

| single line = yes

| width = auto

|Jan record high C = 32.5

|Feb record high C = 33.0

|Mar record high C = 33.9

|Apr record high C = 34.4

|May record high C = 34.9

|Jun record high C = 35.2

|Jul record high C = 35.3

|Aug record high C = 36.1

|Sep record high C = 36.5

|Oct record high C = 35.4

|Nov record high C = 35.0

|Dec record high C = 34.8

|year record high C = 36.5

|Jan high C = 30.3

|Feb high C = 30.6

|Mar high C = 31.1

|Apr high C = 31.9

|May high C = 32.0

|Jun high C = 32.5

|Jul high C = 32.4

|Aug high C = 33.2

|Sep high C = 33.2

|Oct high C = 32.4

|Nov high C = 31.5

|Dec high C = 30.7

|year high C = 31.8

|Jan mean C = 27.0

|Feb mean C = 27.1

|Mar mean C = 27.4

|Apr mean C = 28.2

|May mean C = 28.7

|Jun mean C = 29.0

|Jul mean C = 28.9

|Aug mean C = 29.5

|Sep mean C = 29.6

|Oct mean C = 29.1

|Nov mean C = 28.4

|Dec mean C = 27.5

|year mean C = 28.4

|Jan low C = 24.8

|Feb low C = 24.8

|Mar low C = 25.3

|Apr low C = 26.0

|May low C = 26.7

|Jun low C = 26.9

|Jul low C = 26.7

|Aug low C = 27.2

|Sep low C = 27.3

|Oct low C = 26.7

|Nov low C = 26.0

|Dec low C = 25.3

|year low C = 26.1

|Jan record low C = 19.0

|Feb record low C = 20.6

|Mar record low C = 21.2

|Apr record low C = 21.5

|May record low C = 21.8

|Jun record low C = 22.7

|Jul record low C = 21.2

|Aug record low C = 21.3

|Sep record low C = 22.1

|Oct record low C = 21.9

|Nov record low C = 22.0

|Dec record low C = 20.5

|year record low C = 19.0

|Jan rain mm = 44.0

|Feb rain mm = 19.5

|Mar rain mm = 10.0

|Apr rain mm = 8.6

|May rain mm = 14.1

|Jun rain mm = 17.4

|Jul rain mm = 19.6

|Aug rain mm = 31.4

|Sep rain mm = 42.9

|Oct rain mm = 76.5

|Nov rain mm = 87.1

|Dec rain mm = 80.1

|year rain mm = 451.1

|Jan humidity = 77.8

|Feb humidity = 76.2

|Mar humidity = 75.9

|Apr humidity = 76.9

|May humidity = 77.9

|Jun humidity = 77.4

|Jul humidity = 77.8

|Aug humidity = 75.6

|Sep humidity = 76.2

|Oct humidity = 77.9

|Nov humidity = 78.8

|Dec humidity = 77.9

|year humidity = 77.2

|unit rain days = 1.0 mm

|Jan rain days = 10.8

|Feb rain days = 4.5

|Mar rain days = 2.0

|Apr rain days = 1.5

|May rain days = 1.7

|Jun rain days = 2.8

|Jul rain days = 4.1

|Aug rain days = 3.1

|Sep rain days = 3.3

|Oct rain days = 7.3

|Nov rain days = 9.6

|Dec rain days = 11.0

|year rain days = 61.7

|source 1 = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba{{cite web

| url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19912020.pdf

| publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba

| title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1991–2020

| access-date = 14 February 2021

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210215041140/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19912020.pdf

| archive-date = 15 February 2021

| url-status=live}}{{cite web

| url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19511980.pdf

| publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba

| title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1951–1980

| access-date= 14 February 2021

| url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512102459/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19511980.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}{{cite web

| url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/CLIM_SUM_Aua.pdf

| publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba

| title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1971–2000

| access-date= 14 February 2021

| url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512100149/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/CLIM_SUM_Aua.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}{{cite web

| url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19812010.pdf

| publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba

| title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1981–2010

| access-date= 14 February 2021

| url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117012156/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19812010.pdf |archive-date=17 January 2013 }}

| date=February 2011

}}

{{Main|Demographics of Aruba}}

{{bar box

|title=National origins

|titlebar=#ddd

|left1=Nationality

|right1=percent

|float=right

|bars=

{{bar percent|Aruban|Blue|66}}

{{bar percent|Colombian|Orange|9.1}}

{{bar percent|Other|Grey|6.2}}

{{bar percent|Dutch|black|4.3}}

{{bar percent|Dominican|Yellow|4.1}}

{{bar percent|Venezuelan|Green|3.2}}

{{bar percent|Curaçaoan|Orange|2.2}}

{{bar percent|Haitian|Purple|1.5}}

{{bar percent|Surinamese|Red|1.2}}

{{bar percent|Peruvian|Pink|1.1}}

{{bar percent|Chinese|White|1.1}}

}}

In terms of country of birth, the population is estimated to be 66% Aruban, 9.1% Colombian, 4.3% Dutch, 5.1% Dominican, 3.2% Venezuelan, 2.2% Curaçaoan, 1.5% Haitian, 1.2% Surinamese, 1.1% Peruvian, 1.1% Chinese, 6.2% from other backgrounds. In terms of nationality, the population is estimated to be 78.7% Dutch, 6.6% Colombian, 5.5% Venezuelan, 2.8% Dominican; 1.3% Haitian, and 5.1% from other backgrounds ({{As of|2020}}).{{Citation |title=Aruba |date=29 August 2023 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/aruba/#people-and-society |work=The World Factbook |access-date=2023-09-13 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en}} In 2019, recently arrived Venezuelan refugees were estimated to number around 17,000 on Aruba, accounting for some 15% of the population.{{Cite web |title=Aruba |url=https://hias.org/where/aruba/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=HIAS |language=en-US}}

