History: Alonzo de Ojeda discovered Aruba in 1499, and claimed the island for Spain.However, the Spaniards did not consider the island worth colonising and left the original
Arawak Indian inhabitants to live in virtual peace. The Spaniards’ lack of interest resulted in the island becoming a haven for pirates and buccaneers. Spanish hegemony continued unchallenged, however, until 1634, by which time the war with Holland was well into its seventh decade. Dutch war interests then switched to the Caribbean and the Dutch fleet took over the neglected territory with little opposition. In 1643 the Dutch appointed a governor to take charge of Aruba and the rest of the Netherlands Antilles. Except for a brief period in the early 19th century when the British took possession, Aruba has remained under peaceful Dutch jurisdiction ever since.

On 1 January 1986 Aruba achieved internal autonomy, separating it administratively from the rest of the Netherlands Antilles, although it remains an integral part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was originally conceived as the first step towards independence, for which a ten-year transitional period was planned. In March 1994, however, after consultation with the Dutch government, this plan was shelved. Independence at some later date has not been completely ruled out, but it will now require the consent of two-thirds of the population in a referendum. The reluctance to move towards independence seems to have come from the Arubans themselves, especially the leading political party, the Arubaanse Volkspartij (AVP). The AVP, under the leadership of Jan Hendrik Eman, won both two successive elections in 1993 and 1997 but suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of its major rival the center-left Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) at the most recent poll in September 2001. Nelson Oduber took over as Premier.

Government: Aruba is a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with a Governor appointed by the Dutch monarch, a 21-member parliament, or Staten, directly elected for a four-year term, and a Council of Ministers.

Geography: Aruba is the smallest island in the Leeward group of the Dutch Caribbean islands, which also include Bonaire and Curaçao. They are popularly known as the ABCs. As the westernmost island of the group, Aruba is the final link in the long Antillean chain, lying 20km (12.5 miles) off the Venezuelan coast. The island is 30km (19.6 miles) long and 9km (6 miles) across at its widest and has a flat landscape dominated by Jamanota Mountain (188m/617ft). The west and southwest coast, known as Palm Beach, boasts 11km (7 miles) of palm-fringed powder-white sands, while in complete contrast the east coast has a desolate, windswept shoreline of jagged rocks carved into weird shapes by the pounding surf.

People: A mix of ancestors has produced a people of striking appearance and warm and friendly personality. The earliest recorded history of Aruba notes that the first inhabitants were the peace-loving Arawak Indian tribe of the Caiquetio nation who were farmers and fishermen. They left behind painted petrographs on the walls and ceilings of the caves as well as on great granite rocks at Ayo and Arikok, with the dye of the paint wood trees. These inscriptions are well preserved but their meaning has eluded scholars and remains a mystery still to be solved.

In recent excavations by geologists, ancient clay pottery and artifacts were discovered. The fine craftsmanship and artistic design have been an inspiration to young Aruban artists who are now producing contemporary pottery and other art works. Indian ancestry is apparent in most Arubans. But they also reflect the features of the Dutch and Spanish who settled on the island in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In the twentieth century when Aruba's industry brought people from all corners of the world there was a further blending of the population. Today among the island inhabitants there are over 40 nationalities living peacefully together like a small United Nations.

Language: The official language is Dutch. English and Spanish are also spoken. The islanders also speak Papiemento, which is a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English and Indian languages.

Climate: With a mean temperature of 28°C (82°F), this dry and sunny island is made pleasantly cool throughout the year by constant trade winds. Showers of short duration occur during the months of October, November and December.

Public Holidays: Dec 25-26 2002 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 25 GF Croe’s Day. Mar 18 National Anthem and Flag Day. Apr 18-21 Easter. Apr 30 Queen’s Day. May 1 Labor Day. May 29 Ascension Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 25 GF Croe’s Day. Mar 18 National Anthem and Flag Day. Apr 9-12 Easter. Apr 30 Queen’s Day. May 1 Labor Day. May 20 Ascension Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.