Aruba is an island in the Caribbean Sea, just a short distance north of the Venezuelan Paraguanį Peninsula[?], and it forms a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is very dry, with little of the tropical vegetation that many expect in the Caribbean.
Main article: History of Aruba
Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.
Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles on January 1, 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.
Main article: Politics of Aruba
Head of state is the ruling monarch of the Netherlands, who is represented in Aruba by a governor, appointed for a six-year term. The head of government is the prime minister who forms, together with the Council of Ministers, the executive branch of the government.
They are elected by the parliament, the unicameral Legislature or Staten, which holds 21 seats. Members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms.
Main article: Geography of Aruba
Aruba is a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches. Its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius. The highest point in Aruba is Mount Jamanota[?], at 188 m above sea level.
As a separate part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island has no administrative subdivisions.
The local climate is a pleasant tropical marine clime. Little seasonal temperature variation exists, which helps Aruba to be able to attract tourists all year round.