The majority of Aruba's population is of mixed ancestry, including European, Amerindian and African roots.{{Cite web |title=People of Aruba – Facts about the locals |url=https://www.aruba.com/uk/our-island/history-and-culture/the-people-of-aruba |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=aruba.com |language=en-gb}} Various minorities of other origins (such as Asian) and over 140 nationalities also reside on the island.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=A multicultural society – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2022/09/21/country-of-birth-and-nationality/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Foreign born population of Aruba – CBS Aruba (2010) |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/The-foreign-born-population-of-Aruba.pdf}} Aruba's population has strong Arawak heritage compared to most Caribbean islands. Although there are no full-blooded Aboriginals remaining, the features of many islanders' clearly reflect their genetic Arawak heritage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255649566|title=Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Aruba}} Aruba's population is primarily descended from Caquetío Indians, Dutch settlers, Spanish settlers, enslaved Africans and to a lesser extent various other groups who have settled on Aruba over time, including Venezuelans, Colombians, Dominicans, Portuguese, Greeks, Italians, English, French, Germans, West Indians, Indo-Caribbeans, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, Javanese, Levantine Arabs and Sephardic Jews.

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Total-population 1972-2022-(Aruba).jpg

| caption1 =

| align = right

| image2 = Natural-growth-of-the-population-and-migration-1972-2022-(Aruba).jpg

| caption2 =

| total_width = 400

| footer = In Aruba, population development is primarily influenced by net migration due to the relatively low number of births and deaths (1972–2022). Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, and Civil Registry and Population Office.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=The development of the population of Aruba – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2022/11/24/test-births/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |language=en-US}}

}}

The population experienced fluctuations between 1972 and 2022, primarily influenced by net migration. While there have been periods of significant growth, there have also been declines, especially during economic challenges. Notably, between 1988 and 2016, the population nearly doubled.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=The development of the population of Aruba – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2022/11/24/test-births/ |access-date=2025-06-11 |language=en-US}} However, in 2017, a decline occurred, breaking almost three decades of continuous growth. The first three years of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) also contributed to a population decrease, mainly due to reduced births and emigration.

As of the 3rd quarter in 2024, the population stood at 108,027 people, marking a modest 0.4% growth compared to the previous year. This increase was driven by a significant rise in immigration, which saw a 20.4 per cent uptick.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=The development of the population of Aruba – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2022/11/24/test-births/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |language=en-US}}

{{main|Languages of Aruba|Caquetío language|List of newspapers in Aruba}}

{{bar box

|title=Primary Language of Arubans

|titlebar=#ddd

|left1=Languages

|right1=percent

|float=right

|caption=Housing census 2010{{Cite web |date=6 July 2012 |title=Census 2010 – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2012/07/06/census-2010/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |language=en-US}}

|bars=

{{bar percent|Papiamento|darkgreen|63.3}}

{{bar percent|Dutch|black|15}}

{{bar percent|Spanish|purple|11.5}}

{{bar percent|English|red|5}}

{{bar percent|Chinese|orange|1.4}}

{{bar percent|None|darkblue|1.5}}{{bar percent|Other|green|1.7}}

{{bar percent|Not Stated|maroon|0.4}}

}}Aruba is a multilingual society.{{Cite web |title=Language and education in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300471435 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320070900/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300471435_Language_and_education_in_Aruba_Bonaire_and_Curacao |archive-date=20 March 2025 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ResearchGate |language=en |url-status=live }} The Official languages are Dutch and Papiamento. While Dutch is the sole language for all administration and legal matters,{{cite web |url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |title=About Us |website=DutchCaribbeanLegalPortal.com |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620052254/http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |archive-date=20 June 2014 |url-status=live }} Papiamento is the predominant language used in Aruba.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2013 |title=Language – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/tag/language/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |language=en-US}} Papiamento is a Portuguese/Spanish based creole language, spoken on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao that also incorporates words from the Caquetío language, Dutch, various West-African languages and English.{{Cite web |title=Aruba, Our History and Culture |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/papiamento}} English and Spanish are also widely spoken on the island, their usage having grown due to tourism and immigration. Other common languages spoken, based on the size of their community, include Portuguese, Chinese, French and German.

In recent years, the government has shown an increased interest in acknowledging the cultural and historical importance of Papiamento. Although spoken Papiamento is fairly similar among the several Papiamento-speaking islands, the orthography differs per island, with Aruba using etymological spelling (Papiamento), and Curaçao and Bonaire a phonetic spelling (Papiamentu).

