Curaçao
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Papiamentu
Anthem
Recording: Wikimedia Commons user MLDGuaDimana · CC0 1.0 · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Curaçao was Spanish and then Dutch from 1634, and was a major trading hub. It became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
Culture
Tambú music, Carnival and the Seú harvest parade reflect the island's African heritage. Willemstad has one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas.
Languages & Creoles
Papiamentu, Dutch and English are official. Papiamentu is the everyday language.
Currency
The Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in 2025 to replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder. US dollars are widely accepted.
Popular Attractions
The colourful waterfront of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 35 beaches, Shete Boka and Christoffel national parks, and excellent shore diving are highlights.
Food
Keshi yena, stobà (stew) and fresh fish with funchi are classics. Blue Curaçao liqueur comes from the island's laraha oranges.
Places to Visit
Willemstad, Playa Kenepa, Westpunt, Christoffel National Park and Klein Curaçao.
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