Aruba
-
Constitutional Form
Aruba has a constitutional monarchy (as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) with a parliamentary democracy. The Governor of Aruba is appointed by the Monarch and has a symbolic role. The 21 members of the parliament (legislative branch) are elected by direct popular vote for a four year period. The 8 members of the council of ministers (executive branch) are appointed by the Parliament. The judges in the judicial branch are appointed by the Monarch
-
Area
Aruba is 6 miles across and 19.6 miles long with a total area of 77 Square miles (180 Square kilometers)
-
Geographical Position
Aruba is part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea, and lies about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 29km (18 miles) off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela
-
Time Zone
(GMT – 04:00 Georgetown, La Paz, Manaus, San Juan) During the months between the Spring Daylight Savings Time change to the Fall Daylight Savings Time change, we are the same time as EST. During the other months, we are one hour ahead of EST.
-
Capital
Oranjestad
-
Population
99,109 (2004) (*); 102,149 (2005) (*)
-
Life expectancy
74 years (1995)
-
Literacy rate
97% (1995)
-
Temperature
Average of 82°F (27°C)
-
Rainfall
Average of 15.7 inches (400mm) per year
-
Language
Papiamento (official), Dutch, English, Spanish
-
Head of State
The Governor of Aruba - Mr. F. Refunjol
-
Prime Minister
Mr. Mike G. Eman
-
Governing Political
Parties Aruban Peoples Party (AVP)
-
Economic Activities
Mainly tourism, banking and transportation. The goods presently manufactured locally are semi finished petroleum products, paint and paint products, aloe-based skin care products, plastic bags, soaps and disinfectants, printed textiles, mattresses, rice products, refined sugar, beer and condiments
-
Currency
Aruban Florin (AWG) and US$ is widely accepted
-
Exchange Rate
AWG 1.80 = US$ 1.00 (more information on exchange rate www.cbaruba.org )
-
Airport
International Airport Queen Beatrix
-
Major Airlines
American Airlines, US Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transet, Skyservice, SLM, Spirit Airlines EUROPE
KLM, ArkeFly, Martinair, Thomson Holidays CARIBBEAN
Tiara Air, Dutch Antilles Express, Insel Air LATIN AMERICA
Tiara Air, Avianca, Venezolana, SAM Aires, Avior, Aserca, Aires, Copa Airlines, SLM, Varig, Malaysia Airlines, PAWA Domincana
-
Major Sea Ports
Oranjestad, San Nicolas (Valero Refinery) , Barcadera
-
Business Hours
8am-4pm
-
Store Hours
8am-6pm
-
Official Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day January 25
G.F. Betico Croes Day
Date varies per year Carnaval Monday March 18 National Flag and Anthem Day
Date varies per year Good Friday Date varies per year
Easter Monday April 30 Queen's Day May 1 Labor Day Date varies per year
Ascension Day December 25 Christmas Day December 26 Boxing Day Electricity System
110-127 Volt, 60 cycles. (North American voltage standard). The TV standard is NTSC, so your home video camera will also play back. Most houses have 220V for air conditioning
-