The book Buccaneers of America, first published in 1678, states through eyewitness account that the natives on Aruba spoke Spanish already.{{Cite web|title=History of Aruba in Timeline – Popular Timelines|url=https://populartimelines.com/t/690/Aruba|website=populartimelines.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-29}} Spanish became an important language in the 18th century due to the close economic ties with Spanish colonies in what are now Venezuela and Colombia.Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers Venezuelan TV networks are received on the island, and there are significant communities of Venezuelans and Colombians on Aruba.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/aruba/#people-and-society|website=CIA.gov/the-world-factbook|title=Aruba-People and Society|year=2022|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|access-date=21 October 2022}} Around 13% of the population today speaks Spanish natively.{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Aruba|access-date=6 June 2011}} Use of English dates to the early 19th century, when the British ruled Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire. When Dutch rule resumed in 1815, officials already noted wide use of the language.Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers There is also a little studied native variety of English Creole spoken in San Nicolaas, known as San Nicolaas English, Sani English and Village Talk.{{cite web | url=https://www.academia.edu/26789758 | title=The English Creole of Aruba: A Community-Based Description of the San Nicolas Variety | last1=Devonish | first1=Hubert | last2=Richardson | first2=Gregory }}{{Cite web |title= |url=https://research.vu.nl/ws/files/93906748/complete%20dissertation.pdf}}

Aruba has newspapers published in Papiamento: Diario, Bon Dia, Solo di Pueblo, and Awe Mainta; English: Aruba Daily, Aruba Today, and The News; and Dutch: Amigoe. There are 18 radio stations (two AM and sixteen FM) and two local television stations (Telearuba and Channel 22).{{Cite web|title=Aruba – arubanoasis|url=http://www.arubanoasis.com/about/aruba|website=arubanoasis.com|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726100325/http://www.arubanoasis.com/about/aruba|url-status=dead}}

{{bar box

|title=Religions of Aruba

|titlebar=#ddd

|left1=Religions

|right1=percent

|float=right

|bars=

{{bar percent|Roman Catholic|DodgerBlue|75.3}}

{{bar percent|None|Black|5.5}}

{{bar percent|Protestant|SkyBlue|4.9}}

{{bar percent| Other |pink|4.4}}

{{bar percent|Jehovah's Witness|teal|1.7}}

{{bar percent|Unspecified|LightGrey|0.5}}

}}

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion on Aruba, followed by approximately 75% of the population. In addition to Catholicism, there is a diverse range of religions practised including Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and African diaspora religions.{{Cite web |title=Practiced religions in Aruba – Churches, Temples & Holy Places {{!}} Aruba.com |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/religion |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}File:BNA-DIG-MEINERS-0143 - Landschap - Seroe Pretoe, Grot van Onze lieve Vrouwe van Lourdes 630700 c.jpg

The Lourdes grotto, named after the famous French religious pilgrimage site, was constructed in 1958 by a priest named Erkamp and his parishioners. This shrine is nestled into the rocks of Seroe Preto, just off the main road to San Nicolas. Inside the cave, there is a {{Convert|700|kg|lb}} statue of the Virgin Mary, easily visible from the main road. Each year, on 11 February (the feast of Lady Lourdes), a procession departs from St. Theresita Church in San Nicolas and heads to the grotto, where a Mass is held.{{Cite web |title=Lourdes Grotto Aruba – Rooms-Katholiek Schrijn in de Rotsen |url=https://www.aruba.com/nl/ontdek/lourdes-grot |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=aruba.com |language=nl}}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = San Francisco di Asis Pro-Cathedra.jpg

| image2 = Protestant church (Oranjestad) 17 59 57 986000.jpeg

| align = center

| caption1 = St. Francis of Assisi Church

| caption2 = Protestant church

| image3 = St.Ann's Catholic church1.jpg

| image4 = Santa Filomena Catholic Parish.jpg

| total_width = 600

| image5 = Alto Vista Chapel @ Sunrise.jpg

| caption4 = St. Philomena's Church

| caption5 = Alto Vista Chapel

| caption3 = St Ann's Church

}}

{{main|Politics of Aruba}}

File:Parliament of Aruba.jpg]]

Along with the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with internal autonomy. Matters such as foreign affairs and defence are handled by the Netherlands. Aruba's politics take place within a framework of a 21-member Staten (Parliament) and an eight-member Cabinet; the Staten's 21 members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve a four-year term.{{cite web|url=http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/readBlob.do?id=694|title=Political Stability|access-date=7 June 2011|publisher=Aruba Department of Foreign Affairs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325025240/http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/readBlob.do?id=694|archive-date=25 March 2012|url-status=live}} The governor of Aruba is appointed for a six-year term by the monarch, and the prime minister and deputy prime minister are indirectly elected by the Staten for four-year terms.File:EU OCT and OMR map en.png]]

