Aruba, officially the Country of Aruba, is a constituent island country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the southern Caribbean Sea 29 kilometres (18 mi) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná and 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Curaçao on the South-American continent. In 1986, Aruba became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and acquired the formal name the Country of Aruba.
The economy of Aruba is an open system, with tourism currently providing the largest percentage of the country's income. Because of tourism's rapid growth in the last 80 years, related industries like construction have also flourished in Aruba. Other primary industries include oil refining and storage, as well as offshore banking. Despite the island's low rainfall in the past year, the people have proven that Aruba's soil is full of nutrients and many crops do amazingly well in the soil. Many more locals have started participating more to horticulture, permaculture and agriculture. Creating a start to an internal economy. Aloe cultivation, livestock, and fishing also contribute to Aruba's economy. In addition, the country also exports art and collectibles, machinery, electrical equipment, and transport equipment. Aruba's small labor force and low unemployment rate have led to many unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years.
Oranjestad, the capital and most populous of Aruba's eight regions, is located on the southwestern coast of the island. In Papiamento, the local language, Oranjestad is commonly referred to as "Playa" by the locals.
The Coat of arms of Aruba has been officially in use since November 15, 1955, as the recognized national symbol of Aruba.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is widely distributed, and is considered an invasive species in many world regions.
Hooiberg ) is a distinctively shaped, 165 m (541 ft) conical hill located at the heart of the island of Aruba. This geological formation is a prominent and recognizable landmark that has long captured the attention of locals and visitors alike—Hooiberg is Aruba's centerpiece.
Scouting Antiano is the national Scouting organization of the former Netherlands Antilles. It serves 1,600 members in 25 Scout groups, 21 Scout groups on Curaçao, two on Sint Maarten, two on Bonaire, none on Saba and Sint Eustatius. Since 2016, Scouting Antiano is a full member World Organization of the Scout Movement. Until then, it was an associate member of the Interamerican Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, known professionally as Aloe Blacc, is an American singer and rapper. He is best known for his guest performance on Avicii's 2013 single "Wake Me Up", which peaked on the charts in 22 countries, including in Australia and the UK. As a lead artist, he is known for his singles "I Need a Dollar" and "The Man", the latter of which topped the UK Singles Chart. Aside from his solo career, Aloe Blacc is also a member of the hip hop duo Emanon, alongside American record producer Exile.
The country code 599 was assigned to the Netherlands Antilles, and is in use by Curaçao and the Caribbean Netherlands.
Aruba competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Their participation marked their sixth Olympic appearance, and included the smallest number of athletes that had ever represented Aruba in its history. Two Arubans competed in the Olympic games: Jan Roodzant participated as a swimmer, and Fiderd Vis participated in judo. The Aruban delegation arrived in Beijing between August 1 and August 4, including the athletes, coaches, and various officials from both the IOC and the Aruban Olympic Committee, Aruba's local Olympic committee. Fiderd Vis came to Beijing on special invitation from the IOC, which had observed his progress while he trained in Brazil. Vis was the flagbearer in the opening ceremony, while Roodzant was so in the closing ceremony. Both athletes were eliminated in the preliminary rounds on August 12, 2008; consequently, Aruba did not earn any medals.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, commonly known simply as the Netherlands, is a sovereign state consisting of a collection of constituent territories united under the monarch of the Netherlands, who functions as head of state. The realm is not a federation; it is a unitary monarchy with its largest subdivision, the eponymous Netherlands, predominantly located in Northwestern Europe and with several smaller island territories located in the Caribbean.
Telephone numbers in Aruba have country code 297. It is one of the few countries outside Africa to have a country code starting with 2. Before Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, it was part of the Netherlands Antilles numbering plan (+599) with phone numbers starting with +599 8. Landline numbers begin with 28, 52 or 58. Mobile numbers begin with a 56, 59, 64, 73, 74 or 99. Numbers are seven digits long, otherwise in line with the North American Numbering Plan, despite not being part of it.
The Makana Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden in South Africa operated by Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown.
The National Archaeological Museum Aruba is an archaeological museum in the city of Oranjestad in Aruba. The collections cover from 2500 BCE to the 19th century.
The Historical Museum of Aruba is a historical museum in the city of Oranjestad in Aruba. It explains the history of the island and its inhabitants, in rural and urban areas.
The Sports Museum of Aruba is a museum located in Aruba about the achievements of Aruban athletes. It is dedicated to Francisco Chirino.
Dutch West Indian Americans or Dutch Antillean Americans are Americans of Dutch Antillean descent. According to the 2010 Census Bureau figures there were 54,377 Americans under the category of "Dutch West Indian".
Water Tower San Nicolas is a water tower and museum in San Nicolaas, Aruba. It was built in 1939 to relieve the water shortage in Aruba. In 1979, the tower became obsolete and in 1996, it was transferred to the monument fund, and restored. In 2016, the industry museum opened in the tower.
