Aruba - AW - ABW - ARU - Central America and the Caribbean
Last updated: August 01, 2025
Aruba Images
Desert vegetation at Arikok National Park in Aruba. The park extends over about 18% of the island.
A fallen sea arch at Boca Andicori.
East shore near Budi.
The California lighthouse on the northwest tip of Aruba gets its name from a steamship that wrecked nearby in 1891.
Desert vegetation at Arikok National Park in Aruba. The park extends over about 18% of the island.
A fallen sea arch at Boca Andicori.
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Aruba Factbook Data
Dependency status
constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Aruba
Age structure
0-14 years: 17.2% (male 10,815/female 10,747)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 39,621/female 42,487)
65 years and over: 17.1% (2024 est.) (male 8,665/female 12,728)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 39,621/female 42,487)
65 years and over: 17.1% (2024 est.) (male 8,665/female 12,728)
This is the population pyramid for Aruba. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
12 30 N, 69 58 W
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
Background
Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. Three main industries have since dominated the island's economy: gold mining, oil refining, and tourism. A 19th-century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening of an oil refinery in 1924. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, semi-autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.
Environmental issues
difficulty in properly disposing waste from tourists; air pollution from waste-burning; water pollution from plastics
Exports - commodities
tobacco, gas turbines, refined petroleum, steam turbines, heating machinery (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Jordan 34%, Colombia 31%, USA 7%, Guyana 5%, Slovakia 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
note: Aruba is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three are the Netherlands, Curacao, and Sint Maarten
note: Aruba is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three are the Netherlands, Curacao, and Sint Maarten
Agricultural products
aloes; livestock; fish
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Aruban Militia (ARUMIL); Police Department for local law enforcement, supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)) (2025)
Budget
revenues: $793 million (2019 est.)
expenditures: $782 million (2019 est.)
expenditures: $782 million (2019 est.)
Capital
name: Oranjestad
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: translates as "orange city" in Dutch; in 1824, the city was named after the royal family of the Netherlands, the House of Orange-Nassau
geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: translates as "orange city" in Dutch; in 1824, the city was named after the royal family of the Netherlands, the House of Orange-Nassau
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, tobacco, cars, garments, jewelry (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
Coastline
68.5 km
Constitution
history: previous 1947, 1955; latest drafted and approved August 1985, enacted 1 January 1986 (regulates governance of Aruba but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); in 1986, Aruba became a semi-autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Exchange rates
Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
1.79 (2024 est.)
1.79 (2023 est.)
1.79 (2022 est.)
1.79 (2021 est.)
1.79 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
1.79 (2024 est.)
1.79 (2023 est.)
1.79 (2022 est.)
1.79 (2021 est.)
1.79 (2020 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Alfonso BOEKHOUDT (since 1 January 2017)
head of government: Prime Minister Mike EMAN (since 28 March 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Legislature (Staten)
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Staten for 4-year term
most recent election date: 25 June 2021
election results: as leader of the majority party of the ruling coalition, Evelyn WEVER-CROES (MEP) elected prime minister; percent of Staten vote - NA
expected date of next election: by June 2025
head of government: Prime Minister Mike EMAN (since 28 March 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Legislature (Staten)
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Staten for 4-year term
most recent election date: 25 June 2021
election results: as leader of the majority party of the ruling coalition, Evelyn WEVER-CROES (MEP) elected prime minister; percent of Staten vote - NA
expected date of next election: by June 2025
Flag description
blue, with two narrow, horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba's red soil and white beaches, and its four points stand for the major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) and the points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main industries, tourism and mining
Independence
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Industries
tourism, petroleum transshipment facilities, banking
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (sits as a 3-judge panel); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court in The Hague, Netherlands
judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed for life by the monarch
subordinate courts: Court in First Instance
judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed for life by the monarch
subordinate courts: Court in First Instance
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Land use
agricultural land: 11.1% (2022 est.)
arable land: 11.1% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 2.3% (2022 est.)
other: 86.6% (2022 est.)
arable land: 11.1% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 2.3% (2022 est.)
other: 86.6% (2022 est.)