The legal system is based on the Dutch model. Legal jurisdiction lies with the Gerecht in Eerste Aanleg (Court of First Instance), the Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie van Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, en van Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba (Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) and the Hoge Raad der Nederlanden (Supreme Court of Justice of the Netherlands).{{cite web|url=https://www.aruba.com/us/things-to-do|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215045034/http://www.aruba.com/ExploretheIsland/IslandFacts/law.aspx|url-status=dead|title=Best Things to do in Aruba |archive-date=15 February 2013|website=aruba.com}} The Korps Politie Aruba (Aruba Police Force) is the law enforcement agency and operates district precincts in Oranjestad, Noord, San Nicolaas, and Santa Cruz, where it is headquartered.{{cite web|url=http://www.kparuba.com/districts.html|title=Korps Politie Aruba: district precincts|publisher=Aruba Police Force|access-date=11 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226151741/http://www.kparuba.com/districts.html|archive-date=26 February 2010|url-status=live}}

Divergent Legal Protections from the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands include not being part of the Law Enforcement Council (Raad van de Rechtshandhaving), which is a legal entity based on the Kingdom Act of the 7 July 2010 the Kingdom Act on the Law Enforcement Council. Aruba is the only country in the kingdom that does not have an ombudsman.

Deficit spending has been a staple in Aruba's history, and modestly high inflation has been present as well. By 2006, the government's debt had grown to 1.883 billion Aruban florins.{{cite web|author=Central Bureau of Statistics |title=Key Indicators General Government, 1997–2006 |url=http://www.cbs.aw/cbs/manageDocument.do?dispatch=view&id=927 |access-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722232628/http://www.cbs.aw/cbs/manageDocument.do?dispatch=view&id=927 |archive-date=22 July 2011 }} In 2006, the government changed several tax laws to reduce the deficit. Direct taxes have been converted to indirect taxes as proposed by the International Monetary Fund.{{cite report |year= 2019 |title= Kingdom of the Netherlands – Aruba: 2019 Article IV Consultation Discussions – Press Release and Staff Report |publisher= International Monetary Fund |page= 9}}

Aruba is one of the overseas countries and territories (OCT) of the European Union and maintains economic and cultural relations with the European Union{{Cite web |title=Office of the EU and Kingdom Relations |url=http://www.europehousearuba.org/ |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=OFFICE OF THE EU AND KINGDOM RELATIONS |language=en |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730193655/http://www.europehousearuba.org/ |url-status=usurped }} and the United States.{{Cite web |last=Thaivalappil |first=Maureen |title=U.S. Relations With Aruba |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-aruba/ |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} Aruba is also a member of several international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and Interpol. Although not officially a part of the European Union, Aruba does receive support from the European Development Fund.{{cite web |title=EU Relations with Aruba |url=http://www.eeas.europa.eu/aruba/index_en.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609050531/http://eeas.europa.eu/aruba/index_en.htm |archive-date=9 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011 |publisher=European Union}}{{cite web |title=Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) |url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/development/overseas_countries_territories/index_en.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813192112/http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/development/overseas_countries_territories/index_en.htm |archive-date=13 August 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011 |publisher=European Union}}

{{See also|Military of Aruba}}

Defence is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch Armed Forces that protect the island include the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coastguard including a platoon sized national guard. All forces are stationed at Marines base in Savaneta. In 1999 the US Department of Defense established a forward operating site the airport.{{cite news|title=Aruba Foreign Affairs|url=http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/getPage.do?page=FOL|work=arubaforeignaffairs.com|access-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827194016/http://www.arubaforeignaffairs.com/afa/getPage.do?page=FOL|archive-date=27 August 2016|url-status=live}}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = School Building 1888.jpg

| caption1 = First public elementary school (1888), currently houses the Council of Advise and the General Court of Audit since 1982.

| image2 = Aruba University.jpg

| caption2 = University of Aruba

| total_width = 200

| direction = vertical

}}

Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island, except within colonial administration, and its usage increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students in Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire were predominantly taught in Spanish until the late 18th century.Van Putte 1999. Dutch serves as the primary language of instruction, with Papiamento taught as a subject in the lower grades of secondary education.{{Sfn|Dijkhoff|Pereira|2010|p=237}}

The educational system mirrors the Dutch education structure,{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/redsox/2013/09/03/usa-today-minor-league-player-of-the-year-xander-bogaerts-boston-red-sox/2760091/ |title=Bogaerts: USA TODAY Sports' Minor League Player of Year |work=USA Today |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402195016/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/redsox/2013/09/03/usa-today-minor-league-player-of-the-year-xander-bogaerts-boston-red-sox/2760091/ |archive-date=2 April 2014 |url-status=live }} with public national education financed by the government of Aruba.{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitaruba.com/education/|title=Aruba Education – Schools and Universities|website=VisitAruba.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16}} The education landscape includes a mix of public and private institutions, such as the International School of Aruba,{{cite web|url=https://3dprint.com/107833/aruba-e-nable-3d-print-hands/|title=Hands for Ziti: Teacher & Students from International School of Aruba Team Up to 3D Print e-NABLE Prosthetics|website=3dprint.com|date=25 November 2015 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-15}} the Schakel College,{{cite web|url=https://www.tilburgers.nl/tag/schakel-college-in-tilburg/|title=Schakel College in Tilburg • Tilburgers.nl – Nieuws uit Tilburg|website=Tilburgers.nl – Nieuws uit Tilburg|language=nl-NL|access-date=2018-09-15}} and Colegio Arubano.

