Aruba is an island in the Caribbean formerly part of the NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, lying about 32 km (20 mi) off the coast of Venezuela. On Jan. 1, 1986, Aruba separated from the Netherlands Antilles and became an autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba, with an area of 186 sq km (72 sq mi) and a population of 98,000, has a tropical, semi arid climate. The highest point, Jamanota, has an elevation of 188 m (617 ft).

Oranjestad is the largest city and administrative center of the island. The population is mostly of mixed Dutch and Indian heritage but includes central and eastern European, American Spanish, Philippine and some Chinese elements. Dutch is the official language; a lingua franca derived from Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch, called Papiamento, is also widely spoken.

Aruba's economy depended for decades on tourism and the refining of oil imported from Venezuela. Since 1960, when employment in oil refining and shipping began to decline, diversified tourism has been stressed. The closing in 1985 of the main refinery dimmed not only Aruba's economic future but also its hopes for eventual autonomy or independence.

Aruba was claimed by the Spanish in 1499, but the Dutch seized the island in 1634 and, except for brief periods during the Napoleonic Wars, have held it ever since. Aruba has become known as one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, with a year round sunny climate, cooling trade winds and almost no rain. With many natural and man made wonders and some of the finest unspoiled sugar white beaches and beautiful turquoise water to be found any where around the world.