Aruba is an island in the Caribbean Sea near the coast of Venezuela that was discovered and claimed by Spain in 1499. Then this dry Caribbean island changed hands at the Dutch and became part of the Netherlands Antilles.

Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles and became its own self governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986. So now the ruler of the Netherlands is still technically in charge of Aruba, but the people of Aruba aside all their own affairs.

Aruba is important tourism industry has been for many years, but the island has also gone through a gold rush and oil rush period in its history.

Most tourists who come to Aruba on year to enjoy the white sand beaches and steady low 80’s weather comes from the U.S., Europe and the United Kingdom.

Since Aruba went through a gold rush period, driven by oil wealth, and a boom in tourism, the country has one of the highest standards of living in all the Caribbean. This has resulted in very friendly and a low incidence of crime. The people of Aruba truly appreciate tourists only one reason for many of the island popularity.

The official language of Aruba is supposed to be Dutch but the most widely spoken language is not official “Papamiento” which is composed of Portuguese and is a sort of Creole. The most Arubans speak Spanish, English and so most passengers should be able to communicate easily with residents of the island.

Some of the most popular and famous attractions in the Caribbean island of Aruba are the natural pool, the eagle and Palm Beach, Grotto of Lourdes, the French Pass, Arikok National Park and the Lighthouse of California.