The University of Aruba is the national university. Aruba hosts three medical schools, American University School of Medicine Aruba, Aureus University School of Medicine and Xavier University School of Medicine.{{cite web|url=http://www.aureusuniversity.com/|title=Aureus University School of Medicine|website=Aureusuniversity.com|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825231245/http://www.aureusuniversity.com/|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xusom.com/|title=Caribbean Medical School – Xavier University|website=Caribbean Medical School – Xavier University|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825231102/https://www.xusom.com/|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Economy of Aruba}}{{See also|Transport in Aruba}}

The economy is dominated by four main industries: tourism, aloe export, petroleum refining, and offshore banking. Aruba has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region. The GDP per capita (PPP) was estimated to be $37,500 in 2017.{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Aruba|access-date=12 September 2019 }} Its main trading partners are Colombia, the United States, Venezuela, and the Netherlands.

The agriculture and manufacturing sectors are fairly minimal. Gold mining was important in the 19th century. Aloe was introduced in 1840 but did not become a big export until 1890. Cornelius Eman founded Aruba Aloe Balm, and over time the industry became very important to the economy. At one point, two-thirds of the island was covered in aloe vera fields, and Aruba became the largest exporter of aloe in the world. The industry continues today, though on a smaller scale.

Access to biocapacity is much lower than world average. In 2016, Aruba had 0.57 global hectares{{cite web|url=http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=22&type=BCpc,EFCpc|title=Country Trends|publisher=Global Footprint Network|access-date= 4 June 2020}} of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.{{Cite journal|last1=Lin|first1=David|last2=Hanscom|first2=Laurel|last3=Murthy|first3=Adeline|last4=Galli|first4=Alessandro|last5=Evans|first5=Mikel|last6=Neill|first6=Evan|last7=Mancini|first7=MariaSerena|last8=Martindill|first8=Jon|last9=Medouar|first9=FatimeZahra|last10=Huang|first10=Shiyu|last11=Wackernagel

|first11=Mathis|year=2018|title=Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012–2018|journal=Resources|language=en|volume=7|issue=3|pages=58|doi=10.3390/resources7030058|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Resou...7...58L }} In 2016, Aruba used 6.5 global hectares of biocapacity per person—their ecological footprint of consumption. This means they use almost 12 times the biocapacity that Aruba contains. This is the extent of Aruba's biocapacity deficit.

The official exchange rate of the Aruban florin is pegged to the US dollar at Afl 1.80 to US$1.00.{{cite web |url=https://gocuco.com/convert/usd-to-awg |title=Convert Dollars to Aruba Florin | USD to AWG Currency Converter |publisher=Gocuco update exchange rates online }} This fact, and the majority of tourists being US, means businesses of hotel and resort districts prefer to bank and trade with the consumer in US dollars. Aruba is a prosperous country. Unemployment is low (although the government has not published statistics since 2013) and per capita income is one of the highest in the Caribbean (approximately $24,087). At the end of 2018, the labour force participation rate was 56.6% for women.

Until the mid-1980s, the main industry was oil refining; the refinery was shut down, and the economy shifted towards tourism. The refinery has been closed and restarted repeatedly during the last decades. In recent years a letter of intent was signed with CITGO (the US subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA) to explore the possibility of reopening the refinery again.

Until 2009, the Netherlands granted development aid to Aruba. This aid was mainly for law enforcement, education, administrative development, health care and sustainable economic development. This aid was discontinued at Aruba's request in 2009. Since 2015, however, a form of financial supervision has been reintroduced because debt has risen sharply to over 80% of GDP. Aruba has two free trade zones (Barcadera and Bushiri), where import and export and the movement of services are tax-free.{{cite web|url=https://www.freezonearuba.com/aruba-free-zone/barcadera-free-zone/ |title=Barcadera Free Zone|website=Free Zone Aruba|date=22 January 2014|access-date=1 May 2021}}File:RIU Palace Antillas - Aruba.jpg

Aruba has a large and well-developed tourism industry, receiving 1,082,000 tourists who stayed overnight in its territory in 2018. About 75% of the gross national product is earned through tourism and related activities.{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Aruba|access-date=12 October 2016}} Most tourists are from North America, with a market-share of 73.3%, followed by Latin America with 15.2% and Europe with 8.3%.{{cite news|url=https://antilliaansdagblad.com/aruba/19438-toerisme-aruba-naar-recordhoogte|title=Toerisme Aruba naar recordhoogte|publisher=Antilliaans Dagblad|date=5 May 2019|access-date=24 May 2019|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506090901/https://antilliaansdagblad.com/aruba/19438-toerisme-aruba-naar-recordhoogte|archive-date=6 May 2019|url-status=live}} In 2018, there were 40,231 visitors from the Netherlands.

