Aruba
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Papiamento
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Aruba was home to the Caquetío people before Spanish and then Dutch rule from 1636. It left the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Culture
Aruba celebrates a long Carnival season and the Dera Gai harvest festival. Its people blend Indigenous, African, European and Latin American roots.
Languages & Creoles
Papiamento and Dutch are official. Papiamento is the everyday language, and English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Currency
The Aruban florin (AWG), fixed at 1.79 to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted.
Popular Attractions
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are famous for white sand and steady trade winds. Arikok National Park, the Natural Pool and windsurfing are highlights.
Food
Keshi yena (stuffed cheese), pastechi and pan bati are local favourites. Fresh seafood and Dutch-influenced snacks are common.
Places to Visit
Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arikok National Park, Baby Beach and San Nicolas.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres