Global View: Aruba

With a land mass of just over 100 square miles, Aruba is a tiny island in the Caribbean inhabited by just about 100,000 residents, with the majority living in the capital of Oranjestad.

The population is primarily mixed white and Caribbean Amerindian, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholic, although Protestants, Hindus, Muslims, Methodists, Anglicans, Adventists, Evangelists, Jews, and Jehovah's Witnesses are also represented. The official language is Dutch.

Government

Aruba is a parliamentary democracy that belongs to the Netherlands. The executive branch consists of a governor who represents the Dutch monarch and who serves in his post for six years, a prime minister, and a cabinet, headed by the prime minister with ministers serving for eight years. The prime minister and deputy prime minister serve for four years, and are elected by the legislature. The legislative branch consists of a unicameral parliament with 21 directly elected members who serve for four year terms, and the judiciary is made up of a Joint High Court of Justice put in place by the Dutch throne.

Economy

Aruba relies primarily on oil refining for its economic health, although tourism and the services industry also play a role. Aruba's Gross Domestic Product estimate from three years ago was just over $2 billion. Primary trade partners include the United States, Venezuela, and the Netherlands. Most of Aruba's tourist visitors come from the United States.Source: U.S. Dept. Of State