For private aircraft passengers bound for the United States, the United States Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection has a full pre-clearance facility since 1 February 2001 when Queen Beatrix Airport expanded. Since 2008, Aruba has been the only island to have this service for private flights.{{Cite news|url=https://highend-traveller.com/aruba/|title=Aruba|date=31 May 2016|work=HighEnd-traveller.com|access-date=2017-12-08|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174753/https://highend-traveller.com/aruba/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Culture of Aruba}}

{{See also|Music of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles|Sports in Aruba|Cucui}}Aruba boasts a diverse culture. According to the Bureau Burgelijke Stand en Bevolkingsregister (BBSB, Civil Registry and Population Register), in 2005, the island was home to people from 92 different nationalities.{{Cite web|title=History of Aruba in Timeline – Popular Timelines|url=https://populartimelines.com/t/690/Aruba|website=populartimelines.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-24}} Dutch influence is still evident in traditions like the celebration of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) on 5 and 6 December, as well as national holidays like 27 April when Aruba, along with the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, celebrates Koningsdag (King's day) or Dia di Rey (in Papiamento) is celebrated.{{Cite web |title=Sinterklaas op Aruba – Feestdagen op Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/nl/evenement/sint-nicolaas-dag |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=aruba.com |language=nl}}{{Cite web |title=King's Day in Aruba- Official Aruba Holiday |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/kings-day |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=aruba.com |language=en-us}}

On 18 March, Aruba celebrates its National Anthem and Flag Day.{{Cite web |title=2020 National Anthem & Flag Day in Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/national-anthem-and-flag-day |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=aruba.com |language=en-us}} Christmas and New Year's Eve are celebrated with the typical music and songs of gaitas for Christmas{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=9 November 2018 |title=Gaita |url=https://www.overheid.aw/informatie-dienstverlening/folklore_47084/item/gaita_37810.html |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=overheid.aw |language=nl-NL}} and the {{Interlanguage link|Dande (Aruba)|lt=dande|nl|Dande}} for New Year. Traditional food and drinks like ayaca, ponche crema, ham, and more are also parts of the festive season. 25 January is dedicated to celebrating Betico Croes day, while 24 June is the day for Dia di San Juan. In addition to Christmas, religious holidays such as the Feast of the Ascension and Good Friday are observed.

Aruba's Carnaval is a significant cultural event, akin to celebrations in other Caribbean and Latin American countries. It began in the 1950s, influenced by residents from Venezuela and nearby islands (Curaçao, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Barbados, St. Maarten, and Anguilla) who worked at the oil refinery. The Carnaval Celebrations now spans from early January until Fat Tuesday, featuring a grand parade on the final Sunday of the festivities.{{cite web |title=Aruba |url=https://arubabeachhouse.ca/about/aruba/127-government |website=Aruba Beach House |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428231006/https://arubabeachhouse.ca/about/aruba/127-government |url-status=dead }}

Aruba has seen an increased influence of American culture with rising tourism from the United States. This is evident in the adoption of American celebrations like Halloween in October and Thanksgiving Day in November.

{{See also|De Olde Molen}}File:Plaza Daniel Leo, Oranjestad, Aruba - February 2020.jpg]]From the beginning of the colonisation of the Netherlands until the beginning of the 20th century, the architecture in the most inhabited areas was influenced by the Dutch colonial style and also some Spanish elements from the Catholic missionaries. After the boom of the oil industry and the tourist sector in the 20th century, the architectural style of the island incorporated a more American and international influence. In addition, elements of the Art Deco style can still be seen in several buildings in San Nicolas. Therefore, it can be said that the island's architecture is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, American and Caribbean influences.

The most popular sports in Aruba are football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball, as well as beach sports.{{cite web | title=Global Sports Industry Data | website=Verlete Sports | date=12 February 2020 | url=https://www.verlete.com/country/aruba/ | access-date=2024-05-07}} Aruba has competed at the Olympic Games since 1988.{{cite web | first=Dan | last=Palmer | title=Aruban Olympic Committee honour athletes with special book | website=insidethegames.biz | date=11 September 2018 | url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1069841/aruban-olympic-committee-honour-athletes-with-special-book | access-date=2024-05-07}}

{{Main|Transport in Aruba}}

Queen Beatrix International Airport is near Oranjestad. Aruba has four ports: Barcadera, the main cargo port; Paardenbaai, the cruise ship terminal in Oranjestad/Taratata;{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/download/BNADIGWERBATAARUBA/BNA-DIG-WERBATA-004.jpg |title=Taratata map (historic)|access-date=5 February 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/906829876 |title=Taratata map (updated)|date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 February 2022}} Commandeurs Baai (Commander's Bay) in Savaneta;{{cite web|url=https://docplayer.nl/113421717-Naar-een-duurzame-inrichting-van-aruba.html |title=Naar een duurzame inrichting van Aruba |publisher=Ministerie Ruimtelijke Onderwikkeling, Infrastructuur en Milieu|language=nl|access-date=2 May 2021|year=2019|page=10}} and Sint Nicolaas Baai in San Nicolaas. Paardenbaai services all the cruise-ship lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Disney. Nearly one million tourists enter this port per year. Aruba Ports Authority, owned and operated by the Aruban government, runs these seaports.File:AUA Arrivals building.JPG

Arubus is a government-owned bus company. Its buses operate from 3:30 a.m. until 12:30 am, 365 days a year. Private minibuses/people movers service zones such as the Hotel Area, San Nicolaas, Santa Cruz and Noord. A streetcar service runs on rails on the main street of Oranjestad.[http://news.visitaruba.com/news/street-car-is-up-and-running-on-arubas-mainstreet/ Street car is up and running] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705133015/http://news.visitaruba.com/news/street-car-is-up-and-running-on-arubas-mainstreet/ |date=5 July 2014 }} The Morning News, 27 February 2013

