Aruba is a Caribbean island and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It lies on the Caribbean Sea, off the north coast of Venezuela and out of the Caribbean hurricane belt.
Aruba is known for its sand beaches and warm climate year round. The southwest shore has the most popular beaches with warmer waters, while the northeast shore, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, has wilder landscapes.
Aruba is mostly a flat island with desert vegetation such as divi-divi trees and aloe plants, and a few endemic animals. In Arikok National Park there are hiking trails among diverse terrains, limestone caves and viewpoints.
The island is ideal for activities such as windsurfing, jeep tours, and biking.
Population: over 101 thousand inhabitants
Capital: Oranjestad
Other places: Santa Cruz, Sin Nicolaas, Savaneta, Paradera, Palm Beach, Noord
Religion: Roman Catholic (82%)
Climate: tropical, moderated by the cooling winds of the Atlantic Ocean. Warm and sunny
Main attractions: beaches, watersports, Arikok National Park, Natural Pool, Aruba Archaeological Museum, Aloe Museum, Fort Zoutman, Ayo Rock, Downtown Oranjestad, Butterfly Farm, Bushiribana Gold Mill, Fort Zoutman