Legal system
civil law system based on the Dutch civil code
Legislative branch
legislature name: Legislature (Staten)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 21
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 6/25/2021
parties elected and seats per party: MEP (9); AVP (7); ROOTS (2); MAS (2); Accion21 (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 38.1%
expected date of next election: June 2025
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 21
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 6/25/2021
parties elected and seats per party: MEP (9); AVP (7); ROOTS (2); MAS (2); Accion21 (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 38.1%
expected date of next election: June 2025
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
International organization participation
ACS (associate), Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU
National holiday
National Anthem and Flag Day, 18 March (1976)
Nationality
noun: Aruban(s)
adjective: Aruban; Dutch
adjective: Aruban; Dutch
Natural resources
NEGL; white sandy beaches foster tourism
Geography - note
a flat, riverless island known for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)
Economic overview
small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery
Political parties
Accion21
Aruban People's Party or AVP
Democratic Network or RED
Movimiento Aruba Soberano (Aruban Sovereignty Movement) or MAS
People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP
Pueblo Orguyoso y Respeta or POR
RAIZ (ROOTS)
Aruban People's Party or AVP
Democratic Network or RED
Movimiento Aruba Soberano (Aruban Sovereignty Movement) or MAS
People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP
Pueblo Orguyoso y Respeta or POR
RAIZ (ROOTS)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Terrain
flat with a few hills; scant vegetation
Government type
parliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Aruba security services focus on organized crime and terrorism; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) provides maritime security; the Dutch military maintains a presence on Aruba, including a marine company and a naval base (2024)
Country name
conventional long form: Country of Aruba
conventional short form: Aruba
local long form: Land Aruba (Dutch); Pais Aruba (Papiamento)
local short form: Aruba
etymology: the origin of the island's name is unclear; according to tradition, the name comes from the Spanish phrase oro hubo ("there was gold"), but no gold was ever found on the island; other possible sources are either the local word oruba, meaning "well-situated," or a combination of two Carib Indian words, ora and oubao, respectively meaning "shell" and "island"
conventional short form: Aruba
local long form: Land Aruba (Dutch); Pais Aruba (Papiamento)
local short form: Aruba
etymology: the origin of the island's name is unclear; according to tradition, the name comes from the Spanish phrase oro hubo ("there was gold"), but no gold was ever found on the island; other possible sources are either the local word oruba, meaning "well-situated," or a combination of two Carib Indian words, ora and oubao, respectively meaning "shell" and "island"
Location
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
NA
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Internet users
percent of population: 97% (2017 est.)
Internet country code
.aw
GDP (official exchange rate)
$3.649 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2012)
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2012)
Urbanization
urban population: 44.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
freedom of the press respected, as guaranteed under Dutch law; newspapers are in the Papiamento language; 2 commercial TV stations, with a cable TV subscription service providing access to foreign channels; wide range of commercial radio stations available (2023)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 98.1% of population
rural: 98.1% of population
total: 98.1% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.9% of population
rural: 1.9% of population
total: 1.9% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 98.1% of population
rural: 98.1% of population
total: 98.1% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.9% of population
rural: 1.9% of population
total: 1.9% of population (2015 est.)
National anthem(s)
title: "Aruba Deshi Tera" (Aruba Precious Country)
lyrics/music: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' LAMPE/Rufo Inocencio WEVER
history: local anthem adopted 1986
_____
title: "Het Wilhelmus"
lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown
history: official anthem, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
lyrics/music: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' LAMPE/Rufo Inocencio WEVER
history: local anthem adopted 1986
_____
title: "Het Wilhelmus"
lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown
history: official anthem, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Aruba. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
30,000 ORANJESTAD (capital) (2018)
National symbol(s)
Hooiberg (Haystack) Hill
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 52.1% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 19.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 88.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -81.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 19.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 88.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -81.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 52.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 26.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 26.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 26.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.8 (2024 est.)