Water- en Energiebedrijf Aruba, N.V. (W.E.B.) produces and distributes potable water{{cite web |title=W.E.B. Water Distribution |url=https://webaruba.com/water-production/water-distribution |access-date=11 May 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511212008/https://webaruba.com/water-production/water-distribution |url-status=dead }} and power. Average daily water consumption in Aruba is about 35,600 m3 (46,500 cu. yd.) per day.,{{cite web |title=W.E.B. Water Consumption |url=https://webaruba.com/water-production/technologies-used |access-date=11 May 2022}} and average power generation is 104 MW.{{cite web |title=W.E.B. Power Generation |url=https://webaruba.com/energy-production/power-production-figures |access-date=11 May 2022 |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523072712/https://webaruba.com/energy-production/power-production-figures |url-status=dead }} W.E.B. produces electricity, which is distributed by N.V. Elmar.{{cite web |title=ELMAR Solar and Wind |url=https://www.elmar.aw/save-energy/solar-panels-windmills |access-date=11 May 2022}} Both companies share the same parent holding which is Utilities Aruba N.V.{{cite web |title=ELMAR and WEB corporate structure |url=https://www.elmar.aw/about-elmar/about-nv-elmar |access-date=11 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Utilities Aruba |url=https://www.utilitiesarubanv.com/main/ |access-date=22 August 2022}} The Sunrise Solar Park was installed and opened in 2018.{{Cite web |title=Press Release: Web Aruba 'Sunrise Solar Park' Project Ground Breaking Monumental for Caribbean Clean Energy Transition |url=https://rmi.org/press-release/press-release-web-aruba-sunrise-solar-park-project-ground-breaking-monumental-for-caribbean-clean-energy-transition/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=RMI |language=en-US}}File:Aruba electricity production.svgThere are three sewage treatment plants at Zeewijk, Parkietenbos and Bubali. The one in Bubali (near the bird sanctuary) is 4 decades old and is processing over 8,000 m3 (10,000 cu. yd.) per day,{{cite web|title=Bubali RWZI |date=20 October 2021 |url=https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/rwzi-needs-an-urgent-solution_58430.html |access-date=9 April 2022 }} around double its original capacity of 4,500 m3 (5900 cu. yd.) per day (due to Aruba's growth). A solid waste landfill (16 hectares; 40 acres) is located at Parkietenbos. The capacity is between 130 and 150 kilotons per year.{{cite web|title=Parkietenbos RFI1 |date=8 February 2018 |url=https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/the-government-of-aruba-announces-a-request-for-information-on-long-term-sustainable-waste-management-solutions_33175.html |access-date=9 April 2022 }}{{cite web|title=Parkietenbos RFI2 |date=8 February 2018 |url=https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/the-government-of-aruba-announces-a-request-for-information-on-long-term-sustainable-waste-management-solutions_33175.html |access-date=9 April 2022 }} Sometimes there are huge spontaneous fires creating pollution.{{cite web|title=Dump on fire again |date=7 April 2022 |url=https://english.24ora.com/2022/04/07/dump-on-fire-once-again/ |access-date=9 April 2022 }}

There are two telecommunications providers: government-based Setar, and privately owned Digicel. Digicel is Setar's competitor in wireless technology using the GSM platform.{{cite web|title=Mio Wireless |url=http://www.mioaruba.com/products |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619110741/http://www.mioaruba.com/products |archive-date=19 June 2014 }}

File:Aruba-Hooiberg-2013.JPG

{{columns-list|colwidth=10em|

• Alto Vista Chapel
• Arikok National Park
• Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
• Bushiribana and Balashi
• California Lighthouse
• Frenchman's Pass
• Hooiberg
• Jamanota
• Natural Pool
• Quadiriki Caves
• Sint Nicolaas
• Lago Colony
• Beaches of Aruba

}}

{{Columns-list|colwidth=20em|

• Dave Benton, Aruban-Estonian musician
• Alfonso Boekhoudt, 4th Governor of Aruba
• Xander Bogaerts, shortstop in MLB
• Carol Bruyning, former beauty queen
• Betico Croes, political activist
• Denzel Dumfries, footballer for the Netherlands national team and Inter Milan
• Nydia Ecury, writer
• Henny Eman, first Prime Minister of Aruba
• Mike Eman, 3rd Prime Minister of Aruba
• Bobby Farrell, musician, former and male member of Boney M.
• Frans Figaroa, Lieutenant Governor of Aruba 1979–1982
• Henry Habibe, poet
• Andrew Holleran, novelist
• Maria Irausquin-Wajcberg, first elected female politician in Aruba
• Fred Jüssi, Estonian biologist and nature writer
• Olindo Koolman, 2nd Governor of Aruba
• Juan Lampe, musician
• Macuarima, first Aruban Amerindian Chief killed by colonist
• Calvin Maduro, pitcher in MLB
• Hedwiges Maduro, former footballer and now a coach.
• Jossy Mansur, editor of the Papiamento language newspaper, Diario
• Diederick Charles Mathew, politician
• John Merryweather (1932–2019), first Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba{{cite news|url=https://curacao.nu/merryweather-arubas-eerste-gevolmachtigde-minister-overleden/ |title=Merryweather, Aruba's eerste gevolmachtigde minister overleden |author=Dick Drayer |website=Curacao.nu |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=15 February 2022 |language=nl}}
• Nelson Oduber, 2nd Prime Minister of Aruba
• Sarah-Quita Offringa, world champion windsurfer
• Olga Orman, writer and poet{{cite web|url=https://werkgroepcaraibischeletteren.nl/olga-orman-1943-2021/ |title=Olga Orman; 1943 – 2021|author=Quito Nicolaas|website=Werkgroep Caraibische Letteren|access-date=1 May 2021|language=nl}}
• Sidney Ponson, pitcher in MLB
• Fredis Refunjol, 3rd Governor of Aruba
• Julia Renfro, newspaper editor and photographer
• Jeannette Richardson-Baars, Director of the Police Academy of Aruba
• Xiomara Ruiz-Maduro, Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs & Culture
• Chadwick Tromp, catcher in MLB
• Felipe Tromp, first Governor of Aruba
• Laura Wernet-Paskel, first female political candidate in Aruba
• Evelyn Wever-Croes, 4th Prime Minister of Aruba, first female Prime Minister

