People & place
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Aruba is located in the Caribbean, and its capital is Oranjestad. It has a population of approximately 107,995 and covers an area of about 180 km². Its official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG).
People & place
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Practical reference
Aruba, a glittering Dutch Caribbean island just 15 miles north of Venezuela, welcomes visitors with endless sunny skies, pristine white‑sand beaches, and a vibrant mix of cultures that feels both relaxed and cosmopolitan.
The island’s modest 180 sq km are dominated by low, limestone hills and a desert‑like interior punctuated by the protected Arikok National Park, while its coastline boasts some of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches, coral reefs, and gently rolling sand dunes.
Aruba’s culture is a lively tapestry of Dutch, Spanish, African and indigenous Arawak influences, spoken in the melodic creole language Papiamento; its festivals—especially the flamboyant Carnival—highlight calypso, reggae, and tumba music, and its cuisine delights with dishes such as keshi yena, fresh seafood, and the sweet, caramel‑laden pastechi.
Originally inhabited by the Arawak people, Aruba was claimed by Spain in the 16th century and sold to the Dutch West India Company in 1636; it achieved internal autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986, marking a modern era of self‑governance while retaining strong ties to Europe.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Capital
Oranjestad
Population
107,995 (600 /km²)
Surface Area
180 km²
GDP
$4.27 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$39,499 (2024)
Native Name
Aruba
Nationality
Aruban
Currency
Aruban florin (AWG - ƒ)Phone Code
+297
Top-Level Domain
.aw
ISO Codes
AW / ABW
Coordinates
12.5, -69.9667
Timezones
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad.
Aruba has a recorded population of approximately 107,995 people.
Aruba covers an area of about 180 km².
Aruba has a population density of roughly 600 /km² (people per square kilometre).
Aruba has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $4.27 billion as of 2024.
Aruba has a GDP per capita of approximately $39,499.
Aruba uses the Aruban florin (AWG), with the symbol ƒ.
Aruba is located in the Caribbean, Americas.
People from Aruba are referred to as Aruban.
The international dialing code for Aruba is +297.
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Aruba is .aw.
Aruba uses the America/Aruba time zone.
Aruba, a glittering Dutch Caribbean island just 15 miles north of Venezuela, welcomes visitors with endless sunny skies, pristine white‑sand beaches, and a vibrant mix of cultures that feels both relaxed and cosmopolitan.
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