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Aruba is an island and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean Sea, located about 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) west of the main part of the Lesser Antilles and 29 kilometres (18 mi) north of the coast of Venezuela. It measures 32 kilometers (20 mi) long from its northwestern to its southeastern end and 10 kilometers (6 mi) across at its widest point. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba forms a group referred to as the ABC islands. Collectively, Aruba and the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Dutch Caribbean.
Aruba is one of the four countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten; the citizens of these countries are all Dutch nationals. Aruba has no administrative subdivisions, but, for census purposes, is divided into eight regions. Its capital is Oranjestad.
Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape. This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm, sunny weather. It has a land area of 179 km2 (69.1 sq mi) and is densely populated, with a total of 102,484 inhabitants at the 2010 Census. It lies outside Hurricane Alley.
Believe it or not, in 1513 when the Spanish colonists settled in the ABC islands which are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, they nicknamed them the "Islas Inútiles," or Useless Islands. Today visitors know this label couldn’t have been further from the truth. Centuries later, Aruba uses its arid climate and minimal rainfall to lure tourists with its power soft white beaches and craggy limestone landscape. Boasting excellent underwater visibility, this island is a preferred destination for divers looking to explore buried wrecks and magnificent coral reefs.
Activities
WATER ACTIVITIES: Deep Sea Fishing • Fishing • Kayaking • Sail & Snorkel Cruises • Scuba Diving • Submarine Tours • Windsurfing & Kite Surfing • Relax on Aruba's Beaches
LAND ACTIVITIES: Island Tours • Bowling • Golf • Explore Flora & Fauna • Land Sailing • Mountain Biking • Museums • Off-road Adventures • Paintball Adventure Games • Tennis
Accommodations
Hotels and Resorts • Apartments Resorts • All Inclusive Resorts • Vacation Property Rentals • Timeshares • Specials • Real Estate
History
Landmarks
Alto Vista Chapel • Antilla • Bushiribana Ruins • California Lighthouse • Fort Zoutman And King Willem III Tower • Grot Di Lourdes • Plaza Daniel Leo • The Old Mill • Arikok National Park • Ayo Rock Formations • Casibari Rock Formations • Fontein Cave • Frenchman's Pass • Guadirikiri Cave • Hooiberg • Natural Bridge • Natural Pool
Restaurants
Alfie's in Aruba • Amuse Sunset Restaurant • Así Es Mi Peru • Barefoot Restaurant • Bavaria • Eduardo's Beach Shack • El Gaucho • Flying Fishbone • Gostoso Restaurant • Kamini's Kitchen • L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House • Matthew's Beachside Restaurant • Papiamento • Passions On The Beach • Quinta del Carmen • Scott's Brats • The Chophouse at Manchebo • Twist of Flavors Restaurant • Wacky Wahoo's • Wilhelmina Restaurant • Yemanja Woodfire Grill • Zeerovers
Shopping
Shop 'til you drop! Aruba is the perfect shopping island.
Not only can you find the best deals here, but you also have a variety of shopping districts to browse and compare prices.
Shopping in Aruba is most known for its various selections. Shoppers often visit Aruba for its shops devoted to jewelry, table linens, perfumes, leather goods, designer fashions, electronics, locally made handicrafts, Cuban cigars, Dutch Delft, Dutch Cheeses, and many more superior and favorably priced goods.