}}

{{portal bar|Geography|North America|Caribbean|Netherlands}}

• Central Bank of Aruba
• Index of Aruba-related articles
• List of monuments of Aruba
• Outline of Aruba

{{Notelist}}

• {{Cite news |last=Alofs |first=Luc |date=11 February 1995 |title=De Rode Rand van de Slavernij, 1809–1914 : Rode Slavernij op Koloniaal Aruba |language=nl |trans-title=The Red Edge of Slavery, 1809–1914: Red Slavery on Colonial Aruba |url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARTIKEL-ALOFS-1995/mode/1up?q=1515}}
• {{Cite book |last=Brenneker |first=Paul Hubert Franz |title=Zjozjolí : gegevens over de volkskunde van Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire |publisher=Instant Printing Services |year=1986 |location=Willemstad, Curaçao |language=nl |trans-title=Zjozjolí: Data on the Folklore of Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire |oclc=742063538}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Dijkhoff |first1=Marta |title=Creoles in Education |last2=Pereira |first2=Joyce |publisher=John Benjamins B.V. |year=2010 |pages=237–272 |chapter=Language and education in Aruba Bonaire and Curaçao}}
• {{Cite book |last=Nooyen |first=R.H. |url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARUBIANA-0066 |title=Millefiori di Aruba |year=1965 |location=Oranjestad, Aruba |language=pap |trans-title=Millefiori of Aruba |oclc=2270256}}

{{Reflist}}

• Aymer, Paula L. – Uprooted Women: Migrant Domestics in the Caribbean.
• {{cite journal |last=Conway |first=Dennis |date=Spring 1999 |title=Uprooted Women: Migrant Domestics in the Caribbean |journal=The International Migration Review |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=210–212 |jstor=40166484 |doi=10.2307/2547337}}
• {{cite journal |last=Burgess |first=Norma J. |date=September 1998 |title=Uprooted Women: Migrant Domestics in the Caribbean |journal=Contemporary Sociology |volume=27 |issue=5 |pages=511–512 |jstor=34889616 |doi=10.2307/2654520}}
• Brown, Enid – Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles: An Annotated English-Language Bibliography.
• {{cite journal |last=Hoefte |first=Rosemarijn |date=October 1993 |title=Review: Hartert on Birds from Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao |journal=The Hispanic American Historical Review |volume=73 |issue=4 |page=677 |jstor=6114727}}
• Gerber, Stanford N. – The Family in the Caribbean: Proceedings of the 2nd Conference on the Family in the Caribbean, Aruba, 1969.
• {{cite journal |last=Craig |first=Susan |year=1979 |title=Review: Millstones or Milestones? |journal=Latin American Research Review |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages= 256–263 |publisher=The Latin American Studies Association |doi=10.1017/S0023879100032453 |jstor=2502983 |s2cid=253149403|doi-access=free }}
• Green, Vera M. – Migrants in Aruba: Interethnic Integration.
• {{cite journal |last=Green |first=James W. |date=September 1975 |title=Review |journal=American Anthropologist |volume=77 |series=New |issue=3 |pages=648–649 |publisher=Blackwell Publishing on behalf of the American Anthropological Association |jstor=673439 |doi=10.1525/aa.1975.77.3.02a00490 |doi-access=free}}
• Hartert, Ernst – On the Birds of the Islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.
• {{cite journal |last=F. M. C. |date=October 1893 |title=Review: Hartert on Birds from Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao |journal=The Auk |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=355–357 |publisher=University of California Press on behalf of the American Ornithologists' Union |jstor=4067829}}
• {{cite journal |last=Coutts |first=B. E. |date=September 1994 |title=Reference: Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (World bibliographical series, 168) compiled by Kai Schoenhals |journal=Choice |volume=32 |issue=1 |page=78 |jstor=7258919}}
• Ridderstaat J., Croes R. and Nijkamp P. (2014), Tourism and Long-run Economic Growth in Aruba, International Journal of Tourism Research, 16, pages 472–487, doi: 10.1002/jtr.1941.

{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-aruba.ogg|date=16 August 2005}}

• {{official website|https://www.gobierno.aw/}} of the Government of Aruba

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