Population distribution
most residents live in or around Oranjestad and San Nicolaas; most settlements tend to be located on the less mountainous western side of the island
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 99.9% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
P4
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 97.7% of population
rural: 97.7% of population
total: 97.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 2.3% of population
rural: 2.3% of population
total: 2.3% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 97.7% of population
rural: 97.7% of population
total: 97.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 2.3% of population
rural: 2.3% of population
total: 2.3% of population (2015 est.)
Ethnic groups
Dutch 78.7%, Colombian 6.6%, Venezuelan 5.5%, Dominican 2.8%, Haitian 1.3%, other 5.1% (2020 est.)
note: data represent population by nationality
note: data represent population by nationality
Religions
Roman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9% (includes Methodist 0.9%, Adventist 0.9%, Anglican 0.4%, other Protestant 2.7%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 12%, none 5.5%, unspecified 0.5% (2010 est.)
Languages
Papiamento (official) (a creole language that mixes Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, French, African languages, and Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 53%, Netherlands 15%, China 6%, Colombia 3%, Brazil 3% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 17,085 (Venezuela) (2023)
Elevation
highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Contraceptive prevalence rate
NA
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 88,132 tons (2013 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 9,695 tons (2013 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11% (2013 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 9,695 tons (2013 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11% (2013 est.)
Air pollutants
carbon dioxide emissions: 0.88 megatons (2016 est.)
Coal
imports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 83.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 13.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 13.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.9 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
42.1% (2023 est.)
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Paardenbaai (Oranjestad), Sint Nicolaas Baai
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Paardenbaai (Oranjestad), Sint Nicolaas Baai
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red, white
Net migration rate
8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 40.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 39.3 years
female: 42.4 years
male: 39.3 years
female: 42.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.82 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
total: 125,063 (2024 est.)
male: 59,101
female: 65,962
male: 59,101
female: 65,962
Carbon dioxide emissions
1.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Area
total : 180 sq km
land: 180 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 180 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Airports
1 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 141,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 19,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
153.952 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
11.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 305,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 824.036 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 166.766 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 824.036 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 166.766 million kWh (2023 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 1 (2023)
by type: other 1
by type: other 1
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 35,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 78.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 75.4 years
female: 81.6 years
male: 75.4 years
female: 81.6 years
Education expenditure
3.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
19.4% national budget (2019 est.)
19.4% national budget (2019 est.)
Population growth rate
1.08% (2024 est.)
Remittances
1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.468 billion (2023 est.)
$1.544 billion (2022 est.)
$1.513 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$1.544 billion (2022 est.)
$1.513 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
7.7% (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
25.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$4.35 billion (2023 est.)
$4.172 billion (2022 est.)
$3.844 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$4.172 billion (2022 est.)
$3.844 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4.3% (2019 est.)
3.6% (2018 est.)
-1% (2017 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
3.6% (2018 est.)
-1% (2017 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$194.498 million (2023 est.)
$230.556 million (2022 est.)
$79.257 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$230.556 million (2022 est.)
$79.257 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$40,500 (2023 est.)
$38,900 (2022 est.)
$35,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$38,900 (2022 est.)
$35,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$2.565 billion (2023 est.)
$2.429 billion (2022 est.)
$1.947 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.429 billion (2022 est.)
$1.947 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$3.153 billion (2023 est.)
$2.853 billion (2022 est.)
$2.201 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.853 billion (2022 est.)
$2.201 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
4.3% (2023 est.)
8.5% (2022 est.)
24.1% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
8.5% (2022 est.)
24.1% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0% (2019 est.)
industry: 11.4% (2019 est.)
services: 78.3% (2019 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 11.4% (2019 est.)
services: 78.3% (